Comprehensive Guide to Visual Components Licenses Visual Components, acquired by KUKA in 2017, provides powerful 3D manufacturing simulation software used by manufacturers, machine builders, and system integrators globally. To use this software, organizations must navigate a variety of licensing models designed for different scales and use cases, from individual student trials to enterprise-level network deployments. Types of Visual Components Licenses
Visual Components offers several licensing tiers based on the specific software product and the user’s needs: About us - Visual Components
Understanding the Visual Components License Visual Components provides a specialized 3D manufacturing simulation platform used for robot offline programming (OLP), layout planning, and production optimization. To accommodate different organizational needs—from individual engineers to large academic institutions—the company offers several licensing models and software tiers. Key Software Tiers
Licensing is generally divided among four primary product versions, each with increasing capabilities:
Essentials: Focused on basic layout planning and simulation.
Professional: Adds advanced modeling and simulation features. visual components license
Premium: The full suite including advanced PLC verification and complex modeling.
OLP (Offline Programming): Versions specifically tailored for robotics programming (Premium OLP, Professional OLP, and Robotics OLP). Types of Licensing Models
Visual Components utilizes different licensing architectures to manage how users access these tools:
Standalone License: A standalone license is tied to a single computer. It is intended for one user at a time and requires internet access for initial activation and periodic renewals every 90 days.
Network (Floating) License: Managed via a License Server, this model allows the software to be installed on many machines, but only a specific number of concurrent users can run it simultaneously. This is often more cost-effective for teams that do not need everyone in the software at the same time. The Industry Standard: Licensing standards for using visual
VC Accounts (Credential-based): A newer web-based model currently in Early Access. It eliminates the need for product keys by using encrypted authentication. Users must have an internet connection for initial login, but can "borrow" a license for up to 30 days for offline use.
Evaluation License: A time-limited license used for testing the software. Once activated on a standalone machine, it cannot be transferred or deactivated, and it expires automatically after the specified period. Special Programs and Support Experience - Visual Components
Below is a comprehensive guide covering both aspects, with a primary focus on the standard licensing of visual assets, which is the most common inquiry.
Understanding the feature matrix is vital. You might think a Professional license is sufficient, but missing a specific eCatolog access could cripple your workflow.
The modern SaaS approach, often monthly or annually. Below is a comprehensive guide covering both aspects,
Not all Visual Components licenses are equal. The software is modular. Your license file dictates which modules you can activate.
| Feature | Essentials License | Professional License | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 3D Modeling | Basic primitives | Full solid/surface editing | | CAD Import | Limited formats (STEP only) | Full suite (SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor, JT) | | Robot Programming | Pre-defined routines | Full OLP (Offline Programming) with custom post-processors | | Physics Simulation | Basic collision detection | Advanced gravity, sensors, and actuators | | Python API | Read-only | Full scripting & GUI customization | | Export | Images/Video | 3D PDF, WebGL, and VRML |
Critical Note: When purchasing a Visual Components license, verify whether you are buying an "Essentials" or "Pro" tier. Upgrading later requires a separate license modification fee.
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You pay based on specific variables: duration, geographic location, industry, and print run size.