Machine data acquisition
The machine data collection , in short, MDE , describes the interface between machines of the production technology and information processing . The data from the MDE can flow directly into the machine control system as parameters and can also be used as a data source for operating data acquisition for further purposes, e.g. B. for statistical process control (SPC) and for planning and controlling production orders .
Definition / classification
Machine data are basically all information that occurs on an industrial machine. There are two basic types: the process data and the product data. Process data comprise the information necessary for the operation of the machine and directly generated by the operation. These are primarily the control data, but also information about power consumption, etc. Product data are measured on the processing units and provide valuable information about the production process in connection with the operation of a system. With regard to the quality of a production, data such as number of pieces, weight, thickness or temperature are essential.
The machine data acquisition therefore deals with the question of generating and passing on this machine or production-related ACTUAL data. This is in contrast to order data, which specify a TARGET status that is exclusively tailored to the end product.
Some essential machine data:
- Production quantity
- Number of parts or good parts (if the machine is equipped with an automatic measuring device)
- workload
- Running time (e.g. running times of main spindle and feed axes)
- Availability and Reliability
- Machine condition
- power consumption
The goals of machine data acquisition include:
- Analysis of manufacturing processes
- Optimization of machine running times
- Evaluation of machine downtimes
- Reporting of machine malfunctions via SMS or email
- Provision of data for the continuous improvement process
method
Ideally, the data are transferred online directly from the machine control (e.g. via the OPC architecture ) or digitally stored in a data logger . This automated data processing requires a microcontroller in the machine control or as a separate unit with connected sensors. Modern processing systems are usually already processor-controlled using extensive information. The data can then be transferred directly to an ERP , APS or MES system via appropriate industrial interfaces and software tools . These use the messages received directly to e.g. B. display the current status of production online and ensure the traceability of the products. Only the combination of the MDE data with such a system enables high-quality planning and control of production. With the help of this information, set-up times and throughput times can be reduced. At the same time, you can reduce the inventory of semi-finished parts in production. This has a direct impact on the capital tied up in the company and makes a significant contribution to improving the adherence to deadlines in production.
Alternatively, machine data can also be recorded directly on the machine or manually using control-independent sensors.
The whole range of analog and digital measurement technology is used to record the values . Optical measuring methods are essential to collect processing-oriented information.
The use of machine data can be seen as an essential factor for quality assurance and performance improvement in production and thus the competitiveness of a company. The key figure here is u. a. the OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness OEE).
Web links
Footnotes
- ↑ Monika Zwettler: "Systems are used effectively with transparent process times", in: Maschinenmarkt 45/2009, p. 42
swell
- MDEfox: What is MDE?
- Monika Zwettler: "With transparent process times, plants are used effectively", in: Maschinenmarkt 45/2009, p. 42