Controlling plastics extruders' heat and drives

A combined hardware and pre-configured software package provides more than just temperature and motor control for wide range of plastics extrusion applications.

Gefran's GF-Pack Extrusion hardware and software package automates individual small plastics extruders or large scale extrusion lines.

Preconfigured application software and a combination of standard Gefran automation elements match the system to indidual users' requirements.

Packages include the Digistar II industrial PC with choice of touch screen monitors, the Gilogik II PLC with remote digital and analog I/O modules, and GEFLEX temperature controls, counters and relay modules for the distributed control of temperature zones.

The preloaded GF-Pack Extrusion application software includes an intuitive HMI with a graphical interface and straightforward parameter based machine set-up for temperature zone regulation and motor control.

The automation architecture is based upon high speed GDNET deterministic networking from the Digistar II host to the GILOGIK II PLC and with a Modbus RTU network for GEFLEX temperature control components.

GF-Pack Extrusion is available in choice of three levels of packaged solutions to cover PID control of temperature zones, current, pressure and alarm control with full synchronisation of extruder speed, batching and cutting processes.

* For 'first time' users - the 'entry level' Extrulabo package is aimed at laboratory and small scale extruders.

For mid-range systems, the Extrucomp package includes increased batch and feed controls, additional filter, granule and centrifuge control plus auxiliary motors and water cutting.

For sophisticated tubular and profile extrusion solutions, the Extrupipe builds on theses features with typical functions for complete large scale extrusion lines.

Each application package offers a completely integrated and scalable solution with a number of standard and optional features to enhance the extrusion application.

These include the following.

* An intuitive graphical user interface to control temperature zones and motors.

* Management of recipes and optimal processing values (exportable via USB).

* Trends relative to temperatures and essential production values.

* Excel formatted reports and printouts.

* Pre-programmed auto start.

* Video camera via Ethernet (netcam) for remote visual monitoring of machine functions.

* Connection for tele-assistance via modem or via internet.

* PLC diagnostics.

* Unlimited language management and a whole host of other features.

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