Product category:
Dispensing, filling and weighing systems
News Release from: Applied Weighing International | Subject: 920i HMI/controller
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 20 June 2006
Controller offers more functionality
than a PLC
With the ability to display, monitor and control temperature, pressure and moisture, a controller combines PLC functionality with on-line programmability and ability to operate on computer networks.
Much more than just a basic weight indicator, the 920i HMI/controller offers a number of advantages over Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) now in use across many automated industries Available from Applied Weighing, the UK's leading manufacturer of load cells and supplier of industrial weighing systems, the 920i performs most of the functions carried out by traditional PLCs but at a much faster rate and at a fraction of the cost
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 11 Nov 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Weighing system operates in hazardous area
Weighing systems were designed to operate in a zone 1 hazardous area as components of filled resin handled include styrene and methyl methacrylate - and which have a low flash point.
Clean room weighing assemblies are easy to install
Weighing assemblies for vessel and tank weighing, that are suitable for use under clean room and hazardous area applications, have been designed for ease of installation.
With the ability to display, monitor and control temperature, pressure and moisture, the 920i combines the functionality of a traditional PLC with an on-line programmability and the ability to operate on standard computer networks.
PLCs excel at turning outputs on or off based on the state of inputs and can compress a great deal of data, but are built with proprietary, closed hardware architecture that imposes networking limitations and makes them difficult to modify.
For applications requiring high speed response, the 920i has clear advantages.
Further reading
Versatile checkweigher sorts and classifies
A high-speed dynamic check weigher can be combined with lead on/lead off conveyors, bar coders and metal detection equipment to give a fully automated check weighing package.
Precise, reliable and safe weighing offered
A range of weighing assemblies offer precise, reliable and safe weighing in harsh environments and the assembly can be fixed in place before the load cell is fitted.
Weight indicator is programmable
A programmable weight indicator offers a competitive edge - with its intuitive user interface it will provide solutions that optimise weighing processes.
The recent introduction of analog cards enables it to perform the same functions as a PLC, while the integrated RAM and storage memory exceeds those of a full-size PLC by 10 times.
With this processing ability, the 920i can make the decision to turn on or turn off an output the instant the target weight is reached.
PLCs, operating on a program cycle, can only respond to the weighing decision when various internal 'housework' operations, including decision-making, math function and memory movement, have been completed.
In a manufacturing environment where speed of operating process is critical, any delay may result in a loss of efficiency that will impact on the bottom line.
The 920i weigh controller from Applied Weighing is an excellent point solution and a dedicated and fully programmable task controller that can easily be modified on the production line.
Capable of controlling up to 32 weighing systems, it is the ideal dedicated task controller.
However, combining the 920i with a PLC can offer a very effective hybrid solution where a single point solution is not sufficient for a particular operation.
An open architected instrument, the 920i can communicate with any PLC.
When the two are linked, the processing cycle within the 920i decides when to turn on or turn off an output, write to the display and send data to the required communication ports.
The PLC performs the major housework supporting the process and sends the target value and start command to the 920i, creating a unique hybrid weighing solution.
* About Applied Weighing - established in 1990, Applied Weighing is the UK's leading manufacturer of load cells and supplier of industrial weighing systems.
Providing a comprehensive range of weighing solutions, systems are custom built to meet individual customer requirements.
Products include silo and vessel weighing systems, platform scales, drum filling systems, high speed weighing systems, telemetry systems and load cells.
Applied Weighing products are used across a wide range of industry sectors including food processing, milling and bakeries, aggregates and cement, fuel oils, chemicals and plastics.
An ISO 9001:2000 registered company, Applied Weighing is certified for the manufacture of ATEX compliant products.
• Applied Weighing International: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
