measurement precision case study

Precision 2D Measurement

Vertech develops a software solution to help a manufacturing client read, store and analyze measurement data faster than ever.
Challenge When measuring the thickness and density of manufactured products, it’s critical to have the right software to collect data quickly and efficiently.
Solution

Vertech’s software solution helped yield .0001% measurement accuracy, handled 100ms of measurement rates per encoder and up to 5500 data points measured per test.

CLIENT The client manufactures unique, light-weight structural components for the aerospace industry and similar applications.
Requirements

The new solution needed to analyze materials at the beginning of manufacturing process; read, store, and analyze measurement data quickly; transfer data from five linear encoders at high speeds; and store all data on a self-owned server.  

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The client was looking for a way to increase their product’s quality and reduce waste by analyzing their materials at the beginning of their manufacturing process. Using a Siemen’s ET 200SP PLC they developed a machine that could measure the thickness and density of their products, but they couldn’t read, store and analyze their data quickly enough due to the software limitations. The client asked Vertech to develop a software package that could transfer data from 5 linear encoders at high-speeds, perform analytics & calculations with that data, and store all their data on their server for historical trends and future analysis.

PROJECT STATS

.0001% Measurement Accuracy
100MS Measurement Rates Per Encoder
5500 Up to 5500 Data Points Measured Per Test

TECHNOLOGY USED

  • ET 200SP
  • IPC277E 9”
  • WinCC RT Advanced
  • WinCC Open Architecture
  • Linear Encoders with accuracy of 0.001”

RESULTS

Vertech developed a software solution using Siemens’ WinCC Open Architecture. WinCC Open Architecture provided the flexibility and power to transfer data at high speeds due to the event-based actions, complete analytics and calculations for the product’s test, and store all the data on to the client servers. Another benefit of WinCC Open Architecture is the software’s object-oriented features for data points. This allows scalable software for multiple machines as the client expands their facility.

Previously the client was using nine points of data to determine the thickness and linearity of their product. Although this information was helpful, it was not 100% effective in detecting failures. With the new system, the client is now able to read up to 5500 points of data per test, perform calculations faster, and store all data for future analytics. Overall, the client reduced manufacturing cost, increased product quality and invested in a system that can be easily expanded in the future.

INS-image-3-e1551206371399

Ready to take control?

The control freaks at Vertech love a good challenge, and we’re ready to get to work. Drop us a line!

GET STARTED