Manufacturing is changing. Production lines need to be increasingly flexible to cope with shorter production runs, more varied products and tighter deadlines. Manufacturers are addressing these challenges with more advanced, interconnected and intelligent systems that can be programmed to handle a variety of tasks.
This has brought new challenges, such as how to program all these devices without needing to learn many different systems and programming languages. Fortunately, there are tools out there such as Omron’s Sysmac Studio that offer fully integrated development environments (IDE) for configuration, programming, monitoring and 3D simulations. The machine controller used comes standard with built-in EtherCAT.
The EtherCAT network can be accessed with one connection and is the perfect match between fast real-time machine control and data plant management.
”One machine control over EtherCAT through one connection and one software is how we define Omron’s Sysmac automation platform,” notes Omron product manager, Evert Janse van Vuuren. Omron’s EtherCAT solutions include products for logic, motion, safety, robotics, vision, information, visualisation and networking, all under one software.
Accurate positional information over EtherCAT
Recently, Omron partnered with an OEM, one of the top three end of line machine solution providers in Africa, to install a system at a multinational end user plant. The customer required an automated solution to the current manual packing method currently being used. It was suggested by the Omron product manager that the company should deploy Omron Delta robots to pick and place the bottles from a moving puck conveyor and precisely pack the bottles onto a moving tray.
With no vision system being used, it was decided to use two servo systems for feedback on the position of the trays and the pucks.
“The robots synchronise with latched positional data from both the puck and the tray conveyor systems and pick and place relying on the accurate positional information coming from the EtherCAT network,” explains Janse van Vuuren.
The pick and place robotics machine is one of five smart machines that complete this specific line. The bottles are filled, labelled and inspected before the Omron robotics system pick and place the filled bottles into pack trays. The final product is filled roll-on bottles that are shrink wrapped at the last machine in sets of six, to be transported to the distribution facility, from where it is sent to various selling points.
What makes this so remarkable is the seamless integration between Sysmac and EtherCAT that results in the extraordinary speed and accuracy of the system, which provides a complete automated solution to the packaging of bottles, directly from the tray, after being filled.
For this specific project, three Delta robots were used, each having three EtherCAT servo axes controlled as a group. The communications network used between the servo axes and the master robotics controller is EtherCAT.
“At Omron, EtherCAT is used because of its network speed,” concludes Janse van Vuuren. “EtherCAT offers high speed communications between the master controller and actuators or sensors, which is crucial in motion control and robotic applications.”
Control without complexity
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
In an era where precision, performance and smart control define industrial success, the right driver can make all the difference. At Axiom Hydraulics, we’ve seen firsthand how the Sun Hydraulics XMD series transforms hydraulic systems, from mining and construction to agriculture and automation.
Read more...Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.
Read more...Industrial gear units for mixing and agitating processes Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
Nord Drive Systems encompass modular drive configurations that ensure optimum performance of mechanical speed control for specific applications in almost every industry.
Read more...A seamless partnership driving smart material flow Omron Electronics
Motion Control & Drives
OMRON and Interroll have launched a flexible conveyor module designed for seamless integration with autonomous mobile robots. This innovative solution enables efficient material handling, enhancing productivity in various industrial settings.
Read more...Building the control panels of the future Omron Electronics
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The industrial automation world is built on robust and efficient control panels. These control panels are designed precisely and assembled, managing machines, processes and equipment across different industries. Omron assists panel builders in navigating complex challenges that could impact project efficiency and profitability.
Read more...Building resilience in extreme environments ACTOM Electrical Machines
Motion Control & Drives
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...Reducing the risk of sewage spills
Motion Control & Drives
The UK government has announced plans to impose tougher penalties on water companies in England and Wales that fail to prevent sewage discharges into rivers and seas. David Strain, technical director at the automation systems specialist, Technidrive explains how solutions like variable speed drives and smart monitoring systems can help water companies reduce the risk of sewage spills and ensure compliance.
Read more...The power of smart maintenance for securing water supply Omron Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
The water industry plays an essential role in delivering safe drinking water and effective wastewater services to society and various industries. A lack of maintenance could have severe consequences, as even the failure of a single component can significantly impact operations, and maintenance expenses represent a substantial part of the overall costs of water and pumping systems.
Read more...Bearing failure analysis transforms operations of battery manufacturer SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Persistent bearing failure on a centralised extraction fan motor was negatively impacting operational efficiency for a leading battery manufacturer in East Africa. SKF Kenya conducted a bearing analysis and solved the problem.
Read more...Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
printer friendly version