Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 6

Where can you find someone who understands the data you need and how to display, capture and store it forever? First of all let’s ask “WHAT IS A SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR?” A systems integrator is someone who can: • Display data on HMI and computer screens • Capture data in different formats for storage, and later dissemination • Trends, pressures, temperature, flow and any other deviations that occur in the casting cell. • Other analog input • Track downtimes, maintenance, runtime hours, and waste • Represent the real world on a screen Secondly, how does System Integration really work? They use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to monitor, control and capture data. This includes: digital inputs and outputs (ac or dc) – limit switches, push buttons, disconnects, pressure switches, lights, horns, solenoids, and motor-starters. Analog inputs and outputs (ma or volts) – thermocouples, pressure transmitters, flow sensors, vfd rpm, speed, amperage, voltages, valve position, counters, timers, totalizers, math computing capabilities, along with special control algorithms like pid. (closed loop control). each plc communicates on a network, usually ethernet, which connects to an HMI (human machine interface), computers (running SCADA software)and other PLCS We use software to program each of the PLCs and HMIs. We monitor and control the process, monitor the network, and share/ store the data. Below is an example of ethernet network layout - PLCs communicating with HMIs, drives, power monitor, and Spang SCR. Green, yellow and red backgrounds indicate status of the network, connected through ethernet switches. SYSTEMS INTEGRATION DAVID WHITE National Sales Manager THE SCHAEFER GROUP ARTICLE TAKEAWAYS: 1. Control your process from your desktop 2. Monitor all aspects of your casting process 3. Never make an out of spec part again 4 WHYYOUNEEDA SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR