8 Feb
2018

OEE & Thermoforming: Using Real-Time Dashboard is Key

How can you gage OEE in thermoforming processes? Thermoforming processes are performed by specialized equipment, outputting high value packaging and generally involve running costs such as adapted polymer films, packaging gas and custom made, package forming molds.

Machine Monitoring
OEE & Thermoforming: Using Real-Time Dashboard is Key

OEE or Overall Equipment Effectiveness is a measurement commonly used as a key performance indicator (KPI) to measure success in lean manufacturing efforts. How can you gage OEE in thermoforming processes?

Thermoforming processes are performed by specialized equipment, outputting high value packaging and generally involve running costs such as adapted polymer films, packaging gas and custom made, package forming molds. Since most packaging produced in this manner is either retail ready or just about, it is essential to monitor Downtime, machine output CPM and, ideally, keep track of rejected units.

Where can I get connected to my equipment?

Newest, older and ‘dinosaur’ generation thermoformers all have 1 thing in common: a film roll distributing and sealing mechanism. Whether the process seals Styrofoam or molded PET trays, the package is closed by sealing the top with plastic film, unrolled from the top drum. The common trigger for the top roll to distribute is a ‘film advance’ trigger relay, located in the 24VDC control panel. Newer PLC boards also come with a programmable binary output, designed to provide a ON/OFF output – based on the unrolling of film (ON) or the braking of the drum (OFF).

There are other data points to acquire data, however an accurate and accessible output should always reflect equipment production status.

How can I accurately monitor Downtime and machine output CPM?

The TileConnect was designed to acquire binary output, through its digital port. By connecting a dry contact loop to the Thermoformer film or cycle ‘advance’ dry contact circuit, the TileConnect will be counting the number of machine cycles per minute, or CPM.

Downtime and CPM are derived in TileBoard’s KPi’s through the timing of the measurements sent over the WiFi network, by the TileConnect.

How can I add value to my collected data?

TileBoard allows flexible manipulation of data acquired from the TileConnect. Since the film advance relay provides CPM and Downtime, it is possible to configure TileBoard to provide Uptime and package output rate, per SKU or product type. The package, or unit output rate, is calculated by multiplying the number of sealed units per cycle, per unit of time.

In addition, TileBoard also allows the calculation of rejected units, per SKU. Although Downtime and CPM are very important KPi’s, adding extra value to real-time monitoring data is the monitoring of Equipment Effectiveness.

Want to learn more?
Download the ebook
Related blog articles

Related articles

Back to the blog
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
1
Oct 2021

Why the Food and Beverage Processing Industry Can’t Afford Incomplete Data

English
11
Jun 2019

IIoT Platforms: A Value Driver for Equipment and Machinery

English
24
Jul 2018

4 Reasons to Monitor Your Downtime

English

Related articles

Back to the blog
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
27
Nov 2023

Vos ventes sont en baisse, mais la rentabilité ne doit pas nécessairement l'être

Découvrez comment des technologies telles que le monitoring de la production aident les entreprises manufacturières à maintenir leur rentabilité alors que les ventes diminuent.

French
24
Nov 2023

Votre guide de la transformation numérique avec Worximity

Avec Worximity, vous n'obtenez pas seulement un fournisseur de technologie, vous obtenez un partenaire qui vous accompagne tout au long de votre transformation numérique manufacturière.

French
23
Nov 2023

Pénuries de main-d'œuvre dans le secteur manufacturier - Comment le monitoring de la production peut aider

Alors que les pénuries de main-d’œuvre continuent d’entraîner des pertes substantielles dans le secteur manufacturier, il est temps de considérer le monitoring de la production comme l’un des outils permettant d’atténuer certaines pertes.

French