This paper presents an automatic line for milling and packaging insulating panels of expanded polystyrene. The goal of the automatic line is complete automation, which means minimal intervention by machine operators. At the same time, it aims to increase production capacity achieved by the client's existing machines.
The paper first details client's requirements and the operation of the entire production line. Then, it describes the first part of the entire production, where milling of the insulating panels of expanded polystyrene takes place. Automation of this part of the machine is the central part of the paper. This is followed by a description of elements required for the automation of the machine, as its operation needs to be understood before program-writing. Then, the TIA Portal software environment and PNOZmulti Configurator are described, along with the pre-preparation of the program and main functions as well as the pre-preparation of the programming code for stepping operation and stepping tables. The outline of the programming code is followed by a description of the operation of the human-machine interface and the machine-testing process. Finally, the paper outlines the machine-testing process in a company and at the client's, along with problems that arose upon start-up.
The machine reached the capacity specified by the customer at start-up. It became obvious that carrying out extensive tests of the machine before commissioning at the client's site was crucial. This approach allows us to focus on improvements rather than dealing with the machine's startup issues.
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