A
German company that provides fixing systems, automotive
systems, and process consulting services worldwide, switched
sections of its packaging production over to the innovative ac-
tuator. By using approximately 50 actuators of the series described,
this company was able to reduce the set-up times of several produc-
tion lines from 45 minutes to under five minutes. In addition to the
low weight and small installation size, the customer was particularly
impressed by the connectivity and long-term reliability of the solution
and the flexibility gained in the production process. Incoming orders
can be dealt with quickly without having to stock the full range of
items. The actuators can be automated and lead to a dramatic reduc-
tion in set-up times in the areas of mechanical and plant engineering.
The decisive factor in industrial production processes is the num-
ber of units manufactured. Profitability increases rapidly, the longer
machines can run without operator intervention. However, with the
current market density, sufficient demand for mass production only
exists in certain areas. In many market segments, flexibility in pro-
Reduced
set-up
times thanks to
automated actuators
By MWassenberg, SIKO
A large innovations and solutions company finds a way to significantly reduce its production time.
VALVES + ACTUATORS
ducing small and medium lot sizes has
become a deciding competitive factor.
If you can offer attractive prices despite
the increased demands, you will usually
be rewarded with well-filled order books.
The key requirement for this flexibility
is the reduction of set-up times in the
production line. A significant increase in
efficiency can be realised by automating
the set-up processes with networked
actuators, the company - best known for
its ‘fischer anchors’ - operates several
production lines with automated actua-
tors from the company that the author
represents.
Prerequisites for switching to automated actuators
The Group has a diversified product range. There is a particularly wide
variety of packaging options that can be directly integrated into the
production processes. The ready-for-sale pallet can often be found
at the end of the production line. In order to meet the challenges of
this wide product range, the company develops specific production
equipment in its in-house specialised machinery division. The ma-
chinery required is designed, developed and manufactured in close
collaboration with the production divisions.
In 2007, the company established a project team with the aim of
achieving maximum flexibility in the area of packaging by automat-
ing the set-up processes. The ambitious goal was to make even the
smallest of orders economically viable and to further strengthen the
market position with the help of this newly created customer base. The
existing production lines were completely overhauled by the project
team. Overall, the degree of automation increased significantly. In
the area of packaging, set-up times were greatly reduced by using
The AG05 in operation.
Automated actuator.
Electricity+Control
July ‘14
38
