Before the manufacturing system is debugged in a production environment, the simulation model offers a virtual environment for a factory automation controls engineer to check programmable logic controller (PLC) ladder logic and human-machine interface (HMI) files. ETG uses digital virtual commissioning environments in the form of a digital twin to validate the whole automation system and mechanical kinematics.
Tooling, robots, transfer lines, and other equipment in highly automated production processes are all controlled by PLC programming. PLC code can be debugged before being downloaded to real equipment via virtual commissioning.
System starting time can be lowered by virtually verifying that automation equipment functions as planned. Virtual commissioning also enables the modelling of tests that, if performed in real life, can cause damage to machinery or danger to employees. Therefore, this method may result in higher software quality and safety.
Benefits of Virtual Commissioning
As previously mentioned above, total engineering time and prototype waste are decreased, faults are less expensive to rectify since they are recognised sooner, and software quality is improved, all because of virtual commissioning.
Moreover, virtual commissioning will also help the end-user understand how the system works and make changes to the requirements before the installation. In addition to that, Manufacturers whose manufacturing systems have a high level of automation complexity may find virtual commissioning particularly useful.
Finally, with virtual commissioning, production is completed quickly, and within the planned cycle time, there will be no design and development on-site, and PLC, Robot, Safety, and all programmable code are proved.