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tna has now installed EtherCat into all non-standalone tna roflo HM 3 systems worldwide. Currently, the most extensive system of this type is located in France, where 21 servo axes for three production lines are controlled by just one computer. A single communication network can be used for several tna roflo HM 3 systems. The connection to the field level takes place via the EK1100 EtherCat Coupler. Digital inputs such as level sensors and all universal inputs are connected via standard input terminals. Air-operated doors, warning lamps, etc. are connected to the digital output terminals. The EK1122 branch terminals increase the topology options of the EtherCat network in the case of larger systems for which a star topology is suitable.
In the French installation, 21 tna roflo HM modules make up a distribution system that is tailored to the needs of the customer’s application. A single tna “switcheroo” or “lifteroo” feed line—a mechanism that separates, tilts and turns the tna roflo HM pans—is able to distribute three different products from the processing line to the waiting packaging machines. This innovative function changes the way in which processing lines are interconnected and enables the simultaneous movement of products in several directions on a single packaging line.
“Previously, we needed three conventional feed lines for this—with the corresponding costs and space requirements. With the EtherCat-based controller, the 21 servo axes distributed throughout the entire factory are controlled by just one powerful computer,” says Ball.
“Thanks to EtherCat we can build and test the tna roflo HM modules at our production site. All cables are located in the roflo HM modules; in addition, information is exchanged over the network so that no ‘spaghetti cabling’ is created and the system can be designed very simply,” he says, noting that EtherCat offered the foundation for real-time communication in the machine modules.
In addition, the sytems openness enabled the development of a tna-designed, proprietary EtherCat master that helped to shorten installation time thanks to a simple network structure and reduced cabling work.
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