Applies to FlexLink Design Tool.
Process Modeling is a suite of functionality that makes it easier to configure products, customize processes and define the process flow. It makes it easy to setup resources such as humans or robots interacting with products on the conveyor line. The setup is done in a graphical user interface where the processes or flows can easily be modified by any FLDT user. The aim is to give the FLDT users a tool that is flexible enough to support most simulation requests.
This article will first cover video tutorials on how to get started with Process Modeling in FLDT. Then the functionality of all new tools and buttons in the Process tab are described. Last there are links to further studies from Visual Components.
Video Tutorials
FlexLink video tutorials will cover the basics of Process Modeling and the specific components in the eCatalog.
Process Modeling Tutorial 1
This tutorial shows how to create product types and assemblies in Process Modeling, also introduces the FlexLink Product Feeder which is the generic feeder used in Process Modeling.
Process Modeling Tutorial 2
This tutorial shows how to modify processes and set up process flows in Process Modeling, also introduces FlexLink Process Node which is the default component for processes.
Process Modeling Tutorial 3
This tutorial shows how to connect resources such as humans or robots to interact with products in the process flow.
Process Modeling Tutorial 4
This tutorial shows how to use a human resource to disassemble an assembly.
Process Modeling Tutorial 5
This tutorial shows how to use signals and properties to communicate between processes and sensors.
Process Modeling Tutorial Palletizing and DePalletizing
This tutorial explains how a user can create a pallet assembly with process and then DePalletize the pallet and Palleltize it.
Process Modeling Pallet Demo
This tutorial explains how processes are integrated in some pallet platforms and how we can generate a pallet assembly from the Product Feeder.
The final result from each tutorial can be found in the eCatalog under Demo Layouts folder Process Tutorials.
Process tab interface
Working with Process Modeling require the Process tab in the ribbon to be selected.
Manipulation
The manipulation tools are used to move components in the 3D world. When the Assembly Editor is activated the manipulation is automatically changed to Move.
Tools
The tools are used to position components in the 3D world. Can be a great help when creating Assembly Slots in the Assembly Editor.
Transport Link Tools
The transport link can be used to edit multiple transport links. All tools work on one Flow Group at a time. Either clear empty or unused transport links, add links based on the process flow editor or change the implementer.
Helper Tools
The helper tools are used to create new Frames, Signals or Properties on a component. The FlexLink Process Node has a resource frame, a variety of signals and a counter property. But if the simulation requires additional frames, signals or properties these tools can be used to create those. Please note that if frame, signal or property is added it will be removed if the component is updated.
Editor
This is where the editors can be toggled for process modeling. Products activates the Product Type Editor where products and assemblies are defined. Processes shows processes in the 3D world so that these can be selected and edited. Flow activates the Process Flow editor where the process flow is defined, also shows transport links for the activated Flow Group. If Filter Transport Links is active on valid transport links for the selected process step will be visualized. Processes and Flows cannot be active at the same time. It is possible to open a process when in Flow by right-clicking on a process name.
Connect
The connect tools opens the panels to connect either interfaces or signals.
External sources
Additional training can be found at Visual Components Academy.
Simulating resources using process modeling