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Mechanical engineering

Development, manufacture and maintenance of machinery and equipment

CAD-based real-time simulation

Mechanical engineering places very specific demands on simulation systems for virtual commissioning (VC). Typical tasks in this area include requirements analyses, CAD-based real-time simulation (e.g. FEM/CFD), simulation of manufacturing and assembly processes involving many different devices, coupling of a wide variety of automation systems, and testing and maintenance.

The VC is based on 3D CAD data from real machines and systems, which is imported directly into the WinMOD-SIMLINE system. Components and piece goods are also integrated as 3D objects via CAD imports. In our 3D editor, you can position, combine and kinematise the machines and, if necessary, directly adjust axis rotation points, travel distances or the gripping mechanism for the precise simulation of complex machines. The many different WinMOD-SIMLINE 3D sensors then capture the movements of your components and machine axes with precise contours and evaluate them in real time.

Shot over the shoulder of an engineer working on a desktop computer with CAD software; technical details and drawings can be seen on the screen. In the background is a design department specialising in industrial design. WinMOD can also provide support in this process step in factory automation.
Photo of a CNC turning and milling machine for metalworking as an illustration of a WinMOD application scenario in factory automation.

Diversity in automation and devices

A wide variety of control and bus systems are used in mechanical engineering. A machine for the European market, for example, may be equipped with a completely different control system than one for the American market. This is precisely where one of the strengths of the WinMOD-SIMLINE system lies. It enables many of these automation systems to be linked easily and efficiently. It is particularly important that you can link several different control systems to a WinMOD system at the same time, so that a complex plant can be put into operation virtually as a whole.

The drive technology, whether servo axes, hydraulics, pneumatics or frequency converters, can also be very diverse. Here at the WinMOD Customer Center, we offer extensive libraries with many virtual devices. These include real control-relevant behaviour with signal coupling, start-up behaviour, travel curves, operating modes and even communication protocols for scanners, for example. As a user, you can use these directly, easily adapt them if necessary, and even create your own.

Further factory automation solutions

Icon for Container Conveying Systems for simulation and virtual commissioning in WinMod.

Container conveyor technology

Sorting and picking systems for small items such as cartons, plastic boxes or other piece goods. Transport is via classic roller conveyors, belt conveyors
as well as the typical cam roller conveyors found here,
Belt curves and accumulation roller conveyors.

Icon for Pallet Conveying Systems in the digital twin for virtual commissioning via WinMod.

Pallet conveyor technology

This area of technology encompasses conveyor systems that transport and sort pallets and mesh boxes. The conveyor elements are large roller and chain conveyors combined with lifting, rotating and shifting tables. Magazines for empty pallets are also typical here.

Icon for an automated high-bay warehouse for virtual commissioning using WinMod simulation.

Automated Warehouses

These systems are usually fully automated high-bay warehouses that are operated by storage and retrieval machines and controlled by distributed automation systems. Warehouse management systems generate the orders for storage and retrieval.

Pick-and-place robot icon for material flow simulation and virtual commissioning with WinMod.

Pick-and-place systems

Automated systems that pick up parts from A to B and place them down again with a defined orientation – typically for loading, sorting, picking or packing. Core systems are industrial robots (Delta, SCARA, 6 axes, Cartesian) or gantry axes.

Robotic arm icon for planning and simulating a virtual commissioning process using WinMod in the digital twin.

robotics

Robotics plays a central role in modern manufacturing by enabling the automation of production processes and increasing efficiency and precision. Robots are used in various areas, such as welding, assembly, painting or packaging products. 

Icon for production lines for analysis and virtual commissioning using WinMod.

production lines

Production lines combine processes, material flow and controls into a production system with guaranteed cycle times and quality. They consist of combinations of assembly, processing and testing stations. In addition, there is transfer technology, buffers and often a highly specialised automation system.

Icon for Electric Monorail Systems for process simulation and virtual commissioning using WinMod.

Electric overhead and floor tracks

Electric Monorail Systems are used as connecting conveyor technology over long distances. The overhead trolleys run fully automatically with integrated electric drives and controls and are usually routed via a central control system.

Power-and-Free conveyor system icon for process simulation in the digital twin for virtual commissioning using WinMod.

Power and Free (P&F)

This chain-driven overhead or floor conveyor technology is powered by continuously running power strands (chains). Transport trolleys are coupled in, transported, decoupled at stoppers and buffered via chain drivers („dogs“).

Icon for Automativ Guided Vehicles for simulation in the digital twin via WinMod.

Automated Guided Vehicles

Automated self-driving vehicles as a connecting material flow solution. Driving is either completely trackless via defined tracks or markers (AGV) or via free navigation with automatic dynamic obstacle avoidance (AMR).

Icon for the maintenance and servicing of machines for virtual commissioning with WinMod.

Mechanical engineering

Engineering discipline for the development, manufacture and maintenance of machines, plants and production systems. Typical applications include machine tools, handling technology, automotive/aerospace, packaging and assembly plants.