Hexagon is based in Farnborough, England & has branches in over 50 countries. Hexagon is a frontrunner in developing Digital Factory solutions that integrate software, sensors, and autonomous technologies.
Although Hexagon is well-versed in apps like prototyping, Additive Manufacturing has proved challenging in leveraging its potential in volume applications. It helps to industrialize AM by enabling end-to-end process digitalization that covers:
- Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)
- Material development and selection for Additive Manufacturing
- Quality assurance for Additive Manufacturing
The company has launched several applications spanning the public, manufacturing, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. The Digital Factory solution that Hexagon recently introduced is the brainchild of its Manufacturing Intelligence division. This solution harnesses the digital twin (DT) technology that can help manufacturers build accurate digital replicas of their factories.
As a reminder, the DT concept goes beyond what may happen to a physical product, to encompass the prediction of production and performance within specific environments. DT therefore refers to a virtual representation of a physical product or process based on a computer program. The latter uses real-world data to create simulations to predict the performance of a product or process.
With the Digital Factory solution, costly planning and building mistakes can be avoided. Accurate digital replicas of factories can be developed to assist planning and production activities. Remodeling of factories can also be seamlessly carried out.
Hexagon explains that the solution requires a mix of hardware and software solutions which include a range of reality capture technologies – such as the Leica BLK2GO handheld imaging laser scanner, the Leica BLK ARC autonomous scanning device for robotic, mobile carriers & terrestrial laser scanners such as – Leica RTC360.
Hexagon’s Digital Factory solutions facilitate optimizing floor plans and production lines. Factories can be designed and built with smarter and sustainable features. Global manufacturers can benefit significantly by saving on training and travel costs.
Implementing robotics, 3D printers, and metrology systems can facilitate easy upgrades or installation of new equipment. Manufacturers can scan factory data into 3D models that support informed decision-making.
Digital replicas of manufacturing facilities offer updated visualization and measurements for optimal planning of machinery and equipment installations. The Digital Factory solution has been deployed in the company’s factory in Vittoria, Spain. Reality Cloud Studio from Hexagon is responsible for the virtual factory tours. It offers industrial metaverse & asset management apps.
Hexagon offers accurate reality capture and surveying equipment. Manufacturing spaces can be visualized and explored in 3D scenarios. Future-ready factories can be developed and remodeled from anywhere in the world.
Benefits of deploying Digital Factory solution
- Conduct virtual tours for remote factory monitoring – Lead a digital factory tour of a factory with remote access, eliminating the need for managers and contractors to travel onsite and integrating with EAM enterprise asset management solutions, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and CAD software.
- Remote team collaboration – Facilitate remote collaboration among key teams and stakeholders using cloud-based tools with analysis and modeling capabilities with on-demand data. Factory planners and production managers can make decisions remotely and provide assured feedback based on reliable and up-to-date data.
- Plan & remodel factory layouts with added accuracy – Capture precise factory measurements, creating a reliable digital model that can be accessed anytime from anywhere. Factory owners can monitor the production line operation under construction in detail by avoiding the unexpected costs made during errors.
- Easily upgrade and install equipment – Introduce & upgrade machinery like machining centers, 3D printers, robotics & metrology devices by evaluating their addition/replacement in a risk-free digital process. This helps prevent expensive mistakes like ordering incorrect parts & insufficient footprint or access to install a machine.
- Create operational test beds & quick innovation – By testing the latest machines, factory floor layouts & workflows in the virtual 3D environment, companies can identify feasibility & emissions protocols to know the potential benefits of new tech for making future-ready smart factories a reality.
Author: Nagarjun M
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