Mitsubishi Electric recently showed a tubular bag machine to demonstrate how using its expert software tools for packaging machine expertise based on its iQ Automation platform gets them to market faster.

Predefined and certified function blocks

The system uses a series of predefined function blocks for packaging machines offering faster setup of control systems and HMIs. These function blocks have been proven through application and are certified in accordance with international standards such as PLC Open Motion and PackML. When used in conjunction with the integrated development tools from the iQ Platform, they ensure faster time to market for packaging machine builders.

Customer machine solutions

Having already proved itself many times in practice, the application shows how different packaging processes can be easily realised using Mitsubishi Electric’s iQ Platform. Customised machine solutions can be implemented with ease by choosing from the wide range of integrated PLC, motion, HMI and servo systems on offer. Besides the iQ Platform, the tubular bag machine includes a PLC, a motion controller, servomotors, and GOT2000 HMI from Mitsubishi Electric, for example.

Integrated development software

The iQ Platform comes with the iQ Works integrated development software package that enables different components to be parametrised very easily and quickly. It also comes with preconfigured program modules which can help to considerably reduce the development times for packaging systems. They are suitable for small machines up to complete production lines and are stored in a standard library. In addition, the function blocks ensure reduced maintenance costs during operation.

Heiko Weichert, Application Engineering at Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V., explains further: “Mitsubishi Electric control systems have open interfaces for packaging applications such as the Weihenstephan protocol and PackML. These enable different packaging machines and/or lines to communicate with each other very easily. They also support plug-and-play connections to higher-level MES and ERP systems. That means that production planning and quality assurance can be integrated in the control process, enabling productivity, reliability and cost control to be improved as a result while maintaining complete data consistency.”

Based on the actual requirements in each case, additional components such as vision or RFID sensors can be added to the packaging machine. In order to achieve this, Mitsubishi Electric works closely with its partners from the e-F@ctory Alliance who are proven experts in their own specialist fields. The aim is to develop the best possible solution by working together.

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