VIRTUAL MACHINES

Customers ordering new machines or test rigs from Georg UK can now see the designs in 3D following the introduction of virtual reality equipment.

Wolverhampton based Georg, the UK arm of Heinrich Georg GmbH, is now using virtual reality during the design and pre-commissioning stages of machinery build.Neil Wyke, managing director at Georg UK, explains: “Virtual reality is changing how we experience everything. We recognise that not all our customers are engineers who can look at a 2D drawing and ‘see it’ in 3D, so we wanted to bring our drawings to life by enabling customers to see the designs in a different way and experience the machine moving, walk around it and interact with it.”

Not only does the use of virtual reality help Georg customers understand design proposals, but the software helps to improve design and spatial awareness. By viewing the machine in a 3D environment, both customers and Georg UK engineers can interrogate access of machine designs and assess maintenance procedures. It’s particularly helpful during pre-commissioning of new machines.

There are also many benefits to using virtual reality within a training environment as realistic scenarios can be used in a safe, controlled area with little or no risk. Virtual reality can be undertaken remotely saving time and money, it is suitable for different learning styles and is innovative and enjoyable for trainees.

Georg UK recently used virtual reality software to demonstrate the design of a new test rig as part of a significant project in the rail sector. The use of virtual reality enabled a range of personnel from the customer organisation to walk through the design in 3D instead of viewing a flat 2D drawing which helped to provide a clearer view of how it will look in reality.

For more information about the use of virtual reality during design, call the team on 01902 715110.

Automation Update