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Project
Summary Sheet
Project Objective:
Upgrade Compression Molding Press Controls
Project Summary:
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A
major manufacturer of large fiberglass panels and components required
control system upgrades to their high-performance Hoesch compression molding
presses. The systems used
obsolete components for which replacement parts were unavailable. |
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The
underlying application software was unavailable and was completely
re-developed and reverse-engineered after a detailed analysis of
machine functionality. |
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Each
press previously used two Gespac G96 bus computers running the
Microware OS9 operating system. Each
new system is built on one Gespac CPCI computer running Microsoft
Windows NT with application code written with Microsoft Visual Basic,
and one Galil five-axis motion controller. |
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The
upgrade also replaced the small video panel and membrane keypad on
each press with a large active-matrix flat panel display and full
keyboard with integrated pointing device rated for NEMA12 (IP52)
service. These are used to provide reliable, detailed, and
function-focused graphic and numeric screens to operators, process
engineers and maintenance personnel. |
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| Benefits: |
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Higher
productivity through improved machine uptime;
the previous computer systems were unreliable and prone to
failure due to age |
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Long-term
viability of the equipment through availability of replacement parts |
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Improved
maintenance and service capabilities through better documentation,
monitoring facilities, and understanding of machine function by
maintenance personnel |
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TCP/IP
ethernet connectivity can be interfaced to the company LAN to
automatically report and archive production and setup information |
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671 Columbia Rd., Suite 8, P.O. Box 450858, Westlake, OH 44145-0858
· (440) 899-1676
Fax (440) 899-9267
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