42 good reasons for plant simulation with fe.screen-sim
There are many reasons for using a simulation solution for digital plant twins. Here we have listed them.
New software architecture
- fe.screen-sim is sector-independent and guarantees a wide range of applications.
- The software has very high performance data and can be used, for example, for systems with more than 150,000 inputs/outputs, 16 controllers or 700 drives.
- A true-to-detail representation of the plant in 3D is possible through the most modern graphic technologies.
- Contained material is actually driven through the system and is not shown or hidden.
- Contained sensor technology is positioned in the 3D model at the position corresponding to reality and does not need to be programmed.
- A CAD library from Cadenas is integrated into fe.screen-sim to import CAD objects from various suppliers.
- No material flow definition within the plant is necessary. The behaviour results from the simulation model.
- A bidirectional exchange of the simulation to the CAD system ensures that the design data can be easily updated.
- CAD data are converted into a separate format during import. This ensures optimum protection of the plant know-how.
- It is always possible to implement even a highly idealised model structure for testing processes.
- fe.screen-sim has the most up-to-date software architecture currently available.
PRICE AND LICENSING
- Licensing via floating licenses enables flexible use at different workstations.
- Thanks to the modular structure flexible functional use is possible. Only those functions are licensed that are actually needed.
- Users do not need expensive workstations. A standard PC with a powerful graphics card and multicore processor is sufficient.
TRAINING AND DISTRIBUTION
- An integrated material editor provides a realistic representation of models - also for documentation and simulation experience.
- Simple and uncomplicated connection to common VR glasses ensure a realistic use of the model.
TECHNICAL AREA
- fe.screen-sim is multi-user capable. Several users can work on a project/model at the same time.
- For model editing with several users, a role and authorisation concept is available.
- No switching between model creation and simulation is necessary. Changes in the model are therefore immediately visible in the simulation.
- For the simulation of very large plants, the project can be splitted between several PCs.
- fe.screen-sim contains a Software Development Kit (SDK), this ensures maximum fl exibility for the development of your own applications and extensions. External programs communicate with the software via a programming interface (API).
- An integrated signal recorder enables rapid fault analysis in the event of a fault. Signals in the PLC that have led to a fault can be analysed together with the model.
MODELLING
- Thanks to extensive CAD import options including kinematic information of many common formats, easy model creation is guaranteed.
- An automated generation of simulation models through open interfaces (API) is possible and guarantees a fast model generation, e.g. in combination with the CAD system.
- Data transfer and delivery can be tailored by the user to a wide variety of systems (control systems, HMI, etc.).
- fe.screen-sim contains an object catalogue that can be combined quickly, fl exible and as desired. There is a wide range of application areas – from mechanical engineering to logistics.
- A fast and fl exible kinematisation of the simulation model with an editor is possible at any time. Changes can be made up even to the mesh and vertic model.
- A library function guarantees a fast construction of simulation models, e.g. with standardised functional units.
CONNECTION OF CONTROL SYSTEMS, ROBOTS AND THIRD PARTY SYSTEMS
- The assignment of variables and simulation elements is possible in the following ways:
- Graphical interface (drawing connecting lines)
- Tabular assignment (Drag-&-Drop assignment)
- Automated assignment via rule definitions
- fe.screen-sim contains interfaces to the most common control systems on the market: Siemens, Beckhoff, Wago, Schneider, Rockwell, etc.
- New interfaces – such as future systems – can be created quickly and easily.
- It is possible to combine and use any number of different interfaces for data exchange.
- A connection and combination even of a large number of controllers from different manufacturers is possible in a very fl exible and simple way.
- Safety signals can be simulated using the different manufacturer options.
- The operating modes „Hardware in the Loop“ as well as „Software in the Loop“ or a mixed operation are fl exibly possible.
- Common robot systems, such as Kuka, ABB or Fanuc, can be connected via the software of the manufacturers. This ensures a realistic implementation without robot macros.
- Control engineering processes can be simulated through interfaces to MATLAB® and Simulink®. This ensures that the simulation solution can be extended for a wide range of applications.
- A connection to other simulation solutions such as WinMOD from Mewes & Partner, ISG-virtuos or other systems is possible. Further systems can be connected via an easily confi gurable interface, e.g. via „Shared Memory“.
CREATING LOGIC ELEMENTS FOR DEVICES AND INTERFACE EMULATION
- Function sequences can be created and edited as follows:
- FBD
- C#
- Own DLL developments or interfaces to third-party systems
DATA SECURITY AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- All project data is stored in a readable XML format and can therefore also be processed with other systems. The generated XML fi le can also be processed by external programs and enriched with additional data, for example.
- Each time you save, a completely new set of project data is generated. This ensures a simple return to a previous situation in the model.
SIMULABLE TECHNOLOGIES
- A variety of different technologies can be implemented using fe.screen-sim. These include for example:
- Classical fl oor conveyor technology: Turntables, lifters, accumulation chains, etc.
- Electric overhead conveyors: Switches, vehicles, etc.
- Driverless transport systems (AGV): Trains, vehicles, etc.
- Robotics: Robots, tools, grippers, etc.
- Process engineering: Pumps, accumulators, valves, etc.
- Control cabinet elements: Buttons, fuses, motor protection, etc.
- P&F: Chain links, switches, blocking points, etc.
Your personal contact person – for more clearness
You are a project or department manager and are faced with the question of how to set up a digital twin for your project? We would be happy to talk to you personally about your requirements, the time frame, the possible project approach and give you an initial cost estimate.