MU_2018_JulyAugust-HR

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