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“If packaging machines could talk, PackML would be their language.” — Lucian Fogoros, co-founder of IIoT-World.
Most packaging lines are Franken lines. They consist of a dozen or more machines, most of them from different manufacturers, and sometimes from different countries. Each car is good in itself. Getting them to work together was not easy.
The Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC) was formed in 1994 out of General Motors’ Open Modular Architecture Controls. The goal is to develop a standardized control architecture that will allow machines to communicate more reliably.
Packaging Machine Language (PackML) is one of them. PackML is a system that standardizes how machines communicate and how we see machines. Designed specifically for packaging, it is also suitable for other types of production equipment.
Anyone who has attended a packaging trade show such as Pack Expo knows how diverse the packaging industry is. Machine builders carefully guard their proprietary operating code and don’t like to share it. PackML addresses this issue by largely ignoring it. PackML defines 17 machine “states” that apply to all machines (see diagram above). The state passed through the “tag” is all that other machines need to know.
Machines can change state for external and internal reasons. The capper in the “working” state works fine. If the downstream shutdown causes a product backup, the sensor will send a label that “holds” the capping machine before it jams. The capper requires no action and will automatically restart when the shutdown condition disappears.
If the capper jams (internal stop), it will “stop” (stop). This can give advice and trigger alerts for upstream and downstream machines. After removing the blockage, the capper is restarted manually.
Cappers have multiple sections such as infeed, unload, cartridges, etc. Each of these parts can be controlled through the PackML environment. This allows greater modularity of the machine, which simplifies design, manufacturing, operation and maintenance.
Another feature of PackML is the standardized definition and taxonomy of machine components. This simplifies the writing of operation and maintenance manuals and makes them easier for plant personnel to understand and use.
It is not uncommon for two packaging machines to have slight differences even if they are of the same design. PackML helps to minimize these differences. This improved commonality reduces the number of spare parts and simplifies maintenance.
We are fascinated by the ability to connect any computer or laptop to any printer, keyboard, camera or other device by simply plugging it in. We call it “plug and play”.
PackML brings plug and play to the packaging world. In addition to operational benefits, there are several strategic business benefits:
• Primarily speed to market. Packers can no longer wait six months or more to put new products into production. Now they need machines for their competitors to beat them in the market. PackML allows packaging machine manufacturers to add brains to their systems and reduce lead times. PackML simplifies the installation and integration of packaging lines in your plant and speeds up production speed.
A further strategic advantage occurs when a product fails 60-70% of the time. Instead of being stuck with a dedicated production line that can’t be reused, PackML helps you repurpose equipment for the next new product.
The PackML Implementation Guide at www.omac.org/packml is a great source for more information.
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Post time: Jun-27-2023