PC-based control system will power next-generation packaging equipment

In the past fifteen years, authoritative sources have predicted that PC-based control systems may eventually lose their dependence on programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in the industrial sector. We can foresee that high-speed processors featuring open multi-wire architectures and floating-point raw computations will easily replace programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Although current programmable controllers (PLCs) still have a 70% market share over PC-based system architectures, this advantage is rapidly declining.

In traditional PLC-centric control systems, logic control, motion control, HMI (Human Machine Interface) programming and interaction, and SCADA (Monitoring and Data Acquisition System) programming and debugging are all adopted. Separate hardware or functional modules are implemented. Packaging equipment OEM manufacturers have recently felt the adverse effects of this discontinuous structure. From the three trends in the development of future packaging machinery manufacturing, some OEM manufacturers have to re-examine the traditional programmable logic controller (PLC) architecture.

The transformation of various technologies creates a wide range of applications for PC-based control systems

The transformation from the first-generation packaging equipment (Gen1) to the third-generation packaging equipment (Gen3) is a combination of a simple mechanical device to electronic transformation. It is predicted that by 2015, 80% of the mechanical functions will be electronic. Another significant change is the transition to a servo-based control system, which is also a requirement for electronic circuits to replace ELS (Electronic Line Shafting) for shaft drives. The advent of embedded real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, HyperKernel, and RTX has enabled the use of commercial software components (COTS) for PCs that have a definitive, logical/motion controller-in-a-function and incorporate logic and motion controllers. The functions are combined into a PC-based controller that effectively reduces the complexity and operating costs of operations through the operation of a database and human-machine interface (HMI).

PC-based control systems contribute to the integration of complex technologies in packaging equipment

With the increasing use of complex assistive technologies in packaging equipment, tools such as vision systems, bar code scanners, radio frequency identification systems (RFID) and built-in weighing systems all need to be fully integrated into the control architecture. Although programmable controller (PLC) manufacturers have achieved great results in terms of technical work to meet these new requirements, it is more important that PC-based control systems contribute to these changes.

PC-based control system provides favorable conditions for packaging equipment OEM manufacturers to integrate information

The most noticeable change in the field of PC-based control systems technology is the integration of enterprise-level information and production-level information. With the continuous maturity of Internet-based collaborative manufacturing, the integration of information is also vertical and can be extended from the production floor to the customer through the manufacturer's supply chain. But for packaging equipment OEM manufacturers, information integration will be more direct. Given that packaging companies are striving to find ways to reduce costs, it will be particularly important to eliminate the phenomenon of islands of automation in the production of products.

The best PC-based control strategy is to meet the support requirements for an integrated, collaborative-level foundation. People are very excited about what happens after integrating the PC-based logic and motion programming environment. It is believed that PC-based control system technology will power the next generation of packaging equipment.

Related Links:

OEM: Original equipment manufacturer, refers to a manufacturer that produces products and product accessories for another manufacturer, also known as OEM or authorized OEM. It can represent both external processing and subcontract processing. Domestic habits are called collaborative production and third-generation processing, commonly known as processing trade.
ELS system: Uses an ultra-high resolution encoder (installed directly in the motor) and a high-speed microprocessor to specify the correct position of each shaft in the system and reset it accurately.

Automated islands: In the area of ​​factory automation, most of the emphasis in the past was on “logistics automation”, such as automated production equipment, automated inspection equipment, and automated logistics handling and storage equipment. These devices and systems do improve the degree of automation of the production process and solve certain production problems; however, at the same time, because of the relative complexity of these systems, the cooperation between different systems, and the cooperation relationship with management information systems, It did not reach the point where it was timely and smooth.

Source: Packaging Machinery