CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION | MACHINERY
Taking back control in plastics extrusion
Close control of ancillary systems such as feeding, conveying and weighing equipment helps to maintain more accurate extrusion production
Control systems that monitor and adjust the settings of core machinery – and ancillaries – are vital in the constant need to maintain product quality. Coperion K-Tron has introduced the latest
generation of its KCM feeder controller. The KCM-III has a variety of new features, includ-
ing a larger 5in LCD screen with improved user interface, context-sensitive help, stainless steel enclosure and built-in Ethernet capability. Ethernet capability makes it accessible via a feeder web page. The controller combines the motor drive and
control modules of a feeder and its ancillary components into one component and is generally mounted directly at the feeder – pre-wired and pre-tested at the factory. All motor setup, diagnos- tics, and operator interface functions are integrated into the KCM-III user interface. Each device includes a complete software package to support a variety of application types, both batch and continuous. A new, powerful CPU with extended memory allows for the storage of more log and event files, and the ability to trace and process data. Seven days of traceability are included as standard, but this can be extended as part of an optional software bundle. Improved control algorithms provide faster communication with the feeder drive, weighing system, and auxiliary equipment and result in more precise control of the system. When combined with the company’s SFT (Smart
Force Transducer) load cells, it can offer a weighing resolution of 8,000,000:1 in 20ms. This results in better short-term feeding accuracy as the controller reacts quickly to changes in the system, says the company. “The KCM-III is easier to use, and the expanded connectivity options give the user more options for controlling their process,” said Franz Neuner,
www.pipeandprofile.com
director of product management in the company’s equipment and systems division. “With this new technology we will be able to expand into future areas such as artificial intelligence and preventive maintenance, helping manufacturers make their processes more efficient.”
Extrusion control Maguire has developed an extrusion control system that helps wire and cable producers to reduce costs through more accurate weighing of materials. The Maguire + Syncro extrusion control system can be used in extrusion or co-extrusion opera- tions, in both new and retrofit installations. Using data from a digital post-extrusion encoder and tachometer, it adjusts extruder screw RPM and capstan speed to ensure tight coating tolerances and end-product consistency. In co-extrusion, ratio control provides accurate dimensions for multiple sheathing layers or identifying stripes. There are three basic components of the system: Maguire’s WXB Weigh Extrusion Blender; its 4088 controller – which controls the loading, blending, and metering of raw material to the extrusion process; and Syncro’s controller, which uses consumption data from the 4088 controller – and downstream encoders – to adjust line speed and haul-off. Modes of extrusion control available with the
Maguire + Syncro system include grammes per meter (or ounces per foot) of extruded product
January/February 2021 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 25
Main image: Maguire + Syncro extrusion control can help producers cut costs through more accurate material weighing
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