Fit for the Digital Factory
What can automation do to make machines fit for the digital, networked factory? Answers to this question are provided by the complete solution provider SIGMATEK
The Salzburg Automation specialist is convinced that the way will lead to flexibly adaptable machines and systems through smaller, distributed intelligences. Divided into functional units and configured in different topologies – whether a tree, star or linear structure – requirements of 4.0 can be flexibly met. The compact modular control system S-DIAS supports this approach perfectly: CPU modules, I/O modules for any task, as well as motion and Safety as integral system components. "Our control generates various data, which can be used with the application of special modules for "predictive maintenance" and "Condition Monitoring". Examples of this are recording energy usage, temperature measurement, vibration or accelerating detection", explains Franz Aschl, Innovation Management at SIGMATEK. An essential factor in the smart factory is open, vertical and horizontal communication with other systems. SIGMATEK has therefore equipped its systems with OPC UA functionality. The SSL encryption over VPN up to the programming port ensures the required data security.
Simply Safe
With the S-DIAS Safety system from SIGMATEK, the user is provided with a freely configurable Safety solution that through the variety of modules, can be tailored exactly to the application and make the modular and easily changeable configuration of machines and systems in Smart Factories possible. The S-DIAS Safety portfolio includes the Safety controller SCP 111, Safety-oriented digital I/O and two-channel encoder analysis modules. The S-DIAS Safety solution meets the newest Safety norms (SIL CL 3, PL e). The user-friendly LASAL Safety Designer enables fast project development in a clearly designed graphical editor. Ready-to-use Safety function components are available in the software library.
Flexible Machine Operation
In digital factories, flexibility in visualization is also required. For operation directly on-site, SIGMATEK offers the right solution – whether cable-connected or wireless. The mobile human-machine interfaces are equipped with a high-performance EDGE2 Technology processor, which displays even complex visualizations fluidly. The HGT 1051 has a 10.1-inch multi-touch screen in portrait format, the HGW 1031 scores with data transmission via WLAN. Both panels are light in the hand and available with Safety functions: Emergency stop, confirmation button and key switch. "With our mobile panels, machine and robot applications can be intuitively, safely and very clearly operated and monitored. The wireless HMIs in particular provide application dynamics, since multiple machines, system components and robots can be operated with a single panel," says Franz Aschl happily.
Intelligent Engineering
In smart automation solutions, the modularity of the hardware must be reflected in the software. The object-oriented all-in-one Tool LASAL supports the machine manufacturer with flexibly designed concepts – and in all project phases. "To further accelerate engineering, the user is provided with modern "Add-ons". These templates guarantee a modern design and well thought-out functions such as alarm and recipe handling, managing access, online oscilloscope etc. The Add-ons are function-specific, contain program and display elements in various resolutions and are ready-to-use", explains Franz Aschl.
In addition to the Add-Ons, the user is supported during development by the LASAL Machine Manager, which functions as an overview platform for multi-CPU solutions. "There one sees the different CPUs, including their connections to one another. Who is communicating with whom can therefore be quickly seen. We engineered this graphic tool for Automation 4.0, since without such a tool, decentralized controls are not manageable - one must be able to visualize the logic", Franz Aschl is convinced.