A Framework for Digital Twin Development in Manufacturing

This study explores the application of Digital Twin technology in industrial manufacturing, focusing on the integration of OPC UA communication protocol for data exchange between physical machines and their virtual counterparts. The treatise presents a comprehensive framework for developing and deploying Digital Twins in a manufacturing setting. Through the implementation of this framework, significant challenges encountered in Digital Twin development are addressed, including the intricate process of extracting data from OPC UA servers, the necessity for standardized methodologies for descriptive-based Digital Twins, as well as limitations imposed by the frequency of API calls for data retrieval and the complexities associated with managing large and intricate systems. Furthermore, promising avenues for future exploration are proposed, such as the advancement of open-source OPC UA servers and the emergence of web-based Digital Twins as accessible and collaborative platforms for industrial applications. A case study involving a CNC machining center demonstrates the practical utility of the developed framework for monitoring and diagnostics of industrial processes.