The EREMA recycling machines in the Intarema series have considerable spatial dimensions. The LIT Factory operates an Intarema plastic recycling machine of approx. 20 m in length.

The systems can, however, be considerably larger and several stories high. Until now, the recycling systems have been operated by a centrally arranged static control panel. In order to adjust the settings and optimize the start-up of non-centrally located plant sections, one must always proceed to the central operating panel.

The Intarema machine in the LIT Factory has now also been equipped with a wireless mobile panel from SIGMATEK.

This has the advantage that commissioning and program settings can be made directly on the relevant machine section with a view to the process. The wireless handheld control unit HGW 1033 has a 10.1 “capacitive multi-touch display with approval button, key switch and active, illuminated emergency stop.

The base station BWH 001 of the HGW 1033 is attached centrally below the machine control panel. The BWH 001 serves as a docking / charging station and as a WLAN access point for the wireless control unit.

In order to couple the HGW 1033 with the base station, a blink code must be confirmed on the control unit, which is generated by the tower light of the base station. This ensures that the operator is within sight of the base station during the safety-related coupling.

Successful coupling is signaled by the emergency stop button lighting up and the unique machine number being displayed. All essential screen pages of the central machine control panel are displayed on the wireless safety panel. This means that all functions and setting measures can be carried out at any position on the machine.

Should a safety-critical situation arise, the machine can be put into a safe state at any time and from any position using the integrated EMERGENCY STOP.

The HGW 1033 communicates with the base station BWH 001 via two redundant WLAN connections (2.4 / 5 GHz).

Communication with the Siemens machine control takes place via the standardized OPC UA protocol. The handheld control unit is battery-supported and can be used wirelessly for a good 2 hours in continuous operation. Several base stations can be used in systems with extremely large dimensions. This concept offers the great advantage that when the system is enlarged, the relative costs for the operating system decrease proportionally.

Please contact  DI (FH) Bernd Hildebrandt - Sigmatek, opens an external URL in a new window for more information.