MU_2018_JanuaryFebruary-HR
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18 MACHINERY UPDATE JANUARY/FEBRUARY <strong>2018</strong> www.machineryupdate.co.uk<br />
New Machinery<br />
Smarter thermoformer is<br />
embracing connectivity<br />
Multivac demonstrated<br />
the X-line RX 4.0<br />
thermoformer<br />
during its Open Day event<br />
in the autumn – a machine<br />
it describes as the next<br />
generation in thermoforming<br />
technology.<br />
Multivac believes this new<br />
machine addresses many of<br />
the critical issues that the<br />
food, medical and consumer<br />
product manufacturers are<br />
facing. With the adoption<br />
of connected technology,<br />
switchpoint compensation<br />
and smart services, this unit<br />
can automatically set itself<br />
up and then continually<br />
optimise its operating<br />
parameters in operation.<br />
Effectively, this de-skills<br />
tasks that were previously<br />
only achievable by fully<br />
trained experts. Risk<br />
reduction, audit trail provision<br />
and ease of operation have<br />
also been addressed with<br />
the utilisation of special<br />
personnel identification, while<br />
the machine will continue<br />
to operate for anything but a<br />
critical fault occurrence, thus<br />
GE Digital has now launched<br />
its fourth generation SCADA/<br />
HMI product iFIX v5.9, which<br />
promises to enable smart<br />
operators to increase efficiency<br />
and reduce costs.<br />
The intuitive interface is<br />
designed for operators to<br />
quickly interpret relevant<br />
data and take the appropriate<br />
action. This is in contrast to<br />
older systems, which typically<br />
display vast reams of data,<br />
hampering decision making.<br />
“We use a standards-based<br />
user interface approach<br />
Multivac launched the X-line next generation thermoformer at its Open Day<br />
event held at its newly modernised showroom that is located in Swindon<br />
minimising waste as well as<br />
reducing the likelihood of<br />
any shortfall in customer<br />
order quantities.<br />
As part of the demonstration<br />
at the Swindon HQ, a tooling<br />
change was carried out in<br />
less than five minutes, a<br />
previously unattainable time<br />
with existing thermoformer<br />
technology. Now customers<br />
can benefit from the flexibility<br />
Latest software allows operators to interpret<br />
data quickly and take the appropriate action<br />
Increased efficiencies are offered<br />
for every project, so clients<br />
can benefit from improved<br />
navigation and decision<br />
making,” says Astec IT<br />
of a traysealer with the cost,<br />
storage and speed advantages<br />
of a thermoformer, says the<br />
company.<br />
The machine is suitable<br />
for both large and small<br />
businesses and was welcomed<br />
by all the attendees at the<br />
event. Visitors also liked the<br />
presentations from experts.<br />
T 01793 425800<br />
W www.multivac.co.uk<br />
Solutions technical director<br />
Chris Barlow. “Some operators<br />
may have a tendency to feel<br />
‘comfortable’ with older style<br />
graphics, where everything is<br />
squeezed onto a single screen,<br />
but we would recommend the<br />
drill-down structure of the latest<br />
iFIX, which offers a far superior<br />
performance,” he says.<br />
“The asset-centric screens<br />
guide users towards only<br />
relevant information – which<br />
really is the future of SCADA.”<br />
T 01543 888134<br />
W www.astecsolutions.com<br />
Programming time is cut in half<br />
New screen<br />
saves time<br />
for all users<br />
As Industry 4.0 gathers pace,<br />
and mobile technology becomes<br />
increasingly utilised throughout<br />
UK manufacturing sites, Endoline<br />
Machinery is rolling out a new,<br />
icon based HMI Smart screen.<br />
Featuring 50% fewer pages<br />
than previous screens, the new<br />
interface is designed to cut<br />
programming time in half.<br />
This new Smart screen is set<br />
to become a blueprint for all<br />
systems built by Endoline, the<br />
end of line systems manufacturer,<br />
from January this year, with<br />
retrofit options available on any<br />
existing systems.<br />
Significantly, companies who<br />
have several Endoline systems<br />
across multiple plants will benefit<br />
from the simplified interface as it<br />
is set to slash programming time<br />
by up to 50%, with the benefit of<br />
remote access control. In addition,<br />
the screen, which features easy<br />
to use, spanner shaped icons,<br />
includes many additional benefits<br />
including predictive maintenance<br />
tools, and an alert, notifying<br />
customers to recommended<br />
service times, as well as general<br />
wear and tear.<br />
Endoline engineers can also<br />
customise the interface for faster<br />
and simpler integration with third<br />
party machinery.<br />
“This is a significant step<br />
forward for us,” says Andrew<br />
Yates, sales director at Endoline.<br />
“As manufacturing units become<br />
progressively digitalised,<br />
it is essential that we simplify<br />
processes and make programming<br />
even more efficient.”<br />
T 01767 316422<br />
W www.endoline-automation.com
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