Challenge
- Connecting a wide range of CNC machines from various manufacturers
- Interfaces must be integrated without lengthy downtimes
- Machines without data interfaces
Solution
- IoT modules for capturing digital signals
- Processes simple machine status signals
- Provides an OPC UA interface to the MES
Result
- Reliable, high performance data transmission
- Scalable, future-proof integration
- Connection of all existing machines using a standardized interface
Make it Becker is the tagline of Gebr. Becker GmbH, a rapidly growing family company that is leading the way internationally in the field of vacuum and compressed air technology, relying on the latest manufacturing technologies and tools from the field of digitalization.
One of these tools is FabEagle®Connect from Kontron AIS. FabEagle®Connect is the decisive component for integrating over 40 CNC machines into production IT at Gebr. Becker. It transmits all important data and signals regarding the machine status to the higher-level MES. Data is even provided from existing machines that do not have a modern data interface by evaluating digital signals.
Manufacturing looking for a connection
The highest level of quality and effectiveness is required on more than 40 CNC machines at two locations. Evaluations and visualizations at the MES need to be provided with pertinent data. With different generations of machines from different manufacturers, this can certainly be a major task. Existing machines without an interface or closed control software are the biggest challenge. The solution is IoT boxes for data acquisition and software for transforming interface standards. They capture digital signals from the available terminal strips and signal transmitters. On the next level, FabEagle®Connect also accesses the data via the Modbus protocol, and processes
it using state mapping to generate machine data, quantity counters and error states. Newer machines with their own OPC UA interface are also integrated into the system by FabEagle®Connect. All the information collected is made available to the MES in a structured form by a uniform OPC UA server. The MES can then monitor and visualize machine data from production.
The interface to the MES – Hydra meets FabEagle®Connect
Gebr. Becker uses the Hydra MES provided by MPDV for production control. This MES uses OPC UA as a standardized interface to the automation level. Thanks to the ongoing partnership between Kontron AIS and MPDV, the issue of connectivity was no problem during the realization of this project. The interface used was already a standard in the FabEagle®Connect application from Kontron AIS and the integration of the machines could be implemented quickly and efficiently for the customer. Thanks to FabEagle®Connect, the MES can now monitor and visualize machine data from production. The resulting transparency makes it possible to optimize production processes and increase machine utilization at Gebr. Becker.
About Gebr. Becker GmbH
Gebr. Becker was founded in 1885 as „Maschinenfabrik Gebr. Becker“ in Wuppertal-Barmen. Today, Becker is a 4th generation owner-managed global leading manufacturer of vacuum and pneumatic equipment. Renowned throughout the world and in many industrial sectors, Becker’s vacuum pumps, compressors and pneumatic systems are available as single components and complete system solutions. Approximately 120,000 devices and systems leave the factories each year with an export contingent of 80 percent. With a high capacity for innovation, state-of-the art manufacturing technology and future-oriented strategic investments combined with stable ownership structures, the dynamically growing family–owned company offers its customers and suppliers a long-term and fair partnership.
Text taken from the original – Kontron AIS
Gebr. Becker GmbH: https://www.becker-international.com/de/en/
