Software from Anthon
Automatically to success
Industry 4.0 is the buzzword that characterises modern production processes in the digital age. Only with intelligent management and control IT can the challenges posed by advancing technology, mass production and international markets be managed. Achieving the best possible results under time and cost pressure is the motto – online production the goal.
To offer our customers high-performance solutions from a single source, we combine Anthon’s core competencies: heavy machinery and plant engineering as well as convincing software solutions. Only in interaction do valuable synergy effects arise that have a decisive influence on the success of our customers.
Operating systems via PC
Line control system
Line PCs control complete lines and are able to communicate with external systems such as a higher-level database/merchandise management solution.
Cutting, stacking and processing are coordinated via the line control system, as are the material flow and general production processes.
The software for the line and database PCs is completely developed in-house at Anthon so that we can offer a high degree of customisation.
Focus on network communication
Machine control
For the control of individual machines, we rely on PLCs, programmable logic controllers from Siemens or Allen Bradley, which in turn are interconnected as part of a network of servo controllers. This allows positionable axes to be operated highly dynamically, precisely and with very low cycle times.
For network communication, we use PROFIBUS, PROFINET and ETHERNET with TCP/IP. This is how line PC and PLC interact together.
The plant always in view
Visualisation
Keeping an eye on the entire plant? This is easily possible with our visualisation software. Using InTouch from Wonderware and SIMATIC WinCC from Siemens, we provide the machine operator with a clear screen view.
This means that the entire production can be monitored effortlessly in real time, and the status of the plant is also clearly visible, as our software contains functions for operating data acquisition as well as diagnostics.
If a problem occurs in the system, it is immediately displayed and valuable reaction time is gained.
Efficient cutting
Optimisation
In terms of efficiency, cutting in the panel processing industry is of great importance, which we meet with our optimisation programme.
From automatic shearing machines to fully and partially automated saws, this creates cutting plans and already includes numerous tools in the standard version:
- Interface to the storage system
- Strip cutting
- Facilitated quotation calculation
- Evaluation of different working practices and cutting machines
- Trade-off between cutting speed and waste