Description of example and model overview

Notice: In case you already performed the previous chapters, you can skip this sub-chapter about the description of the use case.

All descriptions within this chapter are exemplary illustrated using an integrated use case. The use case is a simplified process in the learning factory of the Technische Universität Darmstadt. It is a production of a pneumatic cylinder (see figure 1). The pneumatic cylinders consists of 12 different parts:

1. 4x socket screw M8x20,
2. 1x housing base,
3. 1x housing seal,
4. 1x housing,
5. 1x screw nut M10,
6. 1x washer M10,
7. 1x preassembled piston,
8. 1x piston rod (in-house production),
9. 1x housing cover (in-house production),
10. 1x housing seal (not visible in the figure),
11. 1x plain bearing (not visible),
12. 1x dirt deflector (not visible), and
13. 4x socket screw M8x20.

Figure 1:Pneumatic cylinder example

All parts except the housing base and the housing seal are purchased by different vendors and the assembled within the production line.

To reduce the complexity of the whole assembly two pre-assembly stations exist:

1. The plain bearing (11) and the dirt deflector (12) are inserted to the housing cover (9), and
2. The screw nut M10 (5), the washer M10 (6), the piston are mounted on the piston rod (8).

The simulation model of the production of the pneumatic cylinder is simplified. Within the course of this tutorial you will extend and enhance your simulation model step by step. If at any time you start falling behind, you can either ask for assistance at the course’s assistant trainers or download the intermediate model at the beginning of each chapter.

Your final model will approximately look like shown in figure 2.

Figure 2: Final model with elementary material flow, information flow, visualisation and automation elements