In this case study, we will show you how PEMAMEK uses their powerful software, PEMA WeldControl, as both a programming and offline sales tool for their robotic welding solutions, and why they chose to create the programming software offline on the Visual Components 3D manufacturing simulation platform.
Key benefits:
- Ease of use for development and end user
- Open programming interface and support for popular programming languages.
- Complete electronic catalog
- Rapid creation of sales materials
The birth and evolution of PEMA WeldControl
Pemamek is a global provider of welding and production automation solutions . Founded and headquartered in Loimaa, Finland in 1970, Pemamek today employs 230 people in its Finnish headquarters and has sales offices in the United States, Russia, Brazil and Poland. The company has delivered more than 15,000 welding and automated production solutions to customers in more than 50 countries.
In addition to custom, turnkey hardware solutions, Pemamek also develops and offers its own software, PEMA WeldControl, for controlling and programming PEMA robotic welding solutions.
In this case study, we'll show you how Pemamek uses their powerful software, PEMA WeldControl, as both a programming and offline sales tool for their robotic welding solutions, and why they chose to build the software on the Visual Components 3D manufacturing simulation platform.
The birth of offline programming software: PEMA WeldControl
Prior to developing PEMA WeldControl, Pemamek used other commercial simulation software both for its own needs and to offer its customers offline programming (OHL) of their robotic solutions. However, as their competition became more global and competitors began offering turnkey hardware/software solutions, Pemamek realized that this put them at a disadvantage.
“We are in a highly competitive market and it is essential that we offer our own PHL tool in order to be competitive for projects,” said Teemu Rusi, Team Leader of PEMA Robotics.
Additionally, the company made the decision to develop its own PHL software, which it called PEMA WeldControl .
“The origin of our WeldControl software is actually in the shipbuilding industry ,” Teemu said. “We have developed a unique solution for camera vision-based programming for welding ship . We wanted these features to be available in general manufacturing as well, so we developed our own offline programming software with Visual Components as the 3D engine. »
WeldControl quickly gained traction and prominence in PEMA both for its use as a sales tool and as a PHL solution they could offer to customers. The PEMA WeldControl product family now consists of 5 main products: WeldControl 100, 200, 300, 500 and 700. WeldControl 200 is Pemamek's robotic welding solution for shipbuilding and WeldControl 300 is designed for heavy industry, both based on the Visual Components platform.
Selecting a 3D simulation platform
When selecting a platform on which to build WeldControl, ease of use was one of Pemamek's main criteria , both from a development and end-user perspective.
“The Visual Components platform provides good interfaces that allow us to develop the features and functionality we need and that our customers want,” Teemu said. “We are constantly working to improve the capabilities and usability of WeldControl for our end users and the Visual Components platform gives us the flexibility to do so. » Lasse Lahtinen, product manager for PEMA WeldControl agrees.
“Working with the Visual Components platform is very easy,” said Lasse. “The user interface is easy to understand and there are already many tools and features available for our needs. The open programming interface and support for popular programming languages make it easier for us to customize and develop our applications. »
“In addition, the component libraries in the public electronic catalog, especially the robot models, are very comprehensive. »
Simulation performance was also an important consideration in choosing a platform, as some customer applications for WeldControl can be quite intensive. “Importantly for us,” said Teemu, “the 64-bit 3D engine proved stable even in very complex configurations. »
Simulation that drives new system sales while improving customer productivity
“ The biggest leap forward has come from the pre-sales phase, where Visual Components is a superior tool to convince the customer how our robotic welding solutions will meet their needs, such as adjusting the implementation, capacity estimates and compliance with production requirements . We can use our WeldControl offline tools to create pre-sales materials, such as simulations for customer products. »
“With WeldControl and Visual Components, we can quickly create sales materials such as 2D drawings and 3D simulations, which were previously very time-consuming tasks. Today, we routinely create these documents before the first client meeting because it's so quick and easy. It is always good to visualize with them the planned layout or certain features.
While the main goal for Pemamek in developing PEMA WeldControl was to speed up commissioning and improve productivity of their robotic welding solutions, it quickly became their best selling tool.
For Pemamek customers, software is an important, if not essential, part of their investment in robotic welding systems.
“ WeldControl software is an essential part of all of the robotic welding systems we offer,” said Lasse. “ It offers the customer offline programming and system management tool . »
“Our robotic systems for shipyards cannot be delivered without it. Our machine customers do not require this, but it is highly recommended to improve productivity. »
While not all Pemamek customers find PHL software a necessary tool when exploring robotic welding solutions, particularly if it is their first system, most quickly realize its value. value when presented to WeldControl during the pre-sales phase.
“Our advantage in sales is that our software is fully optimized with our hardware: we don't need to compromise anything and we are also ready to implement special customer needs if necessary. I think the overall solution provided by Pemanek is the key factor in sales. »
It is also during this phase that Pemamek customers see how easy WeldControl is to use.
“Many of our customers can have their welders and fitters do the robot programming after a short basic training,” Lasse said. “This leads to a rapid return on investment on the entire solution when the robot starts production right after delivery. »
“It’s easy to use for people from all kinds of backgrounds. The software is visual and simple. »
A roadmap for the future
While Pemamek's partnership with Visual Components began several years ago, the journey has only just begun and both companies look forward to what lies ahead. Therefore, the key to the success of this partnership has been the harmonious collaboration between the product development teams of Pemamek and Visual Components.
“Our experience working with Visual Components has been very positive,” said Teemu. “They are responsive to our needs and we know a lot of people within the company. »
“ The cooperation between Pemamek and Visual Components has been smooth and easy, and communication is open ,” added Lasse.
Looking ahead, Pemamek views PEMA WeldControl as an essential part of its overall product portfolio and plans to continue developing the WeldControl product family.
“WeldControl needs to be further developed. We have a roadmap for the coming years and will rely on offline programming software, Visual Components to further enhance the capabilities and features of the platform to help us develop the software. I am confident that our relationship with Visual Components will continue for a long time. »
Teemu agrees. “ Visual Components is a superior tool that has allowed us to create user-friendly and fast tools to meet our customers' demands . We look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.
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