Top six trends shaping the packaging industry today
Automation has been a game-changer in the packaging industry thanks to its significant impact on the efficiency, speed, and accuracy of the packaging process.
As packaging companies adopt these...
You are currently viewing the Omron's NX-I/O Helped Cut Costs by 30% page.
The customer was a leading provider of research and development services for engineering and life sciences companies, and it was seeking a cost-effective solution for its remote I/O that would incorporate cutting-edge automation technologies. Most importantly, the customer needed to reduce hardware costs and installation time.
Making the solution as economical as possible was key. Without a decrease in hardware and labor costs, it would be difficult for the customer to convince investors to support a transition from the initial prototype to Gen 1 and Gen 2 production. In particular, the system’s temperature control needed improvement to make the reactor run more efficiently.
The company initially wanted to implement a solution using DeviceNet. Omron found that it would be more effective to introduce EtherCAT technology using NX-I/O. Part of the powerful Sysmac solution, NX-I/O is the premier I/O system for Omron’s NX and NJ controller families.
Omron gave preference to EtherCAT over DeviceNet because the latter is a slower CAN-based protocol designed for sensors and it uses screw-type connections that can be difficult to install and maintain. EtherCAT, an Ethernet-based control protocol with RJ45 connectivity, is easier to implement in large part because customers can leverage their understanding of Ethernet.
The original solution used technologies from a different supplier, so significant changes were needed. Although it was too late to convert from the original supplier responsible for prototype production, Omron secured the remote I/O and began to actively work on transitioning the R&D company to a full Sysmac solution.
Omron and the customer developed a complete plug-and-play solution involving an NX-Series I/O System on each machine with integrated EtherCAT, which significantly improved machine performance and temperature control while cutting costs by 30%. The project was completed within the four-month time frame.
Automation has been a game-changer in the packaging industry thanks to its significant impact on the efficiency, speed, and accuracy of the packaging process.
As packaging companies adopt these...
Manufacturing companies range from small to large, but even the smallest ones employ a variety of people with different roles, and therefore different concerns. Granted, everyone’s ultimate goal is to...
Many applications in the life sciences, food and commodity, and other industries require small-form-factor smart cameras to be embedded within a machine. Understandably, OEMs with such needs are looki...
Blow molding is an essential process within the packaging industry that is used to create hollow plastic parts like plastic bottles. After raw plastic is heated, it gets turned into a parison, which i...