FEATURE Packaging & Labelling
SICK’s Fill Level Monitoring keeps packaging machines topped up
A
digital service that gives instant visibility to fi lling levels in packaging machinery has been developed by SICK in collaboration with industry end-users. SICK Filling Level Monitoring avoids machine stoppages by giving real-time data to operators via smartwatch or phone, so that levels of carton blanks, adhesive or fi lm wraps, for example, stay topped up.
Instead of having to check each magazine
or fi lm roll level in person, machine operators monitor fi ll levels on their watch or phone and are alerted by SICK’s Filling Level Monitoring system before levels become critical. Machine downtime is avoided and staff walking routes can be planned effi ciently to ensure optimum production uptime. The SICK Filling Level Monitoring digital service can be used with any SICK smart level sensors. Its fi rst applications have been developed with packaging manufacturers and machine builders using SICK DT- 50 laser distance sensors to output level
measurements from carton magazines and fi lm rolls. The measurements are routed to a SICK SIM1012 edge gateway, which aggregates and forwards encrypted data via SICK’s LiveConnect digital interface, so that it can be easily accessed, managed, and processed online.
The SICK Filling Level Monitoring cloud- based dashboard provides easy-to-interpret graphical information about the real-time status of machines from any Internet-enabled device. Automatic push notifi cations on the fi ll levels can be set up for smart devices to alert with an acoustic signal and vibration. Meanwhile, production managers can monitor the fi ll levels of all machines across a packaging line, shift or entire production facility. Analysis of historic trends can be used to optimise production processes. While initially developed for cardboard and fi lm packaging materials, Filling Level
Fill levels displayed on smartwatch
Monitoring can also be adapted for liquids including adhesives, or granular raw materials. It is also possible to add customised services and analyses tailored to particular machinery or processes.
Up to six SICK sensors can be monitored by each SICK SIM1012 gateway, and more sensors, including third-party devices, may be added by connecting over OPC-UA. Sensors are also continuously monitored by the system in case one should go offl ine or need a replacement.
CONTACT:
SICK
www.sick.co.uk
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automationmagazine.co.uk Automation | July/August 2022 43
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