TECHNOLOGY | GRANULATORS
Right: The Rapid Connect control system from Rapid Granulator can be used in conjunction with any brand of machinery
type of material feeding also allows the use of motors with lower kilowatt power, meaning lower electricity consumption.” Regarding increased profitability long-term, he
says: “Another quickly developing area is continued optimisation of the cutting geometry with the aim of increasing the lifespan of cutting tools.” Smart control systems have become a
key component in efficiency and energy conservation. The latest generation are compatible with standards for Industry 4.0, which now dominates the marketplace and is a vital consideration for customers. Schnitzer claims the benefits of Industry 4.0
are many and varied. “To begin with, it facilitates a simple and intuitive interface between man and machine, allowing the operator to manage the granulator using PLC (programmable logic controller). Remote maintenance and/or diagnos- tics or problem solving is made easier, and compliance with the latest safety parameters, health, and hygiene standards is automatic.” “Industry 4.0 is predisposed for connection to factory computer systems with remote loading of instructions and/or part programs and allows automated integration with the factory logistics system or with other machines in the production cycle,” Schnitzer continues. “Crucially, it also expedites continuous monitoring of working condition and process parameters through suitable sensor sets and adaptivity to process drifts.” For systems to be certified Industry 4.0 compli-
ant, they must be fully prepared for connection to SCADA factory information systems, MES or ERP with Ethernet connection and standard TCP/IP protocol OPC-UA, which facilitates the exchange of production data, including machine status, electri- cal absorption, batch management times, mainte- nance intervals, and alarms and/or signals. This
means that any weak spots or deficiencies can be quickly identified and remedied, making the entire operation more streamlined and effective. At the recent K2022 exhibition,Rapid Granulator
introduced its take on a new 4.0 solution for granulators and shredders designed specifically for live feed monitoring. The Rapid Connect control system, which can be used in conjunction with any brand of machinery, communicates on a stan- dalone platform based on long range technology, meaning that multiple machines can connect to one system providing a complete overview of the production set up.
“By connecting your unit with our Rapid Con- nect control, your team will get instant notification that something is not operating properly,” says Anders Martensson, Rapid Group Sales & Market- ing Director. “This will save time, resources, and money. When we develop something new, we turn to the customers to see what daily challenges they face and then work on solutions.” With Rapid Connect, users can not only see the
status of the individual unit, but more importantly use the data feed to calculate the power consump- tion, up time, and various other factors, to ensure they are running the most profitable production
Tria tries out shorter working week
Italian granulator company Tria is introducing a shorter working week for its employees while keeping their pay at the same level. Starting in January 2023, Tria employees will see their working hours cut from 40 to 36 hours per week for an experimental period of seven months. Like many companies, Tria had to
reduce working hours when the Covid pandemic hit Europe in early 2020.
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The result was that during the lockdown period, the company actually reported an improvement in productivity and an increase in revenue, it says. In addition, Tria designed new technologies and innovative machines which the company says were very well received when they were unveiled at K2022. In summer 2022, it decided to undertake a feasibility
INJECTION WORLD | January/February 2023
study into continuing the shorter working week. CEO Stefano Venturelli says: “We
emerged from the Covid-19 period stronger than before, and this new way of working has allowed us to devote more time to our interests and families while fulfilling our profes- sional duties and bringing objective improvements in terms of our company goals.”
www.injectionworld.com
IMAGE: RAPID GRANULATOR
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