The Model W-18 vertical form/fill/seal pouch machine from Winpak Ltd. is a high-output system for producing pouches of single-serve condiments in sizes ranging from 5 g to 3 oz. The servo-driven machine is capable of production rates to 1,500 packages/min. Until recently, the machine’s controller and touch screen were one integrated unit. Winpak Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Griffin explains why this is no longer the case as new machines come off the production line.
“Some time after Windows XP was phased out and we had to rethink our operating system anyway, we looked for more powerful and distributed controls, something where the computer was not part of the actual touch screen. What we discovered was the Beckhoff C6925 Industrial PC with embedded Windows 7. If edits to either motion control software or HMI developmental software are needed, our guys simply plug in a keyboard and mouse to the USB port on the front panel of the controller. It’s much more efficient than having them editing, debugging, and making changes on their laptop and then transferring those changes to the machine. Also, after the customer completes the FAT, if any additional edits are required we again do these online right at the machine. The other thing we can do is access the machine remotely and troubleshoot from our office no matter where in the world the machine is operating.”
