Paint Manufacturing Proof Of Concept

Challenge

This client wanted to quickly build a proof of concept of its current paint manufacturing process, mixing different liquids, additives, and powders to create the final product and put it in cans using moving and static tanks. The objective was to understand if AnyLogic was the right tool for them compared to Arena. With a successful result, the client was interested in designing new manufacturing plants using AnyLogic.

Solution

The first step was to work on the definition of the processes with the client to understand the manufacturing process. This is a key activity: it is much cheaper and faster to develop and update a process map first because it can be validated before even beginning to generate a simulation. With the process map validated, the simulation modeling development is very straightforward.

The model was developed using AnyLogic with the fluid library, discrete-events, and agent-based state charts. All the mixing processes of additives, powders, and liquids were simulated. The model also shows the transportation of mixed products with moving tanks to the conveyor location where cans were filled and closed. No particular analysis was performed since the client only wanted to develop a proof of concept.

Outcome

The client was satisfied with the outcome developed in only a few days. This demonstrates that very complex processes can be built in a very short time. The client was interested in building a team of modelers in the company, so using this model as a starting point, a course was made in the company to accelerate the AnyLogic learning curve for employees.

Project Features

• Industry: Paint Manufacturing
• Model: Fluid Library, Discrete Events, Agent-Based
• Duration: 1 week