CENIT’s new FASTSUITE Edition 2 software platform combines machine based simulation, offline programming for robotics, virtual work cell layout, and component handling in one platform. In doing so, the software consultant specialist provides a powerful alternative to existing software solutions for the Digital Factory.
FASTSUITE Edition 2 is designed to fill a market gap that exists between large PLM-based software providers and smaller proprietary simulation systems offered by robot manufacturers. CENIT has designed a stand-alone simulation platform focused on combining manufacturing concept validation, offline programming, and the virtual commissioning of production systems.
FASTSUITE Edition 2 is based on the concept of being non-proprietary with regards to vendor, process and technology: thus, it allows for the integration and use of any robotic, machine, human or logistics component in a single simulation environment.
Strong points of the software are: ease-of-use, efficient programming functions for any robotic application, as well as versatility and openness. Using standards for data exchange along with the automated optimization of such data, FASTSUITE Edition 2 can easily operate alongside with any existing CAD/CAM or PLM landscape.
The modular architecture of FASTSUITE Edition 2 allows companies to interactively customize the software according to their needs in a couple of ways. An Automation System Integrator can make on-the-fly GUI or technological adjustments – to the point of complete individualization if necessary; the functionality can be catered to their needs. However, FASTSUITE Edition 2 also delivers off the shelf packages for common manufacturing technologies and processes. This gives users the ability to get started right away.
FASTSUITE Edition 2 imports data in three ways: CAD data via standard interfaces like IGES or STEP and direct interfaces like NX, CATIA, SolidWorks etc. One of the more unique options is the ability to import and export work cell layouts and kinematic definition via the AML (Automation MarkUp Language) standard.
“For programming and simulation of robotic cells, machines, and production lines, companies in various industries have expressed a need for simplified and customizable software tools. The FASTSUITE Edition 2 software architecture is based upon a common simulation platform and it allows cross-process integration of any manufacturing technology. With that, we provide a highly scalable, flexible and powerful solution”, explains Peter Koch, Director of Digital Factory Solutions at CENIT.
The main focus of the software is initially aimed at programming, simulating and the virtual commissioning of machine and robotic-based automation cells and lines. “To be able to do such tasks independently, the easy creation of new resources and cell layouts is also part of the FASTSUITE Edition 2 solution offering for customers. Software modules for material flow and human behavior simulations as well as additional aspects of process planning – will be added in the medium term; thus continuously broadening the solution spectrum”, states Helmut Ziewers, Vice President Digital Factory Solutions at CENIT.
