Minitec Optimizes Conveyor Routes With A Digital Twin

2023 Author: Hannah Pearcy | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

In mechanical and plant engineering, it is still common today that the control of a system is only programmed after the mechanical parts have been completed. Accordingly, the interaction of mechanics, controls, sensors and software is tested for the first time during commissioning. If errors occur, it can be expensive

In the age of Industry 4.0. For this reason, Minitec is increasingly relying on the concept of the digital twin, which is created using CAD data, for customer projects. It is the virtual equivalent of a system, in which all physical, mechanical and electronic properties of the real machine are stored. In this way, comprehensive visualizations and tests can be carried out at an early stage of the concept and product development. This not only saves time, but also helps to identify and correct errors at an early stage.

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Construction virtually tested and optimized

A large coffee roaster now also benefited from this approach. For a long time, this has been using a conveyor system from Minitec in logistics, which also had to move the coffee packages as part of the transport. Special feature: The parcels had to be turned forward with the floor, for which a deflection rail was previously used. However, because the cycle time was to be increased from 40 to 60 units per minute, this method was no longer suitable.

The Minitec technicians developed a “turning star” for this. It is a circular construction in which the coffee packs are turned forward when the blades are turned. Before implementation, however, it was necessary to check whether this also works in practice. Precisely because of the high clock speed, the aim was to ensure that there would be no problems later, for example that the packages would not get stuck or burst.

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Five steps to a digital twin

Changes based on simulation results

Minitec initially redesigned the solution with a digital twin. In this way, the real behavior could be completely simulated in advance. Based on the knowledge gained, various changes were implemented for the model system until it worked smoothly. For example, guide rails were installed so that the coffee packets stay on track and do not fall off the conveyor belt.

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Battery construction with a digital twin increases quality, output and performance

Lead time and time-to-market reduced

The effort paid off: In the finished system , the process worked without any problems right from the start. Incidentally, this approach also reduced the overall lead time for the project. “With the digital twin, we offer our customers the virtual commissioning of systems before the actual implementation. The concept allows us to visualize ideas at an early stage, to check their meaningfulness, to fix errors and to reduce the test effort. The time-to-market for projects can be significantly reduced, the customer saves time and money,”explains Minitec project manager Peter Müller.

On virtual paths against the corona crisis

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