Computer-simulated optimisation of a sheet metal press line

In this research project researchers are extending the simulations to also apply to optimisation of a sheet metal press line. Currently operators must briefly halt production to perform optimisations. There is a great deal of time pressure and a lot of potential settings. This means it is almost impossible for the operators to find the best option.

If optimisation is simulated instead, more progress can be made in finding the best settings. There is less time pressure and no restrictions caused by the risk of damaging the equipment. At the same time everything is very realistic because the actual control systems are used in the simulations. The results can easily be fed back into production.

The researchers are working on producing a good combination of algorithms that can control the optimisation simulations. The aim is to bring the number of simulated test runs down to a minimum.