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Home > MacroLetter > 5.3 - Autumn 1999
MacroLetter 5.3 - Autumn 1999
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Contents:
Advanced Supervisory and Control Systems Key to Processing Success
Computer-based supervisory and control systems have been used for years to operate polymers proceeding lines. Most advanced systems offered these days include the ability to store and manage 1,000s of recipes, provide production reporting and printouts. Most systems also offer remote diagnostics and reporting via e-mail to reduce servicing costs.
SUPERCOM is a computer based supervisory and control system developed by Macro Engineering & Technology Inc. to make it easier to operate polymer processing lines such as blown and cast film. There are two SUPERCOM systems available- Series 5000 and Series 9000. Both systems permit remote diagnostics and reporting via e-mail.
In the more advanced SUPERCOM 9000 system, all line parameters are grouped in one display for easy access to all relevant information, allowing operators to quickly load, view, edit, save or delete set points. Parameter values present on the line are easily visualized in real time as it is running. Set points can be individually edited for one component or collectively for the whole system.
SUPERCOM 9000 gives operators the ability to save preset or actual operating parameters as recipes for future use. This feature takes the guesswork out of running repeat orders. Line commands and parameters are fully display and integrated on touch screens. All screens in the SUPERCOM 9000 system are customized to exactly represent your particular system.
Critical parameters for all line machinery and devices such as extruders, dies, nips, bubble cages, web treating units, winders and inspection devices can be supervised and/or controlled. Some of the critical parameters that can be displayed and controlled with SUPERCOM 9000 include melt and zone temperatures, melt pressures, motor loads, motor speeds and web tensions.
Commands allow direct control of machine movements such as starting and stopping of extruders, winders and treating units, opening and closing of bubble cages and nips, raising and lowering of elevating mechanisms etc.
What’s the bottom line?
A supervisory and control system such as the SUPERCOM 9000 gives your operators the freedom to focus on quality and productivity, things that your customers and your business will appreciate.
Remote Diagnostics
As mentioned earlier, both the SUPERCOM- Series 5000 and Series 9000 permit remote diagnostics and reporting via e-mail. In fact, most machines manufactured by Macro Engineering include a computer or PLC/microprocessor for remote diagnostics. The computer dials through a modem. To reduce long-distance costs, an ISDN or Internet connection via TCP/IP network can be used.
The remote computer can access and run programs locally, transfer files, and communicate to all devices connected to or associated with the host or network PC. Whether it’s a software or hardware issue, performing diagnostics or adjusting settings, the task can easily be done by accessing the host computer. Down-loading or uploading programs and data monitoring are also straightforward processes.
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