Virtual Commissioning using MapleSim

Physical Commissioning vs Virtual Commissioning

When launching a product, after design and development is completed, the commissioning phase is when the product elements are all fitted together with the supporting systems, and the final version is prepared for launch.

For automation products, Physical Commissioning involves operational checks and testing the product alongside the PLC code. At this point hardware and software resources are locked in, making it expensive to make any changes.

In comparison, Virtual Commissioning provides a virtual environment to complete the checks and final control tests, without harming equipment or operators. The simulation uses virtual replicas of the system’s components, making it cheap and effective to make corrections or try out different configuration options.

How does it work?

With MapleSim, virtual commissioning of a machine’s dynamics combines three important pieces: 

• A MapleSim digital model provides a system-level simulation of the physical machine
• The controller code that governs the dynamic motion and responds to sensor feedback
• The machine development software that allows the two to run together.

The success of virtual commissioning relies on the seamless integration of the model using MapleSim’s PLC Connectivity options.

• Our experts work with your team to understand your project, and then construct a system-level Digital Model from scratch or by importing your CAD design.
• We supply an easy-to-use but powerful simulation platform to run the initial model.
• You can actuate the model and analyze the results with built-in optimization apps and debugging capabilities, and view and share 3-D visualizations.
• You can connect directly to common automation platforms and quickly validate control strategies against the virtual model.