New level of sophistication brought to paint spraying machines

On its most recent innovation, the third generation of its ROC line of varnishing machines, CELFA developed a new control architecture built around two platforms – one for managing the various axes and I/O, and the other to provide the operator interface, including set-up, parameterisation, supervision, diagnostics, production management, and data analysis.

For the first part of the control system, CELFA developed a purpose-designed kernel, running on an embedded PC. For the operator interface, the control system is linked via Modbus to operator PC panels running Progea Movicon SCADA software. Available in the UK through Products4Automation, Progea Movicon SCADA provides an all-in-one development environment for managing HMI, SCADA, soft-logic and statistical production data analysis applications. Designed to reduce development times to the minimum and provide users with powerful, open, flexible and easy to maintain solutions.

Visualisation and control
Deployed on the ROC varnishing machine, Movicon’s ease-of-use allows quick and intuitive work parameter set-up using dialogue windows. This enables an operator to set up the machine in the most natural and intuitive way possible, with the additional support of customised pop-up guide windows.

Operations are initiated and controlled via touch panels. During operation, illuminated graphics display the status of motors and valves, including highlighting alarm conditions. Animated graphics show when spraying is taking place, and display the movement of parts through the machine. This gives operators a clear picture of real-time product information through the different production phases.

The SCADA System also promotes ease of maintenance, with comprehensive diagnostics combined with complete alarm and message management. Pop-up comments associated with each alarm provide useful information for the operator or for maintenance personnel, while dedicated pages show important data on alarm occurrences, acknowledgements and resets. As a result, down-time is minimised. Further, all significant alarms and events are recorded to a database, allowing historical analysis to be performed.

Integrated production environment
Standardising on Movicon provides CELFA with an all-in-one management platform for developing powerful and intuitive control systems, which in turn means machines that are easy to operate and highly reliable. But there are further benefits for end users, particularly when it comes to integrating the machine into the wider production environment.

With its PC architecture, the machine is supplied pre-set and ready to be integrated into local networks and as part of an existing production environment, simplifying commissioning and minimising production downtime. The same strategy also means that the end user can integrate the machine into any future production lines, so safeguarding investment. Users not only save money, but also eliminate lengthy production downtime and guarantee data integrity.

Introduced at the recent Ligna trade fair in Hannover, the leading exhibition for the woodworking industry, the third generation ROC spray varnishing machine drew plaudits for its cutting-edge automation, high levels of performance, and eco-compatibility. Thanks to the use of Movicon SCADA, users also benefit from a machine that is easy to integrate, easy to operate, simple to maintain, and which safeguards investment.