Deliverables A user-friendly software for the new open control system Similar to the evolution of personal computers, our aim has been to develop a multi-level, architecture, modular system, with the objective of separating the hardware (injection-moulding) and the software (control) and permitting low-cost standard components (PLCs) to be used. This software was developed at all levels in accordance with the specified standards, which will permit the experimental evaluation of its worth. At the same time, we will offer the aforementioned software as a step in the development of new programmes by independent software companies that wish to take advantage of the established standards to introduce their products within the market of plastics injection machinery, pushing their effort just where they are really expert, but without the need of know how the others parts of the machine run. In this way they could use their knowledge to develop PLC programmes, graphics, user interfaces, Internet communications, production control, commercial management, etc. The software will be exploited, as the first result, by the joint ownership, the new enterprise made up, in principle, of the six SMEs, partners in the project except the two end-users. In mid term, it is planned to expand the use of this new software throughout different European industry sectors Open modular multilevel integrated control system for injection moulding plastic machines along with its complete technical specifications The basic objective of this project has been to develop an operating system that is completely open programmable adaptable to the company's and/or customer's own operating system, with an user-friendly environment and besides, that is the same for all the company's machines, in accordance with EUROMAP and ISO TC 184 guidelines, and with minimum, affordable maintenance. This new "modular multi control system" can be available for all kinds of injection moulding machines, irrespective of their trademark and year of manufacture, different from the current operating systems. In fact, this modular open standard contemplates the control of the basic functions of plastic injection machines, and lets the incorporation of new functions to be developed by the manufacturers. It contemplates all levels of work, from the machine's connection to its access through the Internet, passing through a control system based on a programmable automaton. Moreover, it can be connected to other software environments in the same computer, local nets and the Internet. The potential customers of this new control system in mid-term would be Injection Plastic Converters and Injection Plastic Machinery Manufacturer. Nevertheless, the technology might be adapted to whatever automation development of any machine (whatever sector), in long term. Searching for OpenAIRE data... There was an error trying to search data from OpenAIRE No results available
