Arburg computer system automates factory production
Machinery makers and users are increasingly seeing a need to better manage and use data to maximize production. For injection molding machinery maker Arburg GmbH+ Co., Lossburg, Germany, that has meant ongoing refinements of its ALS host computer system.
Now available in Version 7.0, ALS is a manufacturing execution system (MES) that centralizes machine and operation production information and part, mold and material data online in real-time. The data is then uploaded to a cloud-based server and can be accessed from a molding cell, computer or mobile device.
The data-acquisition system is supported by a range of modules for documentation/archiving, production/resource management, machine interfaces and information dissemination and quality assurance. Users can connect ALS to a companywide production planning system (PPS) or enterprise resource planning system (ERP) for complete vertical integration of planning, purchasing, production and sales.
For MES users, networking data generated by the primary machinery, tooling, automation and peripherals expands the flexibility of the production technology in how and what it makes. The data provide an opportunity for an injection molder to minimize unproductive manufacturing times, and achieve quicker and more accurate setup of complex production cells.
ALS has a number of potential benefits: The information-management system helps injection molders achieve higher utilization of machine capacity, high part quality and increased production; assists molders needing better control of their processes to execute product changes more efficiently; and facilitates enhanced traceability in just-in-time production runs.
"ALS helps molders capture data from complex molding cells with fully controlled sequences, but also monitors the complete shop floor for organizing production events like material preparation, mold documentation, recipe administration and more," says Michael Vieth, team manager, host processing engineering.
ADVANCES ANNOUNCED
Arburg organized an ALS user meeting at its German headquarters in November to unveil the latest developments in the data networking system and discuss the role of ALS in implementing Industry 4.0 connectivity between all components in a work cell or plant. More than 100 guests from 63 companies participated.
With Version 7.0, ALS now allows for the collection, archiving and management of production data from multiple plants in different locations, says Vieth. ALS previously allowed molders to view all aspects of production from material ordering and inventory to process setup and maintenance only from a single location. The new capability allows the molder to better streamline operations across all facilities.
Arburg also introduced an information module called ALS info terminal. "It supports an editor for customized graphical views about actual data," says Vieth. "These views can be used for mobile devices or for screens on the shop floor. ALS also has new graphical modules designed to present historical data regarding the last shift."
In addition, Arburg introduced a program that allows users greater freedom in generating customized production-related reports, including work instructions, test schedules, alarms, reject rates, shot counts, operating hours and set-up processes, he says.
Mikell Knights, senior correspondent
Contact:
Arburg Inc.,
860-667-6500,