Injection molding OEMs in Asia get smart with data management
At October's International Plastic Fair (IPF) in Tokyo, several Japanese injection molding machine OEMs introduced new or upgraded innovations that advance their smart factory capabilities.
Fanuc Links to Fanuc
Fanuc Corp., Oshino-mura, Japan, which is represented in the U.S. through Milacron, unveiled a new software package that makes it easier for a Fanuc robot to be linked to a Fanuc injection molding press upon startup. Previously, a third-party system integrator had to combine the two Fanuc products, said Ken-Ichiro Abe, GM and managing officer of the robot mechanical development laboratory of the robot division.
The new software, called Quick and Simple Startup Package (QSSP), supports the installation/integration of a Fanuc robot to a Fanuc press. The software runs on the robot controller. A simple single-cable connection is all that is required with QSSP. Once integrated, the operating parameters of the robot can be saved in the machine controller along with the molding parameters of the product, Abe said.
In another development, Fanuc's Roboshot LINKi production and information quality-management tool for its Roboshot line of all-electric injection presses now provides a communication interface that's compatible with connecting with different systems and devices, such as a manufacturing execution system (MES).
Roboshot LINKi can now link to a device using the Euromap 77 interface. It previously was only capable of communication through a Euromap 63 interface, Abe said. Both Euromap interfaces are based on the communication standard for industry called Open Platform Communication-Unified Architecture (OPC-UA).
Fanuc also developed a new AI Backflow monitoring software that provides insight regarding the wear of the check ring in Fanuc injection molding machines. The new program estimates the component's wear and displays a value on the Roboshot HMI.
SUMITOMO focuseS on data
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag showed off three data-management developments that allow molders to gain a deeper understanding of their manufacturing process.
IPF marked Sumitomo's introduction of its new M2M (machine-to-machine) software that connects the molding machine to any in-line, mold-related or peripheral equipment in the molding cell. The software program running on Sumitomo's machine controller collects data from systems used to monitor mold pressure, coolant flow and temperatures, and automation such as take-out robots, said Tomohiro Hirano, who works in the sales engineering department of the plastics machinery division. The molding machine communicates with devices through serial, binary and USB connections.
Sumitomo also rolled out an updated version of its i-Connect production quality-management system, which provides molders with graphical representations of the molding cell's operating conditions and performance.
An earlier version of the i-Connect system was able to monitor critical production and process data from a single manufacturing cell. The updated i-Connect can now connect to 200 machinery cells, Hirano said. The separate, stand-alone control system processes data collected by the M2M software. Data collected by i-Connect can be sent to a plant manager's office or the customer through a local area network (LAN).
The system evaluates data from a wide array of sources, including mold data generated from a cavity-pressure sensor or mold temperature control; machine data such as amperage or voltage readings; and process/production information such as injection pressure, injection screw position and cycle time. The software translates the data into values that can indicate the performance of the molding cell. Data collected by i-Connect can be transmitted to an MES, if needed.
Sumitomo also introduced its Tomenai service information network, which collects and analyzes machine alarms so that operators can schedule maintenance of equipment and devices.
Users can view the type and duration of the alarm, as well as its resolution.
MULTIPLAS SYSTEM IS A NETWORK
Multiplas Enginery Co. Ltd., Taoyuan City, Taiwan, a supplier of horizontal and vertical injection molding machines, has released its Injection Molding Execution System (IMES) that enables real-time communication between its injection press and peripheral devices.
Data from machinery and related peripheral equipment in a molding cell are integrated through IMES. An icon related to each device is created and displayed on the monitor. Users can view basic performance data about the device on the main screen, or group data sets from multiple pieces of equipment for a more accurate, analytical evaluation of production, said Paul Hsieh, technical director at Multiplas.
IMES was created for use only with injection molding machines from Multiplas. It includes an integrated automation system, central monitoring system and computer-aided parameter-setting system.
Users of the IMES4.0 version can connect to the system with a tablet or smartphone to view production data.
Multiplas also developed a new software tool that gives users a head start in setting up a Multiplas machine. Its new Injection Computer Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) program speeds up the setup process because it's able to provide data automatically in approximately 80 percent of the programming fields necessary for startup. Users then refine the remaining 20 percent of the program, dialing in injection values, screw position, temperatures and pressures. Users enter the Multiplas model being used, the material type and runner selection. The software looks at part production from the injection molding machine's point of view, then creates the process parameters.
ICAM has been in development for three years and now is commercially available, Hsieh said. The company has two customers using it.
In the U.S., Multiplas Enginery is represented by Gluco Inc.
Mikell Knights, senior staff reporter
For more information
Gluco Inc.,Jenison, Mich., 616-457-1212, www.gluco.com, www.multiplas-tw.com
Milacron LLC,Batavia, Ohio, 513-536-2000, www.milacron.com, www.fanucamerica.com/
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag,Strongsville, Ohio, 440-876-8960, www.sumitomo-shi-demag.us
