question

Remco W asked Jun 13, '18 Isaac Litster edited Jun 22, '18

how can I run combiners in a certain order?

Dear everyone,

For my graduation project I do a research about the possibilities of output analyses/simulations of machines. In this research I use an existing machine which I will simulate in FlexSim. I am really new with flexSim but I try my best. In the attached file you can see my model.

The problem I have with my model is that different combiners (in the FlexSim model) are done by the same weld robot (in the real machine). So this means the different combiners can never work on the same time and always run after each other.

Combiner 1 and 2 = are done by welding robot (robot a)

Combiner 3 and 4 = are done by welding robot Robot (b)

My question is:

How can I how can I run combiners in a certain order?

I hope someone can help me

Best regards,

Remco Witting

PS: I also attached a picture which shows the product-flow

Software Version:

FlexSim 18.1.0

determine order

product-flow.png (59.9 KiB)

24202.fsm (53.2 KiB)

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Isaac Litster commented · Jun 13, 2018 at 02:12 PM

Have you considered using process flow? In process flow you can use a Wait For Event to make it so that the combiners will run only after certain events occur. Let me know if you have any questions about how to do this.

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Remco W Isaac Litster commented · Jun 18, 2018 at 06:06 AM

@Isaac L thank you for your reaction, I would like to use Process Flow but since i am new with FlexSim i don't know how it works. I did some tutorials but it didn't help me a lot. Could you help me please to set up a Process Flow for my model ?

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Joerg Vogel commented · Jun 13, 2018 at 03:42 PM

If you set the robot to be the operator required for setup and processing you can bind the robot to the combiner. If there are more robots which can transport items and assist for setup and processing you need to tag the robot, which loaded the item into the combiner.

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Remco W Joerg Vogel commented · Jun 18, 2018 at 06:02 AM

thank you for your reaction, if i understand correctly then is it the same method as Emily Hardy is explaining down below?

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Emily Hardy answered Jun 13, '18 Isaac Litster edited Jun 22, '18

Hi Remco,

One way to do this is to use a robot as an operator. The combiner won't run unless there is an available operator, and the other combiner will have to wait when the robot is in use.

To model this, select "Use Operator(s) For Process", and under Pick Operator change the option to "Task Sequence Example".

Then, go into the code editor and change line 27 to the following:

For Combiner 2, change the 180 to 0. This line of code makes the robot travel to a certain location when it is being used. We're keeping the robots current X and Y locations but changing its Z location depending on which combiner is being used.

I've attached a model with this logic set up for Combiner 1_1 and 1_2. Let me know if this answers your question.

remco-support-model.fsm

2018-06-13-09-48-18-flexsim-2018-remco-support-mod.png (45.7 KiB)

2018-06-13-09-50-01-flexsim-2018-remco-support-mod.png (86.9 KiB)

remco-support-model.fsm (58.2 KiB)

· 3

Remco W commented · Jun 18, 2018 at 08:10 AM

hi @Emily Hardy,

thank you for your reaction.

"One way to do this is to use a robot as an operator. The combiner won't run unless there is an available operator, and the other combiner will have to wait when the robot is in use." is exactly what I need.

Is it also possible to combine 3 combiners by 1 Robot with this method? because combiners (1_1 & 1_2) make the same product at the same time, when combiners (1_1 & 1_2) are done then combiner2 will start?

so, I understand the principle but how can I add an extra combiner ?

hope you will help me a bit more :)

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Emily Hardy ♦ Remco W commented · Jun 18, 2018 at 02:16 PM

You can add a 3rd combiner to the robot using a center connection and it should apply the same logic to that 3rd combiner.

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Remco W commented · Jun 19, 2018 at 08:14 AM

hi @Emily Hardy

thank you a lot!

but when I try to add a 3rd combiner to the robot, combiners 1_1 & 1_2 (which have to work at the same time) don't work on the same time. do you also know how to fix that ?

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