OPC UA Protocol: all about it and the benefits for your business
The OPC UA protocol is an important evolution in the field of industrial automation and communication among devices. In this article we are going to introduce its features, advantages and practical applications in Vismec machines.
OPC UA protocol: characteristics
The acronym OPC UA stands for Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture and indicates a standard created to manage the continuous flow of information among non-homogeneous devices. In particular, the OPC UA protocol is one of the main systems for ensuring data interoperability in advanced industrial automation, the so-called Industry 4.0.
Thanks to this protocol, industrial machinery dialogues with the management system of manufacturing companies, enabling the automated organisation and management of production processes and making work easier and faster.
The rules and technical specifications encoded in OPC UA allow the different components of automated systems to communicate with each other, without requiring the development of customised codes to handle complex situations.
Thus, devices and applications from different manufacturers can share data regardless of the platform or programming language they use. This simplifies the integration of new devices and the upgrade of existing systems, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Everything is done through an intuitive and user-friendly human-machine interface according to the principles of Industry 4.0.
Benefits for automation
The OPC UA standard is used in many sectors, from classic manufacturing industries to advanced industrial automation and medical sectors. As we said, it has been created to ensure interoperability between devices and control systems by providing a standardised communication protocol.
Among the advantages of the OPC UA protocol:
- advanced security, that is OPC UA provides robust security features to protect data shared between devices. In particular, it uses end-to-end encryption, certificate-based authentication and digital signature mechanisms to ensure integrity and privacy. This is particularly important in industrial automation, where data protection and access control are crucial to avoid security breaches.
- scalability and flexibility, which means that OPC UA is highly scalable and can be used in networks of any size, from small local installations to large infrastructures spread across multiple sites. In addition, it is suitable for different industries and for use on multiple devices: PCs, servers, mobile technologies and even embedded devices.
- advanced data management, that is OPC UA has powerful tools for managing data. Its functionalities allow, for example, real-time publishing, historical storage, alarm information and past malfunctions storage.
- open standards, that means that OPC UA is a protocol based on open source standards. This allows it to be integrated with systems such as SCADA, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and others, enabling an uninterrupted flow of information among the different levels of automation.
The OPC UA protocol also allows production monitoring and analysis. Thus, in addition to the benefits in terms of automation, user friendliness, increased productivity and time reduction, companies also have access to useful, up-to-date information for making decisions and optimising operations.
Given these characteristics and the benefits it offers companies, Vismec decided to integrate the OPC UA standard in all its machines.
Applications of the OPC UA standard in Vismec machines
The integration of the OPC UA standard in Vismec machines is carried out through a plug and play system. This means that operator intervention during initial operation is very minimal: there is no need for detailed knowledge of the hardware or manual installation.
As we have seen, the protocol allows the production system to be controlled and supervised from a single control point. From the management system, whoever controls production (or a phase of the production process) inputs an order to the system, which the machines execute automatically.
Through OPC UA protocols, it is possible to:
- activate the machines involved in the different processes, as conveying, volumetric and gravimetric dosing, drying, grinding and storage;
- set the correct parameters, such as temperature, dew point, flow rate, load and others;
- obtain data on production efficiency in order to better organise it.
An example? Vismec FW 50, a control system that manages up to 48 conveying stations per empty line with a possible emergency reserve system.
All components are connected internally via VisiBus protocol and externally via the universal OPC UA interface. The FW50 control also has an user-friendly display and provides for connection to the Vismec 4.0 supervisory system.
Would you like to discover the advantages of the OPC UA protocol integrated in Vismec products and understand how to apply it to your company’s production and management system? Contact us: we are at your disposal.
Plastic granules: how to obtain them, what they are used for, Vismec solutions for granulation
Plastic granules are one of the key materials for plastic goods production. But how are they produced, which sectors are they used in, and what solutions does Vismec offer for granulation? Let’s talk about it in this article.
What are plastic granules?
Plastic granules are an essential raw material for plastic manufacturers. They are very small granules, similar to grains of rice, used for the production of plastic objects such as bottles, food industry packaging, electronic product components and many others.
They are generally made from natural or synthetic polymers and, once available, are used by companies according to production needs and the type of objects or components to be manufactured.
They offer a greater efficiency and flexibility than raw resins. In addition, they avoid waste, as material that has already been moulded but not used can be recycled and reused to produce new granules.
However, plastic granules also offer other advantages. Let’s see them all.
- Wet granulation: the starting plastic material is immersed in a special liquid and then passed through a granulator, forming the plastic granules.
- Dry granulation: plastic powder particles are subjected to high pressure. As a result of the pressure, these materials aggregate to form granules.
- Melt granulation: the process involves kneading powders or other plastic materials with specific substances. Once created, the mixture becomes the material from which the granules are made.
- Granulation by grinding: in this case, a mechanical grinding system is used to reduce the solid material into granules of the desired size. This process also allows plastic waste from production processes to be reduced into granules.
Thus, the last of the systems we introduced also offers the advantage of being sustainable, since it allows re-use of waste material.
Vismec operates as a reseller of machinery that acts by shredding plastic waste. In fact, our company offers plastic processing companies granulators designed for in-line recovery of sprues.
In this way, waste can be reused in the production cycle, reducing the environmental impact of operations.
Plastic granules: areas of use and applications
Having seen what plastic granules are and how they are produced, let us now look at some of their main applications.
Plastic granules are widely used in various industries, including the automotive, technology products, medical, bioplastics, electrical engineering and beverage sectors.
- In the automotive industry, plastics are used for their wear, impact and extreme weather conditions resistance. Thus, plastic granules are used for the production of interior and exterior car parts: bumpers, dashboards, seats, airbag parts and many other components.
- They also find various uses in the technology sector. Electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers and cameras feature various plastic elements, which provide strength, lightness and flexibility.
- The medical sector is another important target market. Plastic is a material that, if properly processed and with the right composition, meets specific requirements for sterility, safety and durability. As a result, plastic granules are used to produce, for example, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments and diagnostic equipment.
- In the field of bioplastics, different types of plastic granules are used, made from natural raw materials such as cellulose, sucrose and starch. These materials are used in the production of various goods, from bags to food packaging: all products whose basic materials help to reduce the environmental impact of plastic products.
- The electro-technical industry uses granules mainly for the production of electrical and electronic components such as cables, connectors, covers and switches. Plastics are perfect for these applications. Since they have insulating properties, can withstand high temperatures and resist the aggression of chemicals.
- Finally, the beverage sector uses plastic granules for the production of plastic bottles, caps and rings suitable for containing and preserving beverages without altering their properties.
So, for companies in the plastic material processing sector, the granulation process is crucial.
For this reason, Vismec offers its customers efficient and sustainable inline granulation and sprue recovery machines in cooperation with specialised partners.
Our granulating systems are efficient, easy to clean and maintain, and can be tailored to your company’s needs.
If you want to know more, contact us!
Road to K-Trade Show 2022
Vismec is preparing for a new edition of K 2022.
An unmissable event for Vismec that announces its participation.
We will be present with many news from 19 to 26 October 2022 in Düsseldorf, STAND 11 HALL G36!
Summer Holidays 2022
Vismec will be closed for summer holidays from 6 to 21 August 2022.
The offices will resume their normal activity on August 22nd.
Effective solutions for advanced logistics management in Vismec
Vismec aims to identify possible solutions for advanced logistics management by inserting new industrialization models in order to optimize business flow and reduce waste, to make the company able to compete in a complex and difficult market situation such as the current one.
MECSPE 2022 – Bologna Fiere
See you at MECSPE 2022 (Bologna Fiere, 9-11 June) Hall 36 Stand E59! We are there! We will introduce you to our products and all the news of this year!
To learn more, come and visit our stand! We are waiting for you!
Winter break 2021
During the period from December 24th to January 9th our office will be closed for winter holidays.
MECSPE 2021 – Bologna Fiere
Vismec announces its participation in MECSPE 2021 (Bologna Fiere, 23-25 November) Hall 36 Stand E60!
After this long period of stop, we are ready to start again!
Mecspe 2021 will not only be an opportunity to present Vismec products, but above all the return to direct contact with the customer!
Vismec will present Vistouch, a revolution in the world of Vismec dryers: a bright and immediate touchscreen panel that allows the control of Drywell and Dryplus dryer series in a precise and intuitive way.
You’ll find the Vismec pneumatic conveying systems, characterized by solid and functional Vacuum Units and Receivers made completely of stainless steel and pyrex with adjustable elements for maximum installation flexibility.
Always moving towards a precision technical moulding, we’ll introduce the innovative dedusting system for the moulding of transparent or medical products in the range from 40 Kg/h to 300 Kg/h of dedusted material.
Among the news of Mecspe 2021, the new Ratio and Line Cleaning Valves, with an essential and completely revolutionized design with very high efficiency and the continuous weigh-loss gravimetric and volumetric dosing systems.
To learn more, come and visit our stand! We are waiting for you!
Vismec presents Vistouch
Vismec is proud to present VisTouch: the simple and intuitive system to control Vismec wheel dryers series DW (DryWell) and DP (DryPlus).
Finally, the drying data all at a glance!
Learn more about VisTouch here.
MECSPE 2020 – Exhibition cancelled
We’re sorry to inform that Mecspe 2020 has been cancelled due to the new Government Decree.
K Bullettin 2019
It is K time again and we are proud to present our products and some important news at this K 2019 edition.
K-MESSE 2019
K Show is coming…come to discover the difference!
DÜSSELDORF 16 – 23 OCTOBER 2019
HALL 11 STAND F32
Vismec awarded by Banca Intesa Sanpaolo impresa vincente
VISMEC awarded by Banca Intesa Sanpaolo Impresa Vincente. Advanced strategic skills in terms of internationalization, innovation, enhancement of the skills and talents of its human capital. These are the key words to represent the excellence in the Intesa Sanpaolo’s “Imprese Vincenti” Program. It’s precisely for that reason that Vismec won the 2019 Business Award in the Industry and Services category.Make difference, make always the best. Focus on human capital. Innovation, global view.Vismec takes shape: IMPRESA VINCENTE BANCA INTESA SANPAOLO 2019
MECSPE 2019
Come to discover us for the first time at Mecspe Show!
We are waiting for you!
HALL 6 STAND C 13
