Getecha at the K 2019: Shredding technology goes Industry 4.0
This year's trade fair appearance by plant manufacturer Getecha at K 2019 will focus on equipping its production-integrated shredding systems with intelligent Industry 4.0 functions.
11 October 2019
Getecha is now equipping its complex shredding systems with integrated feeders, grippers and exhaust air systems in particular with a variety of Industry 4.0 functions (here the shredding of large polypropylene sheets). (Image: Getecha)
As soon as granulators are to be integrated into the automated processes of plastics processing, planners and automation specialists also focus on their integration into information and communication technology. Getecha GmbH, based in Aschaffenburg, is therefore increasingly equipping the larger central granulators in its RotoSchneider series in particular with intelligent Industry 4.0 functions.
Many automotive suppliers do it, numerous packaging manufacturers do it and some component manufacturers do it too: the Process integration of the shredding technology in injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding and thermoforming lines is making great strides. The granulator manufacturer Getecha therefore began equipping its hopper and feed granulators in the RotoCutter series with intelligent information and communication functions in line with Industry 4.0 criteria at an early stage.
Burkhard Vogel, Getecha
„The Industry 4.0 features are becoming increasingly important, especially when we integrate our large central or auxiliary granulators into the automated plastics processing processes via conveyor belts, tilting devices, filling stations and other peripheral systems. They not only serve the constant System optimisation, but also support the Quality assurance, enable improved monitoring and increase the availability of the entire production line,“ explains Managing Director Burkhard Vogel.
Record, transmit, analyse
The numerous Industry 4.0 features and functions with which the plant manufacturer equips its size reduction solutions - i.e. the grinder plus feed and discharge peripherals - always depend on the specific requirements of a project and the customer's objectives. Many things are possible. As the company makes use of many of the latest Sensor and interface technology and also uses a range of established fieldbus systems, all important process and machine data can be tapped, documented, processed and visualised.
Display
For example, all statuses, actions and error events can be recorded and assigned via the signal exchange between the grinder and the production line. Based on this Critical situations with defined warning levels are reported at an early stage to the higher-level production control system, which then triggers the appropriate countermeasures and corrective actions.
In addition, there is the option of all production-relevant Performance parameters and material key figures - This includes recording, archiving and transmitting data such as the throughput achieved or the quality of the regrind to the plastics processor's PDA or MDA systems for further evaluation. This also applies to running times, energy consumption, performance peaks achieved and many other parameters.
All system messages can also be communicated to the master computer and archived here for the purpose of analysis and documentation. „All of this creates Maximum transparency about the performance of an automated system,“ emphasises Burkhard Vogel.
The sound-insulated RS 30090-E feed grinder is predestined for use in thermoforming production. It can be seen in operation at K 2019 in Hall 3. (Image: Getecha)
Visualise, prevent, wait
A large proportion of the data material processed via the signal exchange between the production line and the shredding plant also forms the basis for other Industry 4.0 functions that enable predictive monitoring and therefore increase plant availability. The recorded information can be processed for preventive, predictive maintenance, for example, and then called up via Getecha's remote maintenance tool.
For this purpose, the granulators can be networked and integrated into the customer's MRO infrastructure (Maintenance, Repair, Operations). In addition, the knowledge gained in this way flows into the troubleshooting catalogue of the integrated „manual“ of the RotoSchneider mills, which can be visualised by the production machine's control system.
Digitisation is presented
Whether it is scraps from the extrusion of thick polypropylene sheets, faulty parts from the thermoforming of wafer-thin coffee capsules or edge trims from film production: the equipment of the production-integrated Shredding systems with intelligent Industry 4.0 functions is now a popular topic everywhere. Getecha is therefore making it a focal point of this year's K trade fair in Düsseldorf.
Individuality is the standard: The company also provides information on the many ways in which its RotoSchneider granulators can be customised by selecting rotors, drives, hoppers and many other components. It will also provide insights into its wide range of services relating to conveying and material flow technology, exhaust air and dedusting technology, packaging technology and control technology.
