Other discrete Manufacturing

eutecma GmbH

Mannheim Germany

eutecma is setting standards in terms of environmentally friendly, climate-neutrally-produced cold chain packaging, starting to establish the first global recycling system for its PROTECT cooling boxes and ICECATCH cooling elements and planning to set up an initial 30 or more so-called Refreshment Centers.
The task: to reliably identify all parts as they pass by and to make them known to the control system. In order to then be able to logically initiate, track, and document the subsequent, linear steps and the ejection of damaged parts. So that in the end, only reusable good parts in the best, practically original quality leave the plant(s).
The manufacturer estimates the expected capacity of such a system at several hundred thousand boxes/modules per year. Therefore a largely automated process with contactless detection via radio frequency identification, which largely eliminates human error was needed.

Prerequisite for a stable, transparent recycling loop is a reliable system - primarily for identifying the used components.
Trigger and lap counter in the automated evaluation and cleaning of parts before reuse/recycling is proven RFID technology which meets the various international radio specifications such as ETSI, FCC, and others and so it´s suitable for worldwide use.

More in detail:

SIMATIC RF600 UHF RFID system as an ideal solution for the reliable detection from a greater distance and, if necessary, in a group. The core components:

SIMATIC RF680R UHF reader with Web-based management - the boxes and modules are scanned as they pass by and identified by the system on the basis of the unique label ID
SIMATIC RF660M handheld reader with UHF head
SIMATIC RF680A antenna – the type with switchable polarization (horizontal, vertical, or circular) to be able to react flexibly to changing environmental conditions
SIMATIC RF630L RFID SmartLabel (battery-free)

SIMATIC S7-1200 determines the number of reuse cycles that have already been completed and automatically guides the parts through the subsequent stations. An additional SIMATIC S7-1200F with failsafe CPU monitors the functional safety of the plant.
SIWAREX is used as a quality assurance by weighing of the parts, whereby deviations from the target weight that exceed tolerances are interpreted as defects.
Photo-optical 3D inspection using several cameras and a SIMATIC industrial PC detects the smallest of damage such as dents, holes, pressure marks, and breakages

The components which can be reused are disinfected. If the weight of a component is incorrect or if an error is detected, the damaged component is sent to a qualified EPS recycling process. Good parts are listed as available in the system.

“This alone will significantly improve the carbon footprint of our already climate-friendly products and processes, reduce waste, and thus ease the burden on the environment and make supply chains even more sustainable.”

Markus Baumgärtner, shareholder and managing director responsible for technology, eutecma GmbH

With a forecast of 15 circulation cycles, the new approach is expected to save up to 1,000 kilograms of CO2 per 333-liter cooling box.
The various boxes and modules will be reused several times which also saves fossil raw materials and energy for the production.
Cost reduction through multiple use and simplified, reliable processes
Time savings and elimination of human errors thanks to automated process
Flawless parts only in the cycle keep packaging quality consistently high
Environmental relief through EPS recycling and multiple use
Usable worldwide thanks to support of various radio specifications
Worldwide spare parts availability and service from Siemens
Convenient, web-based commissioning and diagnostics with on-board tools
Robust, long-term reliable operation thanks to industry-proven UHF technology

Other discrete Manufacturing

eutecma GmbH

Mannheim Germany

Other discrete Manufacturing

eutecma GmbH

Mannheim Germany

Completion 2023

Transparency meets Efficiency

Completion 2023

KAPP NILES reduces set-up times thanks to intelligent tooling with RFID

Completion 2021

Old and new – perfectly combined