Dresden, 16 January 2025 – Visual Components users can now integrate transfer components from Schnaithmann Maschinenbau GmbH into their simulations. The specialist for system solutions in the fields of plant and special-purpose machines has also been relying on the simulation software for assembly automation in its own project planning for the past three years. DUALIS GmbH IT Solution acts as an important consultant and integration partner in this process. As a logical addition, the space management tool AREAPLAN from DUALIS is used at Schnaithmann.
Schnaithmann Maschinenbau GmbH is a supplier of transfer and assembly systems for automation, assembly, material flow and handling tasks. The range of services extends from planning and design to commissioning and maintenance of the system on site. The degree of automation depends on the requirements of the respective project.
Schnaithmann has been using the 3D simulation software Visual Components in its own project planning for three years. This solution enables the simulation, validation and optimization of complex automation projects at an early stage.
“With Visual Components, we can validate robot sequences, individual stations or complete material flow concepts at an early stage and optimize them if necessary. The positive feedback from our customers has encouraged us to take the next step: By integrating our standard product components into the Visual Components eCatalog, users can now create reliable simulations without detours,” explains Thomas Wahl, Team Leader of Project Planning at Schnaithmann Maschinenbau GmbH.
From now on, a wide range of Schnaithmann products such as conveyor belts, lift-and-carry units and vertical conveyors can be accessed in the Visual Components simulation software. This means that transfer systems with Schnaithmann components can now be planned in advance and material flow simulations can be carried out.
Thomas Wahl says: “This is particularly advantageous in the project planning and design phase when detailed CAD files of the future system are not yet available. For us, Visual Components is the perfect addition to our free digital planning tool EasyGo when it comes to cycle time-critical system layouts with complex material flow situations.”
Schnaithmann also decided to use AREAPLAN due to the good cooperation with the provider of planning and simulation software DUALIS, which acts as a sales and solution partner of Visual Components. The space management tool developed by DUALIS is an ideal add-on for Visual Components. AREAPLAN makes it possible to plan space occupancy in the assembly and production halls and to make ideal use of available resources.
Schnaithmann’s seven production halls are organized more efficiently through the use of AREAPLAN. More precise schedules can be created and delivery dates can be better calculated. All customer projects – from individual components to complete systems – are precisely scheduled in terms of both space and time.
The collaboration between Schnaithmann and DUALIS began in 2023 and has developed into a successful partnership. In the course of the introduction of Visual Components and also in the later application, DUALIS supported the company with practical training and on-the-job measures. For example, employees were trained in how to map the functions of their own components by means of configuration using process modeling.
“DUALIS understands our processes. It was a logical step for us to introduce AREAPLAN. The combination of simulation software for project planning and a space management tool gives us optimal planning security,” explains Thomas Wahl.