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antifriction linings are intelligently developed
according to exact specifications
using steel and non-ferrous metal
alloys. miba has its own metallurgical
research lab where the alloys are developed
as part of the company's core
competence. the surface material is
applied using a sputtering process
(also known as cathode evaporation).
Similar to the way picture tubes in
older television sets were made, at-
oms are ejected from a cathode in a
vacuum and then they condense on
the target object to form a layer.
this is done using a large array of automated
systems, which miba developed
in the 90s, all the way from lab
testing to production. these systems
are not only used in their own manufacturing
plants, they are also supplied
to other manufacturers with similar
requirements. In addition to an extensive
coating and temperature control
unit, each of these machines has six
vacuum chambers arranged around a
central distribution station for the sequential
surface treatment steps.
Automation of the sputter device has
been the domain of B&R controllers
for many years. Since the last rede-
Connected with a centralized
Safety CPU via POWERLINK the
Safety I/O modules on eight X20
nodes monitor the system. The
lack of discrete wiring accelerates
commissioning, and extensive
diagnostics features speed
up reaction times in the event of
an error.
sign, a centralized X20 Cpu controls
the entire machine with over 20
servo drives and a large number of
valve manifolds. Approximately two
years ago, a new system needed
to be developed for handling larger
dimensions. At that time, a decision
was made to develop an automation
system that included safety technology.
"Although the main features
of the automation solution were
“Within a few months, we were able to
completely implement the automation solution,
including a new visualization system
and integrated safety technology, using B&R
Automation Studio.“
Gerald Hochmuth
Software Development
Miba
already 10 years old, we were able
to reuse the software with only minimal
changes," states miba software
developer gerald Hochmuth happily.
Development was able to be
completed within a few months, including
an entirely new visualization
system. "the most important change
for us, however, is the seamless integration
of the safety technology."
this is critical because, for example,
the extremely high voltage of the
cathode must be switched off and
grounded quickly and reliably if the
vacuum seal is broken - for instance
because of a leak.
Safety I/O modules are installed on
the eight X20 I/O nodes, which are
connected with the entire system via
pOWeRLINK, and in particular with
Miba:
Application
a centralized Safety Cpu. In earlier
versions of the sputter device, the
safety system had to be connected
with all relevant points in the system
using discrete wiring, and now
the amount of wiring required is reduced
to a minimum by routing the
safety signals over the fast ethernet
bus. "Above all, we were able to significantly
reduce the commissioning
time," gerald Hochmuth is pleased
to report. "Additionally, the change
provides our customers and us with
clear improvements for ongoing
maintenance."
This includes simplification of the
system because extensive wiring is
no longer needed and also, just as
importantly, additional possibilities
for diagnostics and remote maintenance.
Clear error messages can be
accessed in the logbook for all modules
from anywhere in the network,
and of course also using long-distance
data transmission. this makes
the system easier to use and speeds
up reaction times, which increases
the availability of the system.
"the upgrade to Automation Studio
3.0 is a double advantage here,"
says gerald Hochmuth. "Integration
of safety technology means accelerated
development for our technicians
and our customers profit from
the advanced diagnostics features."
With the help of the integrated safety
technology from B&R, miba can
further develop its leading role as a
supplier of critical components for
large combustion engines.
Founded: 1927
Employees: more than 2,700
Locations: 11 worldwide
Products & Services: miba manufactures
high-tech and extremely
durable engine components; from
sintered components, to bearings
up to special plant solutions
www.miba.com
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