Standard for the Digital Twin of Moulds published

EUROMAP, the European umbrella association for plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers, has published the first Asset Administration Shell (AAS) Submodel Template for the plastics and rubber machinery sector in collaboration with the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA). The Asset Administration Shell serves as a standard for creating a digital twin – the virtual representation of physical assets such as an injection molding machine or the mould. The AAS is crucial in improving interoperability and efficiency by providing a unified data basis for the analysis and optimization of production processes.

Dr. Mikula Thiem from the EUROMAP Technical Commission is convinced: "The publication of EUROMAP 101 is a significant milestone for the industry. The Asset Administration Shell is an important addition to OPC UA. By standardizing the digital twin, we enable users in the plastics and rubber industry to successfully implement Industry 4.0. We are already working with the IDTA on further Submodels and are pleased to make a decisive contribution to digitization."

The Submodel Template is titled "Plastics and Rubber Moulds – Part 1: Identification" and is published identically as EUROMAP 101.1 and IDTA 02038-1. It is the first part of a series of specifications that standardizes the digital twin of moulds in the plastics and rubber industry. Parameters required for the identification of the mould are described here.

The EUROMAP 101 specification series will be expanded with further Submodels in the coming months. Additionally, work is currently underway on another Submodel focusing on "Technical Data for Injection Molding Machines."

About IDTA: The Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA) is a network of companies and associations that promotes the development and implementation of digital twins and AAS. The IDTA advocates for standardization and best practices to advance digitization in the industry and support innovative business models.

The draft is available for public inspection as a free download here. Comments are welcome until 31 May 2025, via email to mikula.thiem@vdma.org.