Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.21278/TOF.492069824

Development and Testing of a Semi-physical Simulation System for a Pipe End Forming Machine

Qingzhu Zhang ; College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China; School of Engineering, Huzhou University, Huzhou, PR China; Zhejiang Changxing Heliang Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Huzhou, PR China
Liang Zhang ; School of Engineering, Huzhou University, Huzhou, PR China
Yang Shen ; School of Engineering, Huzhou University, Huzhou, PR China
Yunhao Fu ; Sichuan Low Altitude Safety Technology Co. Ltd., Chengdu, PR China
Liangyou Li ; Zhejiang Changxing Heliang Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Huzhou, PR China
Pengfei Zhang ; School of Engineering, Huzhou University, Huzhou, PR China; Zhejiang Changxing Heliang Intelligent Equipment Co. Ltd., Huzhou, PR China
Yulan Wei ; School of Engineering, Huzhou University, Huzhou, PR China *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

To address the challenges of personalised customisation and rapid delivery in pipe fitting production—such as time constraints and complexities in programming and debugging pipe end forming machines—this study proposes a semi-physical simulation system. The system integrates a programmable logic controller (PLC) as the upper control unit with a virtual 3D model of the pipe end forming machine as the lower control unit, enabling data exchange through an intermediate serial port. The test results demonstrate that the system can simulate pipe machining with a response latency of approximately 14 ms and data transmission rates ranging from 88.75% to 95.63%. This approach provides a cost-effective, safe, and reliable platform for program testing and debugging in the pipe manufacturing industry while also offering valuable insights for simulating other complex mechanical systems.

Keywords

semi-physical simulation; pipe end forming machine; serial port; Unity 3D; PLC

Hrčak ID:

331676

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/331676

Publication date:

22.5.2025.

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