Modeling of a packaging machine on Simcenter Amesim: System validation in SiL and HiL

In many cases, when we want to build a new model the first step is to implement a Virtual model of the system and verify how it works by looking at the response of the system and the critical issues. This allows us to save on time and costs for modelling new prototypes and look at first eventual problems in the system before implementation. This project will show how a Virtual Model can interact with a real PLC. The idea is to create a virtual model equal to the existing machine and show the difference of interaction with the real and virtual PLC i.e. software in the loop ‘’SIL’’ and hardware in the loop ‘’HIL’’ tests. First, subdivide the machine in sub-model (welding, handling, filling ecc..) and take all the information of the real machine and his Traces; The next step is to model each sub-model in Simcenter Amesim software, and compare the results with the real machine. Once the correct behavior of the virtual model verifies with the real one, the next step would be the SIL test. SIL connects Simcenter Amesim and the virtual PLC through Automation Connect (program able to connect Simcenter Amesim with PLCsim) and sees how the model interacts with a virtual PLC. The last step of each sub-model is the HIL test. HIL connects Simcenter Amesim and the real PLC through a simulation unit and realizes how the model interacts with a real PLC.