Mitsubishi L Series PLC adopted for modular packaging thermoformer

When VC999 Packaging Systems developed their i-Series thermoformer in 2009, a unique and innovative design concept was unveiled to deliver high performance operation. The new design would make the i-Series more flexible and easy to use for customers to manufacture a variety of plastic trays or blister packages using a single machine. For easy assembly and disassembly, the  modular i-Series Thermoformer required standard cabling between machine segments.

Modular design

As the industry migrated toward modular design concepts, VC999 was quick to offer options for customers to arrange and disassemble machinery for normal operation, transportation and cleaning. The i-Series’ modular design includes three main segments; form, seal, and discharge, each with its own control enclosure. The control enclosures must be easy to install, wire, and customise, reducing engineering efforts for machine operators and maintenance staff. In order to meet the needs for easy interconnectivity, high-performance operation and reliable control, VC999 conducted in-depth evaluations of several industrial automation control vendors.

The MELSEC L Series PLC is Mitsubishi’s Electric’s innovative and easy-to-expand rack-free single-CPU architecture.  It includes built-in Ethernet and Mini-USB interfaces, a SD/SDHC memory card slot for program storage and data logging, and 24 I/O for positioning and high-speed counter functions.

CC-LINK 1 GBPS NETWORK

Onboard is a CC-Link V2 Master/Local station for connection to the powerful open field network. All other power supply, extension I/O, motion, positioning, high-speed counter, serial communication, and networking module options are added on as necessary.
The compact design allows simple expandability and networking capabilities, and a wealth of built-in high-power functions makes the L Series ideal for both stand-alone machines as well as networked stations in larger applications. Using the standard Ethernet cabling with CC-Link IE Field is easy to use and very cost effective, allowing VC999 to implement their modular machine design.

Power Motion, Inc., a long-time strategic partner and industrial automation parts supplier to VC999, provided insight regarding the integration of the L Series PLC with Mitsubishi Electric’s MR-J3 servo motors and E700 Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). The servos are used for index control of the discharge station while the VFDs control the trim wind-up motor. Another servo motor maintains web tension at the in-feed roller, simplifying the mechanics to eliminate the need for multiple trapeze rollers.

TWO YEAR MACHINE WARRANTY

The i-Series Thermoformer from VC999 Packaging Systems successfully integrates Mitsubishi Electric’s reliable MELSEC-L Series control system for a modular and high performance design. According to Tom Fritz, Electrical Engineering Manager at VC999, “The i-Series Thermoformer runs on a very stable and proven control platform helping to provide customers with the flexibility they need.” Mitsubishi Electric’s CC-Link IE Field industrial Ethernet network improves the overall equipment effectiveness of the i-Series machine through its fast network speed, and has also reduced wiring and installation time. Leveraging the quality of Mitsubishi Electric hardware, the i-Series Thermoformer ships with a comprehensive 2 million cycle warranty.

See the VC999 i-Series thermoformer on YouTube here

Go to 999 Automation for more Mitsubishi Electric PLCs and automation systems