Digital twin-enhanced laser cutting production system design and operation

The design and operation of laser cutting production systems (LCPS) are critical for reducing cost and improving efficiency. In this study, a digital twin (DT) approach for the LCPS is proposed to enhance their design and operation. The DT is generated by mapping the parameters and characteristics of the physical entities in the LCPS as well as the operational logic into the virtual space. Using simulation technology, virtual LCPS corresponding to various designs are enumerated and evaluated rapidly in a virtual space. Consequently, the best design is identified and used as the adopted design. The DT generated in the design phase can be further employed in the operational phase of the LCPS. By inputting the actual production order and collecting the real-time data of physical LCPS, the production performance is predicted and optimized by the DT. Genetic algorithm is applied to optimize the schedule. Finally, the practicality, effectiveness, and the implementation of the proposed approach are verified using two numerical experiments and a practical case study.