Machines and systems with joints

Many other systems are also predefined in the open library. If a component is missing then it can be created out of its CAD file. This component may have rotating or movable arms and sections.

Apart from CAD geometries the component needs a control mechanism that defines how it will operate.

Easy programming

Robots as well as all other components with joints can be easily programmed for the given layout in an editor. For example it is enough to bring the robot head to a new position, then click the mouse which records the position of the robot. Decisions such as „IF" or “While” can be also used here. This creates a complete program for the robot in the layout. After starting the simulation run, this program is carried out by the robot. This program can then be exported for the real robot too.

Signal and PLC

Visual Components uses signals to pass events and information between components in the model.

With signals can VC connect even to a real PLC software, robot programming or hardware controllers via OPC UA, Profibus, Profinet, Simba, PLC Sim, TwinCAT (Beckhof) and many more.

Physics

Components can have associated physical properties, such as free fall, braking and accelerating, being blocked or aligned by other bodies. See the cylinders falling, stacking, being aligned in the picture on the side.

Collisions

To make sure there are no collisions between some components it is good to set a minimum distance between them. The distance is then constantly monitored in the simulation run. If the minimum distance falls below the set value the simulation run is stopped and the affected component is marked in color.

Geometries, splitting and rotary axes

Once imported, CAD geometries are simplified and split into smaller independent units. They may be then connected with each other with joints, which can be rotary axes or linear tracks. The joints have properties or can be even programmed to achieve its accurate movements behavior. For example they can be programmed with a kinematics routine that controls all joints in a robot so the robot can reach a particular position in space.

3D PDF

VC can save a 3D layout into a 3D PDF for even easier collaboration within the project team or as a reference for the customer. As every pdf file also the 3d pdf can be open with the popular Acrobat Reader.

Dashboard

The values of statistics during the simulation run can be recorded and displayed in a dashboard. You can show this way the quantities in a buffer over the time or the momentarily position of each axis in a robot. With this it is straightforward to see how the axes have worked in the robot and which one is used the most extensively. Clearly structured dashboards help to understand complex relationships in the modeled systems.