OPTIMAL PROJECT
An optimal project is a project tailored to the needs of the customer, but it also fits the budget assumed.
The creation of an optimal solution commences already at the stage of preparing the design assumptions. The starting point are the goals that the customer intends to achieve by robotization. At the same time, Wikpol’s engineers analyze the technical conditions of the investment project, among which the most important are:
- the space available
- troublesome factors, temperature, humidity
The information collected is the basis for the preparation of the line’s initial concept, which is based on the optimal configuration of the equipment. This is both about choosing and designing the machines, and placing them correctly in functional terms.
WE CREATE OPTIMAL SOLUTIONS, WHICH INCLUDE
the Customer's needs
The amount of the budget adopted
Development options
Production conditions at the plant
In the next step, the engineers proceed with optimizing the concept in order to obtain the indicators assumed and save funds.
At this stage, digital models are a necessary tool which help understand and optimize the production processes by simulating different scenarios and approaches, even before deploying in reality.
SIMULATION OF A LINE IN DIGITAL ENVIRONMENT
A line is simulated in a digital environment based on a virtual version of the actual line. This consists in designing and verifying different manufacturing scenarios.
By testing different variants of the processes that take place on the production line, such as:
- moving the products and auxiliary materials
- the type and time of particular operations
- information flow
we may correctly assess which solution is effective from the client’s point of view.
During the simulation, different aspects of the processes may be verified and optimized:
The key simulation tools used at Wikpol are:
1. Software for simulating the robots’ operations
This is used to model a robot’s operation and its control in order to configure quickly and easily. It makes it possible to plan the work paths easily with the use of animation (visualizing the ranges and representing operating cycles precisely). As a result, it helps match the best unit with the given application.
The simulations of the robots include the following parameters:
2. The software for testing the line’s operation
Robot-based secondary packaging and palletizing lines can be modelled at different levels. This is helpful in designing and verifying all the elements which have a real impact on the efficiency and optimal operation of the system, such as:
In the case of the control systems, an important aspect of the testing process is verifying whether or not the program operates in accordance with the control algorithm assumed, and is resistant to interruptions. For this purpose, PLC programmers cause emergency situations to know how to react to the events in the future.
A simulation of a line helps verify possible errors and problems, such as delays in the course of manufacturing processes, or breakdowns of machines, before the factual production line is constructed. The knowledge obtained concerning the actual operation of the line is used to optimize its design.
BENEFITS RESULTING FROM SIMULATING THE LINE:
Cost savings
Time saving
Improved product quality
Optimized operation
Besides the technical and economic aspects, the complete picture of the investment project additionally consists of organizational, ergonomic factors, and also factors related to the safety and data exchange.
OPTIMAL PROJECT
- Ergonomics
- IT solutions applied
- Reliability
- Durability
- Efficiency
- Safety
- Technical solutions applied
- Cost effectiveness
- Efficiency
- Efficiently used equipment
IT solutions applied
SAFETY
Ergonomics
Efficiency
Technical solutions applied
OPTIMAL
PROJECT
Reliability
Durability
Efficiency
Efficiently used equipment
Cost effectiveness
This is particularly important in the case of a large scale production, where each second of a standstill or each error in the production could mean tremendous losses.
