Vacuum control system (VCS) enables early detection of vacuum problems
The VCS vacuum control system is an inexpensive reject system from futronic that enables manufacturing problems occurring at individual sections during the vacuum process to be detected at an early stage. It reduces the number of faulty glass containers and significantly improves the quality of both the products themselves and the production process. The VCS can optionally be integrated into IS machines or retrofitted to existing equipment. It can also be supplied in a standalone version.
User expectations regarding container glass quality are extremely high. However, quality also has to be controlled. The principle is basically the same every time: sensors identify faulty containers automatically and reliably, and those containers are then accurately removed by the reject unit. However, there are umpteen possible defects which can develop during the glassmaking process. futronic’s ASDR-III reject system, for example, identifies any containers which are broken, have fallen over, are too close together or have stuck together along with cullet or fragments and removes them from the conveyor belt with compressed air. Containers which are smaller or larger than a specified, freely selectable diameter or which exceed any other tolerance limits are likewise rejected.
Vacuum errors
The VCS vacuum control system is a new and inexpensive reject system from futronic that enables manufacturing problems occurring at individual sections during the vacuum process to be detected at an early stage. Overpressed blow mould seams – referred to as bird swing or bird cage – caused by glass chips between the mould halves as well as leaks in the vacuum process are just two examples here. The sensors of the VCS measure the vacuum that is applied to each job and compare the value with a setpoint which is individually defined for each section. If a discrepancy is determined, the reject unit immediately removes the faulty glass container and an alarm appears prompting the operator to identify and clear the problem. The VCS makes a significant contribution to reducing the error rate – and to improving the quality of both the products themselves and the production process.
Standalone version allows seamless integration
The VCS is available as an option for all IS machines equipped with futronic’s proven FMT24S machine control system. It can furthermore be retrofitted to any existing equipment featuring an FMT24S control system. The VCS is implemented as a seamless add-on for the FMT24S’s OT software. futronic can also supply the VCS in a standalone version with a separate interface for integration into the control infrastructure of other manufacturers.
