Fabmatics is known for the automation of material flows and handling processes in the semiconductor industry and other high-tech production environments. The need for a simulation solution was triggered by a complex task that a customer had presented to Fabmatics.

"Due to the complexity of the project, we decided to validate the automation concept. Simulation is a helpful method for confirming and testing it in advance. This was and is not possible with a conventional CAD solution or Excel. We wanted to use 3D simulation to prove that the planned arrangement of the automation solutions is the best way forward for the project in question," says Martin Däumler, Department Manager Product Development & Product Support at Fabmatics. After an evaluation phase, the 3D simulation platform Visual Components proved to be the solution with the best price-performance ratio. Fabmatics also became aware of Dualis, an authorized reseller of the platform. The tool offered Fabmatics an extensive component library on which the company could build. However, as functionalities for use cases were also missing at the time, Dualis provided support with individual developments or ready-to-use add-ons.

Goal: Increase transparency and verifiability

3D simulation is now covering more and more areas at Fabmatics. "The requirements for automation processes are increasing - no mistakes should be made during the design phase and later during operation," explains Karsten Budach, Principal Engineer Sales & Business Development at Fabmatics.

By using Visual Components, complex scenarios can be visualized and analysed in advance to ensure that planned measures achieve the intended effect. This makes design and commissioning much easier. The utilization of production facilities in real operation is also shown very clearly and comprehensibly. When designing systems, Fabmatics aims to create transparency and determine valid key figures. Karsten Budach says: "We provide concrete proof of functionality and the associated effects. The customer can see so impressively even before completion that our automation concept can fulfill its task."

Easily integrate modern intralogistics solutions such as AGVs

The software components of Visual Components can be flexibly expanded and grow with the needs of Fabmatics. The AGV library from Dualis comes with many functions that can be configured as standard. This saves manual development work in the project and the model can be set up mainly via the configuration of the library modules.

With the AGV component library, which Dualis IT Solutions developed as an add-on for Visual Components, Fabmatics 2022 integrated a new feature. This allows automated guided vehicles to be simulated, tested and planned before being used in practice.

© Fabmatics

Martin Däumler explains: "AGVs have a very high potential for quickly optimizing the flow of goods and materials. With the AGV library and its integrated mission manager, we can also simulate special applications without additional programming effort. This helps us to make better investment decisions and benefits our customers economically."

The next step will be to connect the fleet manager. "DUALIS adapts to our growing challenges and develops add-ons for us based on our needs or customizes the Visual Components solution. The solution therefore grows with us. This gives us security for the future," explains Karsten Budach.