CONTROL | MACHINERY
Controlling and monitoring plastics extrusion equipment – from simple interfacing to sophisticated tracking – helps to drive ongoing improvements in production
In control: maintaining the extrusion process
Control functions on extrusion machinery can have a wide variety of purposes – ranging from oversight of production to sophisticated data- gathering that helps to improve ongoing process- ing operations. Riverdale Global has updated the controller on its RGS Riverdale Gravimetric System. A new operator friendly touchscreen interface gives quick access to process settings such as throughput, shot size, let down ratio, and weight per gallon. Current settings/recipes can easily be saved, reducing any input error. The system automatically adjusts to screw recovery time and extruder output and can automatically re-calibrate to new colour – so no additional setup is required. Onscreen runtime graphical performance report- ing allows real-time information for precise metering rates. The new controller now comes with an optional
barcode scanner or RFID reader for automatically reading process settings to avoid operator mis- keyed input. A USB port allows data download, data printout and software update capability.
www.pipeandprofile.com Riverdale will run a live demo at NPE in June.
Staying on track At NPE this year, Maguire Products will introduce its Tracker monitoring and reporting software, which is designed specifically for plastics. Tracker is a cutting-edge, web-based equipment
and software solution that gives customers com- prehensive monitoring and control for all Maguire WSB blenders, MGF feeders, Ultra dryers, and FlexBus conveying systems.
With high accessibility – via any internet browser – it can ensure real-time insights and secure data transmission for downloading data into a third- party database for reporting and analytics. This enables integration with ERP or other software systems for higher operational efficiency. “Tracker represents a significant advancement in
process optimisation, quality control and cost management for our customers,” said Frank Kavanagh, vice president of sales and marketing at Maguire. “It provides invaluable support for ISO reporting, material validation including post-con-
Spring 2024 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 21
Main image: Riverdale’s gravimetric system now has an opera- tor-friendly touchscreen interface
IMAGE: RIVERDALE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
