Position: SouVR >> CaseStudy >> Solution >> detail

The Visual Components PLC Add-on for 3DCreate and 3DSimulate

Cathy/Editor  From:Visual Components  Hit:  2010-6-7

COMMON CHALLENGES
Do you have a hard time handling complex PLC programs? Internal dependencies and cross-references can make it hard to understand the functionality of the complete system.

Is it sometimes hard to meet deadlines with project deliveries? Poorly tested PLC code can cause weeks of delays in automation projects. Don't you just wish an easy way to test, visualize and validate your code?

Validation is necessary before hardware implementation on the shop floor.

Visual Components PLC Add-on allows hardware or software based Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to control simulated machines in real-time using a standard Microsoft-OPC connection. The system works by connecting Tags defined in the PLC register to signal input-outputs (IOs) defined in the digital factory simulation model. The communication is asynchronous and bi-directional.

New plant layouts can be quickly configured for testing by snapping equipment models together using the built in plug-and-play interfaces of the Visual Component equipment libraries. Target end-users for the PLC Add-on are:

Control engineers who require a test bench for developed PLC code

Development groups looking to streamline production line commissioning

ReseARCh institutes evaluating different Material Handling/Robotics control scenarios

Benefits:

Shortened delivery times for automation pojets

Visualization based on real PLC code

PLC code validation without hardware

Less problems during ramp-up

THE SOLUTION
The Visual Components PLC Add-on for 3DCreate and 3DSimulate is a digital factory test bench for control engineers to prove out factory logics during the design phase by testing the system under different operation modes. The PLC Add-on allows you to connect the real PLC code to a virtual model and validate the functionality before you have any of the hardware ready or the line is built.

See it. See the model changing as you alter the configuration using different parameters.

Believe it. Let your customers see how your products work.

Share it. Send your proposal to a customer or colleague using the free viewer 3DVideo.

Save time. Validate PLC code on a virtual simulation model.

NEW BECKHOFF PLC ADD - ON TUTORIAL

This easy to follow tutorial explains how to map tags and signals and create a simple product flow simulation in a few steps. This tutorial requires no programming. All required components are downloaded with the file package.

SUCCESS STORIES
Finnpower: A multinational enterprise specialising in sheet metal working machine tools.