The packaging industry relies heavily on pneumatics to package many products that we use every day, like shampoo bottles, cereal boxes, egg cartons, and cheese containers. The reliable machine technology is cost-effective, and the OEM community continues to seek out experts in the field to add intelligence to their devices.
Pneumatics can tie in with an overall automation system to provide comprehensive, actionable performance data that can improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
The Packaging Technology Today article, 5 Ways to Improve Packaging Machinery With Smart Pneumatics, lists five ways to add IoT-enabled pneumatics solutions that are being used to help companies with digital transformation.
Smart pneumatics are scalable, whether it’s a new machine or legacy equipment that needs a retrofit.
When companies integrate smart pneumatic components on a machine, they gain a helicopter view of all key performance indicators (KPIs.) This ensures optimal performance on the production line.
Pneumatic components are also relatively simple to diagnose and fix compared to complex components found on a modern packaging line. Pneumatics can tie in with an overall automation system to provide comprehensive, actionable performance data that can improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Five key considerations Chris covers are:
- Integrate pneumatics into the automation system
- Compressed air consumption and leak detection
- Device life cycle management
- Actuator velocities, mechanical cushioning wear and vibration monitoring
- Operator adaption parameter changes
Ultimately, the goal to is offer more efficient preventive maintenance and energy savings. Read the article for more details on how to improve machinery with smart pneumatics.
You can also visit the Packaging section on Emerson.com for more details on how digital transformation can optimize packaging operations.
