Converting machine design simplified
Siemens Industry is introducing the Converting Toolbox, a set of standardised automation tools for the integration of various machine components that previously had to be performed individually. It is claimed to simplify web processing applications and offers greater flexibility for engineers who design and build converting machinery for use with paper, film, foil and other materials. It is said to be completely scalable and is provided free of charge. The Converting Toolbox enables machine builders and system integrators to shorten the time to market by reducing the time required for engineering, programming, commissioning and documentation, as much as 80 per cent in some cases. It offers modular open functions for items such as: Centre winder, Flying splice controls, Rotary knife with print mark correction, Flying saw, Traversing control, Speed set-point cascade and more.Converting Toolbox components take the form of pre-programmed functions. Sample applications demonstrate how each function can be implemented. The applications are ready to use after only minor modifications and include basic HMI functionality. This enables the machine function to be tested and optimised very rapidly.
When a module needs to be modified, extended or changed, the Converting Toolbox's open-source code provides a wide and solid basis from which even specialised functions can be implemented quickly and easily.
Simotion, the Siemens motion control system, is said to be well suited as an operating platform for the Converting Toolbox because applications can be operated directly on an intelligent drive, very compactly and without the need for an additional PLC. Simotion offers drive, controller and PC-based topologies. The Converting Toolbox also includes drives-based functions using Siemens Sinamics Drive Control Chart (DCC) graphical programming language.
For more information, visit www.usa.siemens.com/industry
