Do you have questions?Don't hesitate to contact us.
Simulation and Optimization of Manufacturing Lines
The simulation of production lines constitutes one of the main areas in our simulation portfolio. Due to our long-term experience in production and simulation, the customers trust our capabilities to model their problems from line planning and line operation that can’t be solved by simply using “paper-and-pencil-methods”. To these belong - among other things - line configuration and balancing, throughput optimization as well as equipment allocation. The simulation results are often used for checking investment decisions and manufacturing concepts. When the models are also intended to be used in marketing and sales, we develop sophisticated 3D visualizations. The 3D representation of a thin-film solar cell production line is shown in the subsequent pictures.
3D visualization production line
For model development we use the simulation tool AnyLogic and our InFrame Synapse Simulation Suite. The latter contains functionality heavily reused, like generic equipment models, and therefore significantly reduces development time. Additionally, it allows the consideration of complex material flow rules within the models.
In order to enable simulation-based manufacturing line optimization (entirely automatic), the tool OptQuest together with the developed line model is applied. During the optimization procedure, parts of the model are repeatedly changed and configured, respectively. After that the model is executed and the simulation results, e. g. the line throughput, is evaluated. When the optimization goal is reached or no further improvements are observed, the process ends.
acp-IT offers the following manufacturing line simulation services:
- Simulation model development with AnyLogic and the InFrame Synapse Simulation Suite
- Determination of key performance indicators
- Line optimization (e. g. buffers, transport strategies)
- Layout and capacity planning
- Preparation of material flow and automation concepts