Plus in efficiency and safety

Increased efficiency and safety: Omron's new M1 frequency converter improves tile manufacturing processes

How can industrial and manufacturing processes be accelerated to improve efficiency and safety? Gruppo Romani, a market-leading Italian manufacturer of porcelain stoneware tiles, started to answer this question with the outdated press feeding system. By modernising this solution, the porcelain and ceramic experts were able to transform and improve their production.

The solution was implemented by Bluengineering, an Omron system integrator, and had to meet the group's strict safety requirements. Omron's M1 frequency converter is used. The system integration of this technology based on EtherCAT provides a more flexible and efficient machine design, saves space and allows configuration using Sysmac Studio.

Press feeding systems are widely used in ceramics and tile production, for example in the manufacture of porcelain stoneware tiles. The smooth and reliable functioning of such a solution determines a consistent supply of raw materials (such as clay or other ceramic materials) to the press machine.

More modern, efficient and safe processes were high on Gruppo Romani's list of requirements when it came to renewing this system. At the same time, the company's maintenance team wanted a solution that would help with diagnostics and fault detection. Bluengineering and Gruppo Romani chose the M1 Inverter in the selection process.

The M1 Inverter stands out for its ability to integrate both hardware and EtherCAT-based Safe Torque Off (STO) functionality. This innovation ensures fast, flexible and adaptable development of safe applications. In addition, the native EtherCAT fieldbus is seamlessly integrated into the Sysmac development environment, enabling shorter commissioning times and the provision of fast and pragmatic diagnostic tools.

Gruppo Romani thus benefits from an application that not only increases safety standards but also minimises production downtime. The integration of the M1 inverter into the tile manufacturing process demonstrates how a sophisticated press feeding system can facilitate the precise supply of material to the press, improving the efficiency and quality of manufacturing operations.
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