Are you looking for simulation software for manufacturing? There is a list of software at the bottom – links to reviews, ratings and more.
Use manufacturing simulation software to minimize your costs and maximize your profits. You will get a list of the best simulation software for manufacturing industries at one place.
ANYLOGIC
AnyLogic is a simulation modeling tool created by the AnyLogic Company. It provides some of the best simulation software solutions available today. Providing a multi-method simulation that supports system dynamics, agent-based and discrete event methodologies. This software can simulate a multitude of events in various industries such as project management, road traffic, aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, markets and competition, supply chain and logistics, business processes, retail and ecosystem dynamics.
MATLAB
MATLAB is perhaps the most popular simulation software on this list. Developed by MathWorks it was primarily created to provide a platform for numerical computing and programming language. An optional toolbox in the software, however, grants it simulation modeling capabilities. MATLAB can perform graphical simulations in multiple domains for all sorts of different systems.
SIMSCALE
SimScale is one of the top simulation software solutions reinvented for the web. It is a computer-aided engineering product developed by SimScale GmbH. The software is cloud computing based and allows simulations of computational fluid dynamics, thermal simulations, and finite element analysis. SimScale allows easy tests for performance, quick optimization and overall improvement in efficiency. It enjoys support from a large community of engineers, scientists, and designers.
SIMUL8
Simul8 is a simulating software created for the purpose of planning, designing and optimizing production, logistics, and manufacturing. It was developed by Simul8 Corporation. The software allows users to come up with computer models that take into account real-world constraints such as failure rates, capacity limits, shift patterns among other factors affecting the efficacy of operation processes.
COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS
COMSOL Multiphysics is one of the best simulation software that provides finite element analysis, multiphysics and solver simulations. It was developed by COMSOL Inc. The software allows for simulation of partial differential equations (p.d.e) and physics-based interfaces while also providing an IDE for mechanical, electrical, fluid and chemical applications. Additionally, COMSOL has an API for JAVA and can be integrated with MATLAB via LiveLink.
SIMULINK
Like MATLAB, Simulink is developed by MathWorks. Simulink is a programming platform created for modeling, simulating and analyzing dynamical systems. As you would imagine, Simulink is highly integrated with MATLAB, and its primary user interface is a graphical block diagramming tool. Simulink is used mainly in digital signal processing, and automatic control for model-based designs.
ARENA
Arena is developed by Systems Modelling and ends the list of the best simulation software of the year. It’s a distinct event simulation and automation software that runs on the SIMAN processor. Arena works by letting users build experimental models by placing modules that represent logic and processes. Arena has been designed to integrate with Microsoft Technology such as Excel sheets and Access databases.
Simulink is a simulation and model-based design environment for dynamic and embedded systems, integrated with MATLAB. Simulink, also developed by MathWorks, is a data flow graphical programming language tool for modelling, simulating and analyzing multi-domain dynamic systems. It is basically a graphical block diagramming tool with customizable set of block libraries.
It allows you to incorporate MATLAB algorithms into models as well as export the simulation results into MATLAB for further analysis.
Simulink supports −
- system-level design
- simulation
- automatic code generation
- testing and verification of embedded systems
There are several other add-on products provided by MathWorks and third-party hardware and software products that are available for use with Simulink.
The following list gives brief description of some of them −
- Stateflow allows developing state machines and flow charts.
- Simulink Coder allows the generation of C source code for real-time implementation of systems automatically.
- xPC Target together with x86-based real-time systems provide an environment to simulate and test Simulink and Stateflow models in real-time on the physical system.
- Embedded Coder supports specific embedded targets.
- HDL Coder allows to automatically generate synthesizable VHDL and Verilog.
- SimEvents provides a library of graphical building blocks for modelling queuing systems.
Simulink is capable of systematic verification and validation of models through modelling style checking, requirements traceability and model coverage analysis.
Simulink Design Verifier allows you to identify design errors and to generate test case scenarios for model checking.
Using Simulink
To open Simulink, type in the MATLAB work space −
simulink
Simulink opens with the Library Browser. The Library Browser is used for building simulation models.
On the left side window pane, you will find several libraries categorized on the basis of various systems, clicking on each one will display the design blocks on the right window pane.
Building Models
To create a new model, click the New button on the Library Browser’s toolbar. This opens a new untitled model window.
A Simulink model is a block diagram.
Model elements are added by selecting the appropriate elements from the Library Browser and dragging them into the Model window.
Alternately, you can copy the model elements and paste them into the model window.
Examples
Drag and drop items from the Simulink library to make your project.
For the purpose of this example, two blocks will be used for the simulation – A Source (a signal) and a Sink (a scope). A signal generator (the source) generates an analog signal, which will then be graphically visualized by the scope(the sink).
Begin by dragging the required blocks from the library to the project window. Then, connect the blocks together which can be done by dragging connectors from connection points on one block to those of another.
Let us drag a ‘Sine Wave’ block into the model.
Select ‘Sinks’ from the library and drag a ‘Scope’ block into the model.
Drag a signal line from the output of the Sine Wave block to the input of the Scope block.
Run the simulation by pressing the ‘Run‘ button, keeping all parameters default (you can change them from the Simulation menu)
You should get the below graph from the scope.
AnyLogic(47)4.2 out of 5Favorite
AnyLogic is the standard in multimethod modeling technology, delivering increased efficiency and less risk when tackling complex business challenges. The unmatched flexibility found in AnyLogic allows users to capture the complexity of virtually any system, at any level of detail, and gain a deeper insight into the interdependent processes inside and around an organization.
aPriori Digital Manufacturing Simulation Software(73)4.5 out of 5Optimized for quick responseFavorite
aPriori is the leading provider of digital manufacturing simulation software. By leveraging the digital twin with our digital factories, aPriori automatically generates Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Design to Cost (DTC) insights, helping manufacturers collaborate across the product development process to make better design, sourcing, and manufacturing decisions and create higher value products in less time.
FlexSim(30)4.2 out of 5Favorite
FlexSim is 3D simulation modeling software, transforming your existing data into accurate predictions. Our clients are engineers and decision makers who see the potential in a process that could be improved. Our approach goes way beyond spreadsheets. It combines powerful statistical analysis with 3D visualization, allowing you to test “what if” scenarios in a risk-free virtual environment. Our clients use it to make smarter decisions where it really counts-in the real world. In order to truly understand your production, logistical, or healthcare system, you need to account for the hundreds or thousands of complex, interrelated actions that occur each and every day. Add in the random behavior that always occurs in the real world, and you have a scenario that can’t be accurately considered through traditional analysis methods. By building and evaluating a digital twin of your process, simulation provides EXACTLY this level of accuracy and results. Uncover the true cause of a production bottleneck. Find the right tweaks to power up your order picking speeds. If you can identify an area for improvement, simulation with FlexSim can help you solve the problem.
Arena Simulation(1)4.5 out of 5Favorite
Arena business process simulation software allows you to create these business process models, arming you with the intelligence needed to reduce costs, measure performance, and optimize your business operations. Its ease of use, flexibility, and scalability will help you model any aspect of your enterprise. Active dashboard reporting tools enhance presentations and will help you make the best decisions without requiring additional time, resources, or capital investments—before your decisions impact your bottom line.
ProModel Optimization Suite(1)4.0 out of 5Favorite
Accelerate Process Improvement While Eliminating Risk ProModel is a discrete-event simulation technology that is used to plan, design and improve new or existing manufacturing, logistics and other operational systems. It empowers you to accurately represent real-world processes, including their inherent variability and interdependencies, in order to conduct predictive analysis on potential changes. Optimize your system around your key performance indicators.
Conclusion
This list of simulation software resources provides information about the different software packages available and how they can be utilized by companies in the manufacturing industry. Resources include simulation software manufacturers, their websites, definitions of simulation software and how it is used and where to find more information on this type of software.