An Intelligent Digital Twin Streamlines Production Planning in the Context of Custom 3D Workpieces for Powder Coating

Abstract

An Intelligent Digital Twin (IDT) was created to analyze 3D-CAD models for optimizing individual production plans in the context of powder coating. The IDT performs a kinematic simulation of the workpieces in preparation for the subsequent real production. We utilized the novel concept of analyzing CAD files directly in a game engine after an automatic runtime import. This runtime import of 3D-CAD models into game engines is a unique feature that addresses a research gap with significant reuse potential in other applications. This approach is necessary because of the custom shapes of the workpieces, which undergo feature detection, virtual assembly, and optimization by simulation. This leads to a fast and early calculation of production costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the company. The IDT is fully automated and is available 24/7 to plan production immediately after receiving a 3D-CAD file, thereby boosting production planning.