A full Siemens automation solution for a palletizer
Fully integrated programming and commissioning
A full Siemens automation solution for a palletizer
Machine Building
GD Tec
St-Vith Belgium
In a context of continuous improvement of its production lines, the Industrie du Bois Vielsalm (IBV) group entrusted GDTec with the task of automating a palletizer for bags of wood pellets. IBV, who invests in the continuous improvement of its production lines, wanted to optimize all the operations of placing the bags of pellets it produces on pallets. The pallets are then shipped to the end customer. The main objective was to optimize the tasks carried out until now on an installation of 98: transfer of the bags of pellets on the pallet, verification of the weight of the bags, loading of a defined number of bags and layers of bags on the palette. It was the first time they used Sinamics V90 drives, and it was in itself a technical challenge for the team, such as having to customize a whole series of automation parameters and data.
Productivity
The automated system developed by GDTec allows handling the bags by turning them in a very specific way and with great foresight. After checking the weight of the bags, the automaton places the bags on the pallets according to defined parameters. Once the pallet is complete, it is provided with a plastic film. A Simatic S7 – 1500 PLC controller manages the control of the entire machine and its communication with other PLCs dedicated to the transport of pallets. The handling of the pallets is carried out via Simotics S-1FL6 servo motors coupled to Sinamics V90 drives and Sinamics G120 variable speed drives. A V90 drive is associated with the servomotor which manages the positioning of the bags of pellets, while the G120 variable speed drive is dedicated to the motors which apply speed variations.
Fully integrated programming and commissioning Commmunication programs and tests were set up, after which the people concerned had to familiarize themselves with the V-Assistant engineering tool.
Sirius and Sentron line electronic and power equipment protection components and command control elements completed the solution provided.
Why did you choose to work in full Siemens ?
The whole thing works very well, and the expected time savings and reduction in difficulty have been achieved.
Christian Grommes, GDTec
Flexibility
The new automation combined with an integrated safety concept brings gains in speed and flexibility. SafeThe modernized installation also makes it possible to avoid manipulations that are sometimes dangerous for the operators.
Time saving
The time savings obtained translate into an increase in productivity. The integration into the TIA Portal automation platform and Siemens drive elements facilitated the project engineering and therefore accelerated the commissioning of the palletizer.
The technology objects integrated in the controllers of the Simatic S7 range allow programming of the positioning of the motor and variable speed drives.
The Sinamics Startdrive module integrated into the TIA Portal platform has facilitated commissioning, while the TP Comfort operator panels make interaction with the user easier. Finally, the platform makes it possible to report information relating to the operation of drives and motors via the diagnostic tool.
The Sinamics V-Assistant engineering tool facilitated drive commissioning, engineering and diagnostics. Intuitive menu navigation provides a clear overview of the commissioning process. Programming and commissioning, fully integrated into the TIA Portal automation platform, reduced engineering time while ultimately facilitating equipment maintenance – thanks to the exchange of information from the drives.
