Mitsubishi

The perfect beer is a harmonious blend of art and science. Automation can help by performing the measured and repetitive tasks while allowing brewers to focus on more creative, interesting and rewarding aspects. So when Sadler’s Ales, a historic Black Country brewery, started to grow its business, it decided to adopt an automated process control solution from Mitsubishi Electric to improve productivity and make the quality of its craft beers more consistent.

Recent developments are opening new opportunities and catapulting the industrial robot arm into a journey around the production environment. Robots undoubtably take the drudgery out of many repetitive manufacturing, packaging and processing tasks. Engineers are generally fascinated by the idea of improving production processes and keen to integrate robots, so the decision as to whether one is used or not boils down to economics; operators want to see a good case made for the return on investment before giving the green light.

MAPS 4, the latest SCADA solution from Mitsubishi Electric for control and visualisation, extends connectivity options, adds user tools and increases the scope of its built-in functionality. The result is a software suite that can reduce the time taken for project development and integration, while also enabling users to realise Smart Factory objectives.

Although often perceived as a threat to traditional industries, automation can actually empower artisans to have greater control over skilled manufacturing processes and enable improved product quality. When Denby Pottery, a premier producer of handcrafted tableware, looked at refurbishing its process control systems it turned to Mitsubishi Electric’s distributor BPX to provide a reliable and well-connected solution to efficiently monitor, control and improve their clay production line. 

At SPS IPC Drives 2018, Mitsubishi Electric demonstrated that the company can do much more than just factory automation. The interaction and networking capabilities between Mitsubishi Electric factory automation and building technologies was demonstrated virtually and interactively on a large display. Visitors were able to explore 3D worlds interactively with 360° views of applications and solution concepts via touchscreen technology.

Within the myriad of possible applications for SCADA software there is a common theme for both the end user and system integrator, and that is a need to respond to competitive pressures. The reason manufacturing, process, logistics and utility businesses all invest in new control and monitoring software is to build more efficient, cost-effective operations. Even within publicly owned utilities there is significant pressure to match the operational efficiency of commercial enterprises.

Like many other industries, the packaging sector constantly adapts to market requirements. Changes are being influenced by factors such as regulation, skills shortages and digital transformation. Malte Schlüter, Global Key Account Director F&B/ CPG at Mitsubishi Electric, looks at four main trends that are currently influencing the packaging industry and will go on to shape the future.

As digitalisation, Big Data and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) take their course, the classical linear manufacturing model is changing: complex, integrated networks are developing that aim to achieve higher productivity with lower resource consumption. Machines, devices and applications must become smarter accordingly. When it comes to investment decisions, cooperation with an experienced solution partner can bring considerable advantages. At the SPS IPC Drives exhibition in Nuremberg, Mitsubishi Electric is presenting solutions, concepts and collaborations to support companies in the integration of smart manufacturing projects.

It seems a long time ago now since various malware attacks on the operational layer changed the security landscape and highlighted vulnerabilities in the de-facto automation architecture. However, as we move along the road towards Smart Manufacturing with a view to improving efficiency, productivity and reliability of supply using the principles of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the subject of cyber-security is becoming arguably even more important. 

Through its new cloud-based solution for pro-active maintenance based on the AI platform within IBM Watson Mitsubishi enables smart analysis of operational data to predict and highlight future maintenance requirements. The theory is that sometimes service schedule requirements for robots are inadvertently missed which, despite the extended duty-cycles and the general reliability of modern robots, is not a healthy situation for continuous plant operation.

  At SPS/IPC/Drives Italia 2018, Mitsubishi Electric highlighted why gigabit CC-Link IE is a future proof technology for open networking in industrial automation. The company backed this up by showing an extensive range of products with CC-Link IE connectivity.

Producer of malted barley, Muntons Malt has chosen the Smart Condition Monitoring (SCM) system from Mitsubishi to protect fans and motors vital to its large-scale and sensitive production process. Used to make beer, spirits and a range of popular foodstuffs, malted barley is produced in large batches where conditions are critical to a consistent product. The operation team had previously experienced issues with difficult-to-reach bearings inside a large fan housing and wanted to stay ahead of the game in future.

The strategic purchase of ASTES4 SA automated sheet metal sorting systems aims to strengthen Mitsubishi Electric’s global laser processing machine business. Based in Switzerland ASTES4 SA (ASTES4) is engaged in development, production and sales of Patented automated sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines. 

Mitsubishi Electric’s latest Linear Transfer System (LTS) with Smart Carriage technology can increase productivity and flexibility, while maintaining plant safety and improving responsiveness. The line transfer solution, combined with the Smart Carriages, provides an intelligent transport system for the integration of production and packaging lines.

It has been announced that Mitsubishi Electric has provided Riverside Medical Packaging with a highly compact integrated control solution, which is based on the company’s diminutive L-Series PLC supplied with servo control and safety modules, HMIs and an optional MELFA articulated arm robot. 

It has been announced that Mitsubishi Electric’s modular PLC series MELSEC iQ-R is now available as a fully redundant pair of controllers for high performance and extra reliability. To help reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO), the system also integrates various features into the PLC for monitoring and managing safety.

Since incomes for operating companies and government authorities in the water industry are either fixed or hard to change, reducing costs is a strong driving force behind any investment. At the IFAT exhibition 2018, Mitsubishi Electric presented its lifecycle management solutions that can support overall efficiency by reducing management complexity.

 Aiming to significantly improve water service levels, reducing leaks and lowering energy usage, Aquatoria is delivering balanced water pressure across urban distribution networks.

Until now Mitsubishi Electric has been coy about promoting its UK training academy until it had started to deliver real results. This year however the company has agreed to talk about the remarkable success the Diamond Link Training Academy (DLTA) has achieved both for the company, and its graduates.

  Collaborative and multi-functional robots that increase plant productivity, flexibility, and safety were on show at Drives and Controls 2018.