Controls and Positioning Systems
Source: Baker Technology Associates
Unique, highly flexible, production-scheduling computer control system
- Control systems are available in either PC-DOS, UNIX, or Windows NT based format.
- Advanced Real-Time Simulation/Verification, allows for "modular" design and verification of layout(s) based on present and future capacities. Insures that adequate space will be provided for (capacity and final finish changes).
- Line may be designed for future possibilities without need to invest presently in additional tanks, hoists, etc.
- Required equipment can often be added at later date with unutilized parts of line "activated" without additional programming or cost.
- Supports extensive parts database information providing all data needed for optimized scheduling, inventory control, precise amperage calculation.
- Concurrent processing of varied recipes and wide range of plating times with "mixed" optimizing or "free" dynamic schdeduling algorithms.
- Operator friendly, mixed system optimizes work without buffer or queue stations, advising line throughput in advance.
- No need to "over-plate" work as is common with single dwell time, fixed cycle. By plating for only the time required, line can be freed up for work requiring longer amounts of time, with no capacity loss.
- Ability to deal with "odd-lot" quantities by processing up to 4 different part numbers on a workbar. The computer calculates the aggregate amperage of the parts and sets the power supply(s) automatically.
- Designation of "compatibility" between work and system, i.e. to insure work requiring panel plating can visit only tanks with sufficiently sized power supplies.
- Chemical "adds" can be automatically performed based on ampere-hours, total surface area processed, or some other parameter.
- Extensive fault diagnostics-maintenance- (More than hoist, rectifiers etc.,)
- User-interactive text for multi-shift, multi-person maintenance staff
- Maintenance prompts for equipment servicing, chemical dumps, etc.
- Modem support for software and diagnostic evaluation.
- Rapid station "lock out" if required for service or defective equipment
- Traceability- the following report generation is included at a minimum:
- Machine status-location of hoist(s), next workbar destination.
- Work in process-A list of all customer part numbers currently in-line and all information relating to their present status
- Shift report-List of all part numbers processed during shift (including numbers of pieces), any out-of-specification parameter that occurred and at what time. Daily report is a consolidation of shift reports.
- Event report-
- Time stamp and data on bars processed and numbers of parts
- Time stamp and type of fault that occurred
- Time when fault is acknowledged, corrected and by whom.
Baker Technology Associates, 710 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 610, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Tel: 310-458-1752; Fax: 310-458-1065.