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72 MACHINERY UPDATE JULY/AUGUST 2018 www.mac<strong>hi</strong>neryupdate.co.uk<br />
Feature: Automation, robotics and vision<br />
Partners<strong>hi</strong>p<br />
provides easy<br />
to use robots<br />
Stäubli Robotics and Schneider Electric<br />
have further developed their partners<strong>hi</strong>p by<br />
signing a long-term agreement to integrate<br />
customised Stäubli TS series four axis<br />
SCARA robots into Schneider’s EcoStruxure<br />
mac<strong>hi</strong>ne arc<strong>hi</strong>tecture and platform.<br />
Benefits of t<strong>hi</strong>s closer relations<strong>hi</strong>p<br />
will include the ability to seamlessly<br />
integrate robots into automation systems;<br />
innovation at every level across the<br />
connected products, edge control and<br />
app; and reduced time and effort <strong>with</strong><br />
standardised programming.<br />
EcoStruxure is Schneider Electric’s<br />
IoT-enabled, open and interoperable system<br />
arc<strong>hi</strong>tecture and platform. It helps to deliver<br />
smart mac<strong>hi</strong>nes by combining products<br />
and software packages into automation<br />
solutions for OEM mac<strong>hi</strong>ne builders.<br />
Stäubli Robotics develops specialised<br />
solutions for every industry by offering<br />
a comprehensive line of four axis TP fast<br />
pickers and TS SCARA robots, as well as<br />
six axis TX and TX2 collaborative robots.<br />
Stäubli robots provide speed, precision,<br />
and reliability in operation.<br />
Schneider is integrating a customised<br />
version of the Stäubli TS series four axis<br />
SCARA robots into its solution portfolio.<br />
Called the Lexium STS series, these<br />
robots will now be fully integrated<br />
into the arc<strong>hi</strong>tecture of the company’s<br />
PacDrive motion control solution.<br />
W www.schneider-electric.com<br />
W www.staubli.co.uk<br />
The two companies are working closer than ever<br />
The move from pneumatics to electrical lifting systems carries many advantages for the food user<br />
Thermoformer<br />
brings benefits<br />
Latest mac<strong>hi</strong>ne is Industry 4.0-ready to meet<br />
performance demands in ever changing times<br />
When Multivac introduced<br />
its RX 4.0 (also known as<br />
X-Line) next generation of<br />
thermoformers, it ensured<br />
that it was Industry 4.0<br />
ready to help its food customers cope<br />
<strong>with</strong> current issues such as initiatives<br />
around plastics reduction and the<br />
uncertainties around Brexit’s impact on<br />
the availability of labour.<br />
For instance, the X-line includes Pack<br />
Pilot; a cloud-based feature that allows<br />
inexperienced operators to select a film<br />
type from a drop-down menu.<br />
T<strong>hi</strong>s information is then coupled <strong>with</strong><br />
the format information w<strong>hi</strong>ch is contained<br />
electronically into the die itself, allowing<br />
the mac<strong>hi</strong>ne to self-parameterise.<br />
The mac<strong>hi</strong>ne is therefore available<br />
for instant production, vastly cutting<br />
the production of any poor packs.<br />
The RX 4.0 also monitors its own<br />
performance and makes adjustments as<br />
required, allowing the mac<strong>hi</strong>ne to remain<br />
at optimal production for the entire<br />
duration of its s<strong>hi</strong>ft. If adjustments can’t<br />
be made to maintain its optimal settings,<br />
a message will appear suggesting specific<br />
components be maintained or replaced<br />
to prevent line failure. Subsequently,<br />
service and replacements can be planned<br />
to avoid interruption of production,<br />
meaning producers no longer have<br />
to rely on <strong>hi</strong>ghly-skilled operators to<br />
keep the mac<strong>hi</strong>ne running at optimal<br />
performance.<br />
The X-Line thermoformer can be<br />
equipped <strong>with</strong> a draw die change system,<br />
meaning that pack formats can be<br />
changed quickly and efficiently,<br />
reducing downtime and again, the need<br />
for <strong>hi</strong>ghly-skilled operators.<br />
T 01793 425800<br />
W www.multivac.co.uk<br />
Faster, flexible and<br />
more energy efficient,<br />
to meet customer need