Schneider Electric, global specialist in energy management and automation, is showcasing its smart machine setups for packaging at Pack Expo 2017. Schneider Electric’s smart machine setups are built on its IIoT-enabled open and interoperable EcoStruxure system architecture and platform, which delivers “Innovation At Every Level” as the manufacturer touts  — from connected products to edge control to applications, analytics, and services.

• Enhances controller-to-controller communication and OPC Unified Architecture via Sercos
• SoMachine with new functions brings smart engineering to the forefront
• Lexium 62 ILD servo drives form basis for the most flexible drive systems on the market

Using open technology platforms, Schneider Electric helps original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and machine builders create smarter, future-proof machines that are safe, connected, efficient and reliable. To improve profitability, speed and agility, Schneider Electric continues to make strong advances in its PacDrive 3 technology … which unifies PLC, motion and robotics control functionality on a single hardware platform. A centralized architecture makes PacDrive 3 the market-leading setup for controlling a broad range of servo-driven production and packaging machines, as well as material handling equipment and robotics.

“Today, PacDrive 3 controls more than 80,000 machines across the world, reinforcing stronger time to market and maximum reliability,” said Ashish Patwardhan, Packaging and Material Handling Segment Marketing Manager, Schneider Electric. “Customers today need their machines to be smarter and better connected. PacDrive 3 makes that a reality by integratingsynchronized multi axis motion, PLC functionality and robotic control on a single hardware platform. PacDrive 3 brings machine control and motion control together to help the customers reduce complexities and improve efficiency.”

Enhancing controller-to-controller communication and OPC UA via Sercos

With controller-to-controller communication (C2C), a master controller within a Sercos network can communicate at the production line level with up to 20 slave-controllers, in parallel to Sercos communication at the field level to improve operational communication. This introduces deterministic real-time communication at the level of the production line, meaning PacDrive 3 synchronizes with up to 130 servo axes and can run up to 2,600 axes fully synchronized.

In addition, C2C provides a communication channel for “standard” non-real-time communication, which is used for OPC UA communication on the same Sercos cable. OPC UA delivers benefits to automation like data browsing and encrypted communication, and is accepted by multiple automation and IT vendors, qualifying OPC UA as a standard for vertical integration. By combining C2C and OPC UA on the PacDrive 3 controllers, the basis for machine-to-machine communication is set.

Innovative motion setups and robotics optimize packaging

With the new Lexium 62 ILD integrated servo drives, the PacDrive 3 automation setup reinforces its market leadership. The Lexium 62 ILD triple and single drive units are detached servo drives in a solidly built housing, suited for installation directly at the machine frame. They fit within the network setup for Lexium 62 ILM integrated servo drives, and enable the use of Schneider Electric’s standard servo motors — another substantial step forward for cabinet-less automation — making all types of packaging machines smarter and more compact. Additional functionalities include:

• Plug-and-play technology with pre-assembled hybrid cables
• Up to 90% less wiring time; up to 70% less cabling
• Up to 90% less wiring and cabling requirements in the control cabinet
• Automatic network configuration; diagnostic functions

The Lexium 62 ILD is fully software compatible with the Lexium 52 standalone servo drives, as well as with all drives and integrated drives in the Lexium 62 multi-axis servo system. Together, they form the basis for one of the most flexible servo drive setups available on the market.

SoMachine with new functions brings smart engineering to a new level

PacDrive 3 brings the tool chain known for common programming environments into the automation world. Simulation, semantic code analysis, automated test and subversion support the application life cycle management in a modular machine design. With the latest version, SoMachine V4.4, PacDrive 3 offers an integrated dependency viewer that enables analysis of the dependencies between machine modules. If a machine has an infeed conveyor, for example, the developer can easily identify all other machine parts relying on this conveyor. In addition, code conventions can be defined, helping software development teams to enforce the same coding style independent of individual developers.

SoMachine can now generate several metrics describing the complexity of the code, allowing users to identify weaknesses in the application and easily address them. Lastly, SoMachine – ETest, the integrated test automation tool, is improved with parameterized tests so more opportunities to define the tests can be carried out.

Expanded robotics options is enabled by fully integrated robots

On PacDrive’s robotics side, Delta 2 robots (PacDrive T3 and T5), and Delta 3 robots (P2, P4, and P6), gives Schneider Electric a comprehensive range of stainless steel kinematics with different work spaces and for different product weights. Additional highlights include:

• The fifth axis on Tool Center Point provides new° of freedom for Delta 3 kinematics
• Faster commissioning with Smart Template

PacDrive, Lexium, and SoMachine are all part of EcoStruxure Machine, the company’s machine-centric automation architecture that enables machine builders to design safe, better connected, more flexible, and more efficient machines through advanced digital technologies and open standards. For complete information on these offers, please visit http://www.schneider-electric.com/b2b/en/campaign/innovation/industries.jsp.

For more information on PacDrive 3 and Schneider Electric’s work with smart machines, please visit booth S-6167 at Pack Expo.