Virtual Reality Advantages of virtual reality for mechanical engineering
The future topic of Virtual Reality (VR) has been debated across industries for a long time. The virtual cardboard geometry impressively illustrates the added value of this technology.
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Osnabrück startup Halocline is actively involved in this field with the VR program of the same name. Managing Director Thomas Schuller and his team developed it to provide targeted support to production and assembly planners. They can create a virtual factory with Halocline and pop it with standard virtual reality goggles. All areas of the business can be changed with planning tools that do not require any prior knowledge or programming knowledge. With the appropriate editor, the user can create objects such as work tables, tables, or shelves for virtual production and then simulate work processes. This is an example of how mechanical engineering is taking advantage of virtual reality. It is also possible to try building files from other programs in the virtual space. The element geometry tool is especially useful here. This is why the two companies work closely together.
On April 14, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Item and Halocline will be hosting a joint webinar titled “Verify Default Planning to Process Planning”. Find out how you can use the synergies between Halocline and the Object Engineering tool to improve operations:
Three units to support production planners
The Halocline software consists of “Assembly”, “Layout” and “Performance” modules, which specifically take into account the production planner work processes. Since it does not usually use CAD software on a daily basis, the makers of Halocline have taken care to make its job easier with an intuitive operation. The data for the imported product is displayed in the ‘Collection’ module. In this way, planned products can be analyzed according to scale, which is very useful to the production planner: using simulation, he can determine which sequence should be applied later in assembly with the designer. In the ‘Planning’ area, two working steps are covered, including a first approximate layout of assembly work stations and equipment. This is a kind of hypothetical carton architecture.
This is how mechanical engineering is making use of virtual reality
As is well known, the classic cardboard geometry is based on models made of cardboard. This means that different design variables can be tried out. However, the time required is still high, and the 1: 1 models, which can only be modified with a lot of manual effort, also require a lot of space. On the one hand, the use of virtual reality in mechanical engineering, as made possible by Halocline, offers several advantages: in fact, it takes only 4 square meters to move freely in a full simulation factory hall. The 3D boxes act as an alternative to the traditional cardboard engineering boxes. It’s also easy to create and place for newcomers.
This is where the strengths of the collaboration between Halocline and Element are particularly evident: Detailed digital designs can be saved in the Element Architecture tool by default in Halocline. If you finally implement the default layout result using profiles from the Lean Production System suite, you will have two other advantages: On the one hand, complete assembly instructions are available from the Object Engineering tool. On the one hand, the flexibility of modular delivery technology enables adjustments to be made to the final product at any time. Anyone who combines Halocline with an Element Geometry Tool and D30 Profile Pipe System benefits from increased efficiency that saves time and money. This is an example of how virtual reality and on-site work go hand-in-hand in mechanical engineering.
Element Geometry Tool and Halocline complement each other perfectly
In addition to smaller boxes, more complex items such as work tables or shelves are also available in the Planning module. There are two options: either you create it yourself or import it into Halocline as 3D data. We are currently working on an automatic link between the Object Engineering tool and Halocline, but users who use both programs are already benefiting. For example, you could import a design from an object engineering tool (such as a storage shelf) into Halocline as a STEP and try it out there in virtual reality. As a result, just designed constructions are gaining previously unknown flexibility. Then comes the “performance” area, where an actionable default text is created, so to speak. Work with the composite object is interactively tested here. In such a trial run it is possible to record the entire process. The special movements in this iteration are visualized in the external perspective by means of a 3D shape.
If the object designed with the element geometry tool is transported to the virtual Halocline plant, it can also be supplied with the loading and materials conveyors. Tests in the “Performance” module determine whether the planned workflow meets the ergonomic requirements of an industrial workplace. For example, if it must be specified that the dimensions still need to be changed, this can be done in the “Layout” module editor. The modifications can then be transferred to the Element Geometry tool. Comprehensive design project documents can be created with the click of a button. In the future, there will be a convenient function that will make transferring data between the two programs easier. Item catalog integration is also planned for Halocline.
Take the opportunity and test-drive an item and Halocline expert in a webinar on April 14th, 2021 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM! Learn first-hand how to test processes and equipment in virtual space:
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