Nutek Corporation in Singapore replaced the traditional PLC control technology with a new system that was easier to use, more flexible in visualization technology, more capable of network connectivity and capable of remote maintenance.

Since 1989, Nutek has been competing with powerful domestic and international companies to systematically develop and manufacture printed circuit board (PCB) processing for the electronics industry. But now the company is facing a dilemma in the interior.

In the process of developing a labeler prototype for PCB production, Nutek decided to use a controller from Beckhoff Automation. The bar code labeling machine is part of the PCB production line system. The system also includes feeders, unloaders, inspection devices, connecting conveyors, storage buffers, vertical buffers, lateral movement equipment, rotary conveyors and other system components. Traditional programmable controllers (PLCs) have reached capacity limits because more precise product tracking and batch monitoring are now required.

In order to correct the existing problems, Nutek adopted a new control concept that enabled the company to achieve this highly demanding goal: to properly label each PCB at a high speed and to use appropriate product tracking and batch monitoring devices. .

Obviously, a flexible bar code labeling system requires a computer control system that can simultaneously support PLC and digital controller (NC) functions. The programming language is simple, because Japanese PLC manufacturers in South Asia dominate the market, and the Ladder Diagram (LD) programming language is a necessary condition there. Control solutions from Beckhoff can meet all these requirements, so Nutek started using Beckhoff's products. This effort was supported by TDS Technology, Beckhoff's exclusive agent in Singapore.

For Nutek, the key to this product selection is the integration of PLC and motion control in a set of components, as well as a standard development environment and flexible data interface based on IEC 61131-3. Moreover, the use of Beckhoff's TwinCAT ADS interface enables bar code labeling software and computer control systems to communicate. This interface is a public TCP/IP-based protocol used for software components like human-machine interface (HMI) and PLC. It can be used both for communication within a single computer and between one computer and another. Communication occasions. The interface can be installed on networks such as Ethernet, DeviceNet, and Profibus for data collection, programming, and configuration.

Barcode labeler control solutions are based on Beckhoff industrial computers, TwinCAT, and communication via the Lightbus system with the Beckhoff bus terminal.

The industrial computer is a 19-inch Pentium III machine and a 15-inch LCD monitor is used as an operator panel. The system has 24 digital inputs, 24 digital outputs and three servo drives, which are connected to the control system via a bus connector.

Nutek has replaced traditional PLC control technology with bar code printers with a new system that is more user-friendly, more flexible in visualization technology, stronger in network connectivity, and with remote maintenance options.

Nutek pastes the labels through three actual axes: the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. TwinCAT's serial communication library is used for communication between barcode printers and computer controls. The label is affixed to the PCB board at a rate of 4 labels per 12 seconds. The flexible system can accept different bar code printers. If a bar code label needs to be replaced, the user can also complete it on the same computer.

Although ladder diagram programming is a de facto standard in Southeast Asia, Nutek's engineers have mastered the development language of barcode labelers. Use structured text, block diagrams, and functional sequence diagrams in development. Nutek's technicians prefer to use a programming language based on the IEC 61131-3 standard. The visualization system was developed using Visual Basic.

For Nutek, the optional simple remote maintenance feature is an advantage. Data protocols, statistical analysis, and intranet integration can be implemented within a single system. There is no limit to the speed of the software. Optimization of the mechanical and drive systems will further improve system performance.