WittLink brings it all home

The prospect of Internet-controlled plastics production management has moved even closer with the impending launch of WittLink, a Wittmann-developed system for monitoring automation and auxillary equipment via an array of embedded web servers.
Barry Hill, Wittmann UK managing director says that 'WittLink is really a collection of products and product options at the centre of which is web server software which communicates with equipment using two interfaces: For CNC6 6.2 robots we use the Euromap/SPI 63 Protocol and for other products we use embedded web servers.'

For many years machine manufacturers have offered modems as a way to provide communication for applications like plant wide monitoring. These have typically resulted in limited use, as the level of information often required highly technical or skilled personnel to interpret. The popularity of the internet and the development of hardware and software to support a wide variety of applications have resulted in the introduction of web enabled equipment.
Unlike a moulding machine for example with its powerful industrial hardened PC to control all its functions, most auxiliary equipment requires much less sophistication or control hardware and software. As a result, the basic design and construction of auxiliary equipment has not to date offered the capacity to communicate with other equipment, nor has it been necessary in the past.

The introduction of embedded web controls to auxiliary equipment via WittLink has increased both their importance and ability to be monitored as part of the entire process. Also, it delimits the number of pieces of equipment that can be added as part of the system since the internet is providing the communication channel.

Another advantage of web enabled auxiliary equipment is how it can improve troubleshooting. For example, "Error 01" may appear on a display but be meaningless to everyone but the most experienced operator. However, with the ability to hyperlink to the User Manual through the web the user can go to the manual to determine in simple language what the error message refers to and find possible solutions to the problem.
Embedded web servers duplicate and expand the information that is present on a device's standard interface - say, for a robot, dryer, granualtor or temperature controller, - and then represent this information on a network. The data is then organised and stored in an electronic library, and includes such features as teach programmes and general programme management. The equipment details that have been uploaded are then stored into virtual factories and cells that correspond to their actual deployment.

By this means robots, dryers, hopper loaders and many other pieces of equipment can be remotely programmed and monitored from any location in the world. Email Alerts can be established for each operating robot. An email can be automatically sent if an error is generated or if the equipment is no longer in Automatic mode, or for any other unplanned change.

WittLink also adds set-up storage and recall features to the company's temperature control products (Tempro Plus) and to its DryMax materials drying equipment.

An additional part of the WittLink sales appeal is that its WebOpen Module allows WittLink to connect to all kinds of plastics ancillary equipment from other suppliers. Web cameras in the production place also integrate into WittLink, thus allowing the user to view the production processes via webcams from any location in the world.

Wittmann is currently working on a series of new modifications to WittLink that will be ready in time for the K 2004 Plastics Exhibition in Dusseldorf Germany from October 20th - including OneTouch Workcell set-ups; interface improvements and connections to the M7 control systems for materials handling equipment.

Further details from Wittmann UK. Tel. 01933 275 777