Built Virtually, Cut Perfectly: IndX's Digital Twin Powered by Siemens

Ali Lubbad, Solution Analyst at IndX, demonstrates how Siemens Digital Twin technology can shift manufacturing from shop-floor trial-and-error to virtual validation. Using a CNC coin machine as the example, Ali explains the industry pressure for faster launches, zero defects, and minimal downtime, and shows how a full virtual replica—beyond a 3D model—was designed to run real NC code, test PLC logic, and simulate physics-based motion. IndX's workflow includes creating the coin in Siemens NX CAD, building an exact machine replica with Create My Virtual Machine, validating equipment layout and paths with Plant Simulation, simulating cobot logic and safe physical motion with Process Sim, building a customer coin-order front end with Mendix, and managing the electronic bill of process with Opcenter Execution (BOPEX). The result is a CNC coin machine designed to deliver a perfect first cut without scrap or delays, highlighting a broader future where processes begin virtually so reality runs flawlessly.

Full Transcript

The future of manufacturing isn't on the shop floor. It starts in a virtual factory where every move is tested before reality begins. My name is Ali. Today, I'll show you how we brought that future to life with Siemens Digital Twin Technology. Manufacturing is under pressure. Leaders in industry want faster launches, zero defects, and minimal downtime. Traditionally, commissioning a new machine means trial and error on the shop floor, wasted time, wasted material, and risk. We wanted a different approach. Let's say we want to build a CNC coin machine and guarantee a perfect first cut without scrap and without delays. To do that, we'd need to validate everything before the machine even existed. And that's where the Siemens Digital Twin comes into play. We used Siemens Digital Twin ecosystem to create a virtual replica of our machine and process. This wasn't just a 3D model. It was a control identical environment where we could run real NC code, test PLC logic, and simulate physics-based motion. Our team first started by creating the coin virtually using NX CAD, which is Siemens CAD software. Then our team used Create My Virtual Machine to render an exact replica of the track machine we were going to use on the project. Our team used plant simulation to blueprint the cell. In doing so, we validated the equipment layout and machine paths to eliminate risks. We employed Process Sim to create a virtual model of the cobots and simulate their logic and physical movements, ensuring safe and efficient operations. Mendix was used to create our front-end order page where clients can come in and place an order for a coin when they visit the factory floor. Mendix is a low code front end software Siemens produces. We used BOPEX as our electronic bill of process. It ensures our project is up and running. That's how we built a CNC coin machine that guarantees a perfect first cut. But this is more than a CNC project. It's a glimpse into a future where every process begins virtually, so reality runs flawlessly.