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  • THE PROFESSIONAL FOR AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY

    Automation technology

    Painting systems and their work steps are continuously optimised and increasingly digitised. Increasing automation and, in particular, digital optimisation has the advantage that the systems can be monitored remotely and in real time via various devices, such as tablets and smartphones, and can therefore be continuously developed further. This is also done with the help of so-called dashboards.

    AFOTEK’s automation solutions ensure that the optimisation of painting systems and associated processes begins before commissioning using a digital twin and real-time 3D simulation.

    Dashboards (IoT platform) and digital documentation using Traverse represent standard solutions for AFOTEK to accurately record and document process data.

    State-of-the-art and intelligent system solutions from AFOTEK guarantee process automation and that painting system operators can remain on schedule and save many resources as possible. In addition to transparent processes and digital documentation, robotic painting systems and loading and unloading handling robots ensure cutting-edge system technology in accordance with the Industry 4.0 standard. Interfaces to upstream and downstream ERP and/or MES systems round off the innovative control concept.

    AFOTEK Dashboard – Visualisation and live monitoring of relevant process data

    The Dashboard displays the status of the systems and associated process data graphically and in real time.

    The innovative tool enables those responsible for the system to check the live status of painting systems from any device. Relevant process data is collected by an IoT gateway and visualised on the AFOTEK Dashboard.

    The IoT gateway is integrated into the customer's IT infrastructure and provides the Dashboard as a web service. This offers the advantage that it can be used regardless of location. The network segmentation between the on-site IT infrastructure and the system network ensures IT security and secure data transmission.

    The Dashboard with the painting system data can be displayed on any browser-enabled device (computer, smartphone, tablet or smart TV), independent of platform.

    The visualisation of further process data and evaluations can be implemented upon customer request. Subsequent expansion to include third-party systems is possible at any time, so that the production data of the entire plant can be displayed digitally.

    AFOTEK Paint – Virtual process optimisation of painting systems using real-time simulation in 3D

    The Dashboard displays the status of the systems and associated process data graphically and in real time.

    The innovative tool enables those responsible for the system to check the live status of painting systems from any device. Relevant process data is collected by an IoT gateway and visualised on the AFOTEK Dashboard.

    The IoT gateway is integrated into the customer's IT infrastructure and provides the Dashboard as a web service. This offers the advantage that it can be used regardless of location. The network segmentation between the on-site IT infrastructure and the system network ensures IT security and secure data transmission.

    The Dashboard with the painting system data can be displayed on any browser-enabled device (computer, smartphone, tablet or smart TV), independent of platform.

    The visualisation of further process data and evaluations can be implemented upon customer request. Subsequent expansion to include third-party systems is possible at any time, so that the production data of the entire plant can be displayed digitally.

    AFOTEK Paint – Virtual process optimisation of painting systems using real-time simulation in 3D

    AFOTEK Paint is a tool tailored to the needs of system operators, enabling simulation of material flow at different depths (modules).

    The real-time 3D simulation detects weak points at an early stage, optimises system flow and thus contributes to even more efficient process automation. Different system and process scenarios in the paining system shop are considered and continuously optimised. Optionally, various upstream and downstream processes in the plant, such as upstream assembly lines, can be integrated into the simulation. This gives the system operator the opportunity to digitally determine and optimise both the material flow and the output for either the painting system or the entire plant before production begins.

    AFOTEK Paint Module – Our solution for automating entire processes

    The AFOTEK Real-Time Simulation module enables virtual simulation and optimisation of the system. This means that different scenarios can be simulated, tested and optimised virtually before the system is implemented. Bottlenecks and system throughput are identified and optimised during the planning phase.

    In addition, the AFOTEK Plant Planning module offers the possibility of integrating the entire plant, including all upstream and downstream processes, such as assembly lines or high-bay warehouses, into the simulation. In this way, what-if scenarios and best-practice solutions can be derived that allow optimisation not only of painting system processes, but of the entire plant itself.

    Both modules can be expanded to include the AFOTEK Energy module. As part of the simulation, electricity and gas costs of the painting system are determined continuously, so that heat losses, energy consumption and thus the operating costs of the system can be examined in detail within the framework of different scenarios and the system design can therefore be optimised.

    Digital solutions with the latest Siemens S7 technology

    As a partner for turnkey painting systems, AFOTEK offers holistic solutions for complete electrical system equipment.

    In most cases, AFOTEK control technology relies on automation solutions from Siemens. The individual control concept tailored to the needs of our customers usually consists of automation and visualisation systems from the SIMATIC series. Complete functional operation and observation of the system is delivered via the visualisation system.

    The programming itself is carried out by qualified in-house employees, so that we can guarantee optimal support for our customers even after the system has been commissioned. As standard, control programming in the modern SIMATIC TIA portal is carried out in ladder diagram (LAD) or in function diagram (FBD), if necessary also in structured text (SCL), statement list (STL) or sequencer programming (GRAPH, SFC).

    The collection and provision of energy, process and quality data as well as a connection to higher-level systems such as PLS, MES or ERP round off the modern control concept. This is done by analysing the necessary processes early in the project and documenting the necessary interfaces to provide the basis for implementation.

    SPECIALISATIONS
    AT A GLANCE

    Automation and digital solutions

    Ultra-modern and intelligent system solutions ensure that painting system operators can work profitably. In addition to transparent processes and digital documentation, robotic painting systems and handling robots ensure cutting-edge system technology in accordance with the Industry 4.0 standard. Interfaces to upstream and downstream ERP and/or MES systems round off the innovative control concept.

    Robotics
    Dashboard
    Real-time simulation in 3D/material flow
    Automation technology
    (MES, ERP solutions etc.)

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