The refined virtual factory was created to demonstrate the fundamental features of Siemens Process Designer and Process Simulate for new users of the software packages.

 

The sequence of processes for this factory (see model layout on the right) was as follows: a part from each container is placed in the fixture and secured. The welding robot is then used to join the two parts. The clamp releases the assembled part and it is collected by the material-handling robot which then places it in the container.

 

Further features were added to this simulation to represent the physical environment. These included: safety gates, a safety mat and an emergency stop button. Other cosmetic features were also added including perimeter fences, valve stands and PLC controller boxes.

 

Alike the Initial Virtual Factory, three types of logic (Transitions, Modules, Logic Block) were applied to produce a discrete event-based simulation. Logic was also applied to the safety devices to provide emergency stop scenarios. An example of this is if a safety gate was opened the simulation would stop. This is representative of a human opening a gate to walk into the production facility. 

 

In demonstrating the fundamental features of the software packages, new users would have the basic knowledge to create a working simulation. A worked example was created alongside the simulation which included a step-by-step guide of how to produce this virtual factory as well as hints and tips during each stage of the simulation. 

 

 

Click on the video on the right to see the refined virtual factory in operation.