October 10th, 2006

FAKUMA 2006 (Friedrichshafen) - A coded coupling station for the secure distribution of material is almost a standard nowadays for any central drying and material handling system. WITTMANN has introduced to the market a new and even more user friendly coupling station with contact free coding via RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

Based on an ever increasing number of plastic materials to be processed and the required flexibility in the production environment, more and more coded coupling stations are used in factories to prevent resin selection errors. For WITTMANN, such central distribution systems are monitored and coordinated through their M7.2 network control system. This avoids the conveying of material to the wrong processing machine because of an erroneous user connection.

The M7.2 network control system gives the user precise instructions on how to connect the couplings with immediate electrical verification and therefore avoidance of common user mistakes. A further big advantage of the M7.2 network control system from a comfort as well as from an economical aspect is the pump management on systems with multiple pump stations. Different vacuum systems can simultaneously access the same distribution line on the coupling station without mutual interference. The control takes over the assignment of priorities for the access to the distribution line and thus, the conveying of the same material across different vacuum lines. The economical advantage of multiple pump management results from a significantly smaller coupling station and lower cost to the user.

The coding is accomplished via RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) where the signal exchange occurs between the RFID reader and the tags containing the uniform identifier. This allows contact free monitoring of the material connection between the material consumer (e.g. molding machine) and the material source to ensure it has been correctly established. A further advantage of this configuration is complete robustness from static charges which are common with material loading processes and can cause electrostatic interferences. Also, wear common to the frequent changes of connections on electro-mechanical components is a thing of the past.

Another plus resulting in lower installation costs at the customer’s site is that the wiring and the configuration of the coupling station can be completely prepared at WITTMANN because the lengths of all cables are predetermined.

Wittmann is a global manufacturer offering plastic processors worldwide a complete range of innovative automation technology and auxiliary equipment - from autonomous work cells to centrally managed and controlled system solutions. Products include sprue pickers, robots, end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT), degators, and complete automation work cells; fully integrated materials handling systems with dryers, blenders, vacuum loading systems, rail car unloaders, silos, central filters, vacuum receivers, tilt tables and surge hoppers. Wittmann also offers beside-the-press and central granulators and water products including flow and mold temperature controllers, portable and central chillers.

With its entire line of peripheral equipment, Wittmann can cover all the needs of plastic processors. And, their worldwide presence through subsidiaries allows Wittmann to offer superb local service and sales support.

Further details from Wittmann UK. Tel. 01933 275 777