interpack17 Special Topic: industry 4.0
interpack uses its platform for businesses offering products and solutions in packaging technology and related processes, with a special focus on confectionery and baked goods, that have four dedicated halls again at this edition. In addition, there are several innovative specialist areas, including a special focus on industry 4.0, developed together with the German Engineering Federation (VDMA).
The special show is hosted at the Technology Lounge by the VDMA, featuring examples of solutions in packaging machinery and process engineering and opening up new opportunities for applications in security, traceability, copying and counterfeit protection as well as in customized packaging.
Industry 4.0 is an essential aspect for exhibitors in their solution development, as visitors can see at the stands.
The Smart Factories of the Future
Rockwell Automation shows interpack visitors how The Connected Enterprise brings Smart Factories to life, to create a world of greater choice and unique consumer experience driven by packaging mass customization and product diversity.
“Rockwell Automation believes that flexibility and agility driven by innovation, the Integrated Architecture and The Connected Enterprise will be the primary drivers that deliver the most cost and operational benefits for the packaging industry over the next decade,” says the company dedicated to industrial automation and information. At its stand (hall 6, stand A61) visitors canwitness iTRAK and MagneMotion systems in action. Both technologies offer independent movers and multiple-motion-profile flexibility to deliver intelligent conveyor systems that can be modified in seconds. A part of the company’s wider Integrated Architecture portfolio, multiple complementary packaging automation technologies are also on display.
Rockwell Automation also announced winner of Best Future Machine Award, across categories including smart machines, modular machines, sustainability, traceability and product safety.
New industry 4.0 solutions increase efficiency, productivity and quality
The Industry 4.0 solutions from Bosch support the production process and increase productivity. The biscuit system can be fitted with the Line Dashboard, which gives operators a transparent system overview and detailed information of the complete system status, as well as an easy drilldown to single machines. The Line Dashboard is accessible from each connected HMI 4.0, tablet, Shopfloor Dashboard and PC in the network. Notifications, such as error alerts, can be sent to other HMIs and mobile devices in real-time. This enables operators to react quickly and initiate countermeasures, reducing walking distances and machine downtime. In addition, the Line Dashboard can be used to check individual machines or complete lines, including pre-defined reports and KPIs in real-time, for instance before a shift or operator change.
The software solutions provides real-time information about machines, systems or process status on site. It does so through continuous data acquisition, which makes it possible to indicate upcoming errors before downtime occurs. Based on pre-defined tolerance levels, for instance for temperature or cycle time, operators receive notifications of deviations via e-mail. This way, the Condition Monitoring Platform helps to prevent cost-intensive downtime and increase machine availability.
RONDO also introduces an important feature focusing on industry 4.0 at their booth, the RONDOnet. With this system, line conditions and interactions are recorded, documented and analyzed. RONDOnet features condition monitoring and thus the detection of fault conditions before a component fails. In this way, RONDOnet supports production management in the optimization of line performance as well as in minimizing downtime. RONDOnet can be used as a stationary application directly on the line control panel or in a central control room, it is also available for mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets.
First step in the “Smart Chocolate Factory”
In industrial chocolate production, high productivity and consistent product quality are key. The availability of sensors, actuators, and IoT technologies open up possibilities for an even more efficient production. At interpack, Bühler demonstrates how chocolate mass production will change in the future and is presenting a more intelligent process monitoring and control for DoMiReCo production lines. This achieves consistent quality with higher productivity, output and with the requirement for fewer shutdowns.
Bühler’s new online learning platform, ChocoGenius, is also among the smart solutions proposed by the company. Focused on people running the processing lines, it includes blended learning with a range of learning videos, tutorials, interactive training modules, and troubleshooting guides. ChocoGenius complements Bühler’s existing training offer that includes application and training centers and the trainings on customer sites.
ChocoBotic
During an internal innovation challenge, Bühler employees developed a new chocolate molding plant with integrated robot technology: ChocoBotic celebrates its world premiere at Interpack. Chocolate processors can now manufacture smaller batches of specialties or seasonal items without having to interrupt production on large plants. ChocoBotic unlocks the opportunities for enterpreneurs to enter into chocolate production or can be employed for new product development or market entry.
In addition, with the new myBühler service portal, customers can directly access a wide range of information and services online. They find an overview of the installed equipment and the manuals. Also, customers have the capability to order spare parts with the click of a button. Information about this digital complement to its customer service range is available at the stand.
Intelligent Conveyor Technology at interpack
B&R is showcasing SuperTrak (booth E62, hall 6) – a versatile, intelligent conveyor system that represents a key contribution to Packaging 4.0. This smart manufacturing revolution promises consumer packaged goods producers unprecedented levels of overall equipment effectiveness.
The SuperTrak is a new generation of intelligent conveyor technology based on long-stator linear motors. Unlike similar systems available so far, it offers true industrial-grade reliability and easy serviceability, explains B&R. Its independently-controlled shuttles allow mass production of highly customized products, while also minimizing time lost on stoppages and product changeover.
B&R is also showing how open standards like POWERLINK, OMAC PackML and OPC UA can provide seamless connectivity. From the sensor to the cloud, across multi-vendor lines and value chains, this connectivity will bring a dramatic leap in operating efficiency.