Complex manufacturing processes require intelligent systems. Depending on the particular procedure, these systems need to be able to work in complete synchronicity and communicate with one another in real time. Schmalz is proud to announce that our compact terminal SCTMi with an Ethernet interface for this very aim.
Similar to our SCTMi IO-Link interface, the SCTMi Ethernet is the first smart field device from Schmalz to feature an Ethernet interface. This enables it to talk via the Industrial Ethernet standards EtherCat, EtherNet/IP as well as ProfiNet, which are manufactured for high real-time performance and robustness. The compact terminal consists of up to 16 ejectors, which are supplied with compressed air and power via a main inlet. The eco nozzle technology enables energy-efficient vacuum generation,3. while the automatic air saving function reduces compressed air consumption by up to 80 percent. Each compact ejector has a suction rate of nearly 67 liters per minute and achieves a maximum vacuum of 85 percent. An integrated electronic sub-bus system controls the ejectors via a single cable and allows separate access to each individual ejector. This enables simultaneous and individual handling of different parts using only one vacuum system.
 
Designed for optimization
Bidirectional parameterization and diagnostics is possible in all conventional field-bus systems. This means that taped data can be viewed and used all the way up to the control level. The resulting functions for process and system monitoring prevent downtime: While condition monitoring increases system availability by providing thorough analyses of the system's condition and early detection of faults, predictive maintenance registers subtle changes in the gripping system. In the event of loss of performance, users can take prompt action or schedule a replacement in good time. The energy monitoring function oversees the vacuum system's energy consumption.
 
Regardless of the communication with the plant control system, data and parameters can also be transmitted directly via smartphone or tablet using NFC technology (near-field communication). The advantage of near-field technology lies in the secure communication via an energy-neutral point-to-point connection. Schmalz's ControlRoom app can be used both to read out data and parameterize devices.


This article is originally posted on Tronserve.com