TECHNOLOGY | SMART FUNCTIONS
functionality to optimise existing processes. The majority of injection moulding machines still use a feedback mechanism external to the drive unit to give positional or pressure feedback. Through Fanuc’s 60 years of experience in CNC control, the feedback is constantly monitored and fed back to the CNC controller, via high-speed connections. What’s more, there is a huge amount of
Above: The Fanuc Roboshot α-S450iA injection moulding machine
machine to breakdown. Fanuc systems can predict if a failure is likely to take place, allowing the problem part to be changed in a controlled manner which minimises downtime. This moves away from a fire-fighting approach of battling to repair equipment breakdown, which in turn will further increase utilisation rates.” Armstrong points out that while machine suppliers are always looking for enhancements and new technological advancements, the injection moulding machine has remained largely un- changed since the 1950s. “While there have been advancements in accuracy, and efficiency, the design remains very similar to what it was several decades ago,” he adds. “What has allowed injection moulding to improve as a process is the accuracy and control levels employed by the injection moulding machine manufacturers; whether that is improvements in digital servo hydraulic control, proportional valve control technology or the modern day all-electric technology. However, the control system and feedback mechanism has an ever-increasing role to play in improving process capability and the future development of artificial intelligence and smart functionality.” He says: “The only way to take advantage of the
new processes and performance is to have faster and better drives. This means utilising CNC controls and the latest drives – both of which Fanuc is a leader in – but most importantly using smart
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data generated by the latest injection moulding machines, and the only thing that can react in real time to that data is another computer – a person is simply not fast enough. To get the maximum out of a machine, you have to allow the machine to do what it thinks is best. This is where the value of a CNC-controlled system lies, as it can provide faster feedback and more efficient monitoring compared to an industrial-based PC system.” However, there is a further challenge in knowing
what to do with all the data that is collected. He says the drive towards total connectivity of equip- ment through Industry 4.0 initiatives will inevitably lead to more smart functionality and AI functions. Machines of the future will have the capability to monitor part quality and adjust process control as a standard feature. Smart functions come as standard with the Fanuc
Roboshot all-electric injection moulding machine, which means there is no need to retrofit smart systems. “However, there is the potential develop- ment of new software functionality, as well as third-party equipment such as sensors that could complement the production process,” says Arm- strong. “Rather than looking at how smart function- ality can be retrofitted, there needs to be a collec- tive acknowledgement that it already exists, and we just have to dig deeper in order to fully utilise it. Capturing this data and analysing it is also key to making the correct decisions within the production environment. Ultimately, this is still something the
IMAGE: FANUC
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