Saving valuable space on packaging machine plant
November 2000
System Integration & Control Systems Design
An OEM of food packaging machines produces a variety of packaging machines. Each machine has a small operator interface and a PLC with 24 to 80 digital and analog I/O.
On every machine, the electrical panel is limited by the size of the machine. The footprint dictates how much available space is available for control. The limiting space greatly reduces flexibility and the ability to expand packaging options.
This is where the OCS (operator control station), from GE Fanuc, was a good choice, as it combines the OI and PLC functions into one small package that can be mounted in the operator's console. "We can use our limited panel space for other devices," said the design engineer. "We immediately recognised the advantages of the OCS when it was presented to us. Being able to do everything within one programming package will save us days of engineering design and checkout time. Not to mention the time saved by eliminating the integration task of the OI, PLC, and network."
The OCS controllers are powered by an Intel 296 microprocessor that has similar processing power capability to that of the Intel 486 mP. Each controller contains the hardware for a Control Area Network (CAN) interface that can be configured for CsCAN, or DeviceNet, Slave. The OCS comes in either a 2 or 4 line LCD display.
The optional SmartStack I/O modules are available in various DC and AC discrete voltages, as well as Analog, Thermocouple, and RTD versions. Each Smart Stack module is equipped with a removable I/O connector. Additional modules available include a high-speed counter, stepper motor controller, multi port ASCII/BASIC, and strain gauge.
The advantage of the OCS is the fully integrated controller, I/O, operator interface and networking in one package. The Cscape software combines the graphical ladder programming with the operator interface and networking to decrease the development time required. By combining the controller and operator interface, panel space is greatly reduced.
The speciality modules enable the OEM to expand into motion applications that were not available with their current controller. By using the Stepper Module and GE Fanuc SL Servo system, the packaging machines were more efficient and increased production capacity. Another advantage of the OCS is the standard CAN network. OEMs can now provide a high-speed network for their end customers at no extra charge.
Contel Plus
(011) 422 1246
jurgens@contel.co.za
Further reading:
How certified industrial automation channels become co-creators in the AI era
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
As industrial automation becomes software-driven and AI-enabled, the role of channel partners is shifting from equipment supply to outcome-based consulting, software integration and lifecycle services that require continuous certification and capability development.
Read more...
Why integration defines the next competitive edge in pulp and paper
System Integration & Control Systems Design
ABB’s Arvin Ramjee argues that fragmented automation, assembled from different suppliers at different stages of a plant’s lifecycle has become one of the pulp and paper industry’s most overlooked commercial risks, and that true integration, rather than surface-level connectivity, is what delivers measurable business value.
Read more...
Integrated automation enhances water treatment at dairy facility
Process Dynamics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and reverse osmosis system at a major South African dairy processing facility, achieving a 50% reduction in the client’s water utility costs.
Read more...
Intelligent process control is reshaping cement production in Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Advanced process control, predictive analytics and automation are helping African cement producers cut energy use and stabilise output as they contend with rising electricity costs and tighter margins.
Read more...
Schneider Electric’s Alliance Programme turns system integrators into trusted technology partners
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
: Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is helping system integrators across Africa move beyond one-off projects and build the skills and service models needed to become long-term industrial technology partners.
Read more...
Process Dynamics – Integrated Automation for Dairy Water Treatment
Process Dynamics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project and industry
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and Reverse Osmosis (RO) system at one of South Africa’s
...
Read more...
New SI programme strengthens Schneider Electric’s partner ecosystem
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s SI Energise 2.0 programme offers system integrators a competency-based framework to develop deeper expertise in EcoStruxure and AVEVA software, enabling them to deliver full-lifecycle industrial automation solutions.
Read more...
AI and smart solutions for underground proximity detection systems
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Booyco Electronics explains why fitting proximity detection systems underground is far more complex than installing sensors, and how integration, data and intelligent analytics are helping mines manage the challenge.
Read more...
Why cloud-ready BMS is reshaping building operations
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Smart sensors and non-contact radar are reshaping industrial measurement, feeding connected platforms that predict failures before they happen.
Read more...
Flotation system modernisation for a gold processing and mineral recovery plant.
Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls has successfully modernised a gold processing plant's flotation control system, replacing obsolete I/O hardware with Schneider Electric's latest M580 X80 platform.
Read more...
printer friendly version