Automation and controls

Italian market automation suppliers agree: the seventh edition of SPS Italia – Parma, 23-25 May, organized by Messe Frankfurt – was a well-deserved success. All indicators show progressive growth: +16% more visitors than in 2016 (33,194), 738 exhibitors (+15% compared to 2016), with a 20% increase in occupied surface area.

We already announced it in the June issue and in our webmagazine: the packaging and wrapping machine sector continues to turn out record figures. We have had further confirmation during the press conference organized 26 June at Baggiovara (MO), alongside Ucima’s annual assembly, attended by a hundred or so heads and top managers from machine builder companies. Choice titbits of news offering…

SIPRO (Verona) presents its range of delta robots with parallel axis kinematics and pick & place functionality, which combines high performance in speed and flexibility of use.

The SICK Glare Sensor Series is designed to recognize objects along the process line on the basis of surface gloss level.

In order to create a complex installation, made up of various automated ice cream packaging lines, CT Pack turns to the integrated high tech solutions of Siemens.

At SPS Italia Omron will demonstrate how, thanks to the contribution of artificial intelligence, detection and control technologies (typical to automation) will help innovate production according to Industry 4.0 paradigms. At the space dedicated to 4.0 technology (pad. 4) the benefits in management terms brought by the collection and display of production data will also be shown.

Servotecnica presents EMF motors based on the Liproka principle, featuring a rotor with a high number of poles.

Communicating with the highest network levels, transmitting diagnostic data necessary to enhancing the production process and preventing breakdowns and machine stops – these are, in short, the advantages that enable smart sensors to be integrated with latest generation systems. The potential of smart sensors and vision systems in robotics is the focus of SICK’s offer.

Working safely with open repair, reduced setup times and quicker access to the machine after stopping are the valuable advantages
for the user of the PNOZ s30 by Pilz.

Cloud Computing, Machine Learning and Mixed Reality enable remote monitoring and predictive maintenance in order to obtain strategic insight, enhancing the use of production line and supply chain data. The new Comau DIWO solution, supported by Microsoft technology, helps manufacturers improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Leading control and automations systems provider B&R is participating at SPS (Hall 3, Stand F031-G028) with a “smart stand” completely dedicated to Industry 4.0: smart, networked solutions for efficient and sustainable manufacturing, to the benefit of quality, safety and personalization.

Parker Hannifin servomotor kits make it possible to build more compact systems with enhanced precision, reliability and robustness.

Automation provides the flexibility that is needed to progressively reduce product batch numbers down to the smallest levels, and ultimately to a single unit - reaching the utopian goal of product personalisation. Dennis Verhoeven reviews how the demands of highly regulated market sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices - and increasingly, the food and beverage industry, define the pace…

Servotecnica proposes for the Italian market a wide array of electric actuators (from micro-actuators to ones with stepper or brushless motors), which have always been the strongest product type in the concern’s portfolio.

To renew a packaging line of products for the world of ice cream, Poloplast has chosen a fully automatic solution based on Omron’s Sysmac platform, where the handling operations are driven by a Delta robot capable of processing 80 pieces per minute. R.C.

Fameccanica Fameccanica created its first liquid filling line in 2012, at the request of a leading multinational company looking for a partner that would enable it to achieve a technological breakthrough. The result of this operation is the BVG technology that combines the skills and experience gained in the construction of diaper as well as dosing and packaging machines.

The Fameccanica Group is diversifying its activities and focussing on the liquid filling industry, using a 4.0 approach to technological solutions and services. An example of what can be done by combining the knowhow and the organization of a large industrial concern with the determination and the skills of a small and close-knit group of specialists. Stefano Lavorini

Ocme (Parma) has been reaching higher and higher safety standards, winning the Manufacturing Safety Excellence Award 2016 at the urging of Rockwell Automation.

The latest generation of flowpackers need to combine flexibility, reliability and lowered costs. Servotecnica offers an LSiS system to solve this equation, supplying a complete package, featuring HMI (human-machine interface), PLC and servomotors, based on an EtherCAT fieldbus.

Bosch Rexroth is consolidating is partnership with CMI Industries by supplying Alphasol brand IndraDyn MSK series brushless servomotors.