Partner Focus
SICK’s fill level monitoring keeps packaging machines topped up
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digital service that gives instant visibility to filling 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 film wraps, for example, stay topped up. Instead of having to check each magazine or film roll level in person, machine operators monitor fill levels on their device 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 efficiently to ensure optimum production uptime. The SICK filling level monitoring digital service can be used with any SICK smart level sensors. Its first 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 film 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 notifications on the fill levels can be set up for smart devices to alert with an acoustic signal and vibration. Meanwhile, production managers can monitor the fill levels of all machines across a packaging line, shift or entire production facility. Analysis of historic trends can be used to optimise production processes. Neil Sandhu, SICK’s UK product manager for imaging, measurement and ranging, said: “SICK worked closely with leading packaging end-users and machine builders in Europe to develop a cost- effective and easy-to-implement system. “By using the smart watch alerts, our customers found that fewer operators were needed to keep cartoning machines replenished, so staff could be deployed more efficiently to other duties. What’s more, the system brought unexpected benefits to overall production control. For example, the loads on packaging machinery lines could be monitored to identify over- or under- capacity.”
While initially developed for cardboard and film packaging materials, filling level 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 offline or need a replacement.
The solution can be extended to meet the needs of customers on request, e.g. to customise and display additional data on the dashboard. Integration to third party ERP and MES software systems is also possible.
Xwww.sick.co.uk
Konica Minolta unveils AccurioLabel 400 press targeting mid- and high-end markets
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onica Minolta has today announced a new label press, the AccurioLabel 400, as it accelerates its presence in label, packaging, and embellishment markets. Already European market leader in digital label presses with 28% market share in 2021[1], first details have been revealed for the machine that will target mid to high volume label converters and provide affordable top-quality digital printing.
The first public showing of the AccurioLabel 400 took place today at Konica Minolta’s European Labels & Packaging Exhibition in Madrid. The official sales start is planned for Q1 in 2023.
The Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 400 will also be fully upgradeable for AccurioLabel 230 customers who are expanding their own business in the growing markets of label production and packaging. Important new developments include the ability to expand applications with white toner, improved productivity with superfast print speeds of up to 39.9 metres per minute, and further running
cost reductions thanks to even more durable parts life, as well as enhanced print quality. It is available in 4- and 5-colour options. Konica Minolta’s Intelligent Quality Care and the IQ-520 will increase usability and automation with the AccurioLabel 400, hence your label production will benefit from higher levels of control. Intelligent Quality Care enables real time control of white toner opacity, colour stability control, as well as automatic calibration, density adjustments and profile creation. With a main scan capability at 1200 dpi (equivalent to 3600 dpi), the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 400 single-pass toner production press prints on paper widths up to 330mm or 250mm.
Multiple touch panel monitors in three different areas of the label press enable intuitive operation and is easy to use for operators, eliminating the need for extensive user training.
Tasks that were time-consuming on analogue machines can be performed quickly and accurately in delivering stable printing quality.
This year, Konica Minolta has celebrated a 1000th installation shipment for its highly successful AccurioLabel 230 toner digital printing press – less than seven years since entering the labels market.
Xwww.konicaminolta.co.uk
www.convertermag.com
June 2022
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