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Single controller governs vision; motion and logic

A tightly integrated controls package on this pressure-sensitive labeling system brings automation plus a 50% increase in throughput.

The CPU used in the PAC that controls the pressure-sensitive labeling system.
The CPU used in the PAC that controls the pressure-sensitive labeling system.

In custom-building a pressure-sensitive top-seal labeling system for canisters of powdered beverage mix, Innoventor Solutions came up with a way to use a single programmable Automation Controller (PAC) to tightly integrate motion, vision, and logic. The PAC is National Instruments’ PXI platform, an eight-slot chassis that includes National Instruments’ 8175 CPU.

This controls solution combines the functionality of a PC and the reliability of a PLC, says Sam Hammond, Innoventor chief engineer. And because the PAC is run by National Instrument’s LabView software, a single programming language is used for motion, vision, and logic. That reduces cost and makes fewer programming demands on personnel responsible for keeping the machine running.

The p-s top-seal label at the heart of this application is placed over the top of each canister’s press-fit closure. The label used to be applied manually, but this was too slow and ergonomically undesirable.

Videos from Universal Labeling Systems, Inc.
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