Control center

control

The Control Center is the data hub for the forming line. It collects and interprets the data from the smart sensors, the forming and inspection machines.

With this data available, the door is open for applications running on the Control Center that monitor the condition of the forming process, the inspection results, and the machines’ status, and advise the operator to remedy deviations as effectively as possible. The Control Center is the foundation for these applications.

Overview about the status of the process

This enables the operator to remotely access the screens of the Bucher Emhart Glass forming and inspection machines. 

Advice on how defects can be remedied 

Based on a knowledge database of causes and remedies for defects, the operator is advised how to remedy the currently occurring defects. The system learns by taking into account the measurement data of the installed smart sensors and the user feedback about the effectiveness of certain remedies. Herewith, the prediction of the cause and the effective remedy becomes more and more reliable. 

Monitor the condition of machines and processes and advise when actions are needed

All the measurement data from different sensors is gathered and stored at one location and the applications consolidate and display this data in a convenient way. The operator has a quick overview of all relevant measurement data and is able to make data-based decisions. Servo motor temperatures of mechanisms are compared in time series plots, which helps to locate suspicious mechanism behavior. Additionally, based on the gathered data of servo mechanism motion and current profiles, the health state of a mechanism can be analyzed and warnings can be issued to the operator or Bucher Emhart Glass service.

Store production data to the individual container

With Bucher Emhart Glass traceability equipment installed, the production and inspection data of the current production run is stored to the individual containers. This helps to facilitate a fact-based discussion between glass producer and filler when recalls occur. 

There is much more potential

Having the individual production data available for each bottle increases the process knowledge and together with advanced statistical methods results in continuously improved applications as well as new applications to make the glassmakers’ life easier. Ultimately, automated process adjustments at the forming machine will become possible based on cold end inspection data.