Controls News 13
3020
17
What if the technical instructions in the
manufacturer’s manual cannot be checked?
Last but not least, such self-build control devices
have more than one Achilles’ heel. The individual
slice-type bus terminals are each hooked up to the
next terminal and connected together with spring
contacts on their sides. That is why the slices should
never be placed on a rough or dirty surface, and
always handled with care and non-greasy fingers.
If this instruction is not followed, the advice is to
Main theme: Lean automation |
Technology
The additional costs of lean automation provide a huge benefit compared to «non-lean».
Summary:
Lean automation technology
Lean design means automation technology
with huge benefits. Slightly higher costs for
design and manufacturing are more than
balanced out after only a short time in opera-
tion. With «Cheap in Mind» design, although
the initial investment is lower, this is at the ex-
pense of later operators and owners.
Front view of Saia®PCD3.M CPU sockets
A little extra expenditure on design and materials ensures optimum functionality for today and for future
generations. Regardless of the quality of the rail, care of the installation and the specific qualifications of
personnel, the major sources of error are eliminated by the system. That is what lean means to us.
Non-lean
Leather cloths are
required by as-
sembly personnel;
also non-greasy
compressed air,
alcohol and clean
working practices
are prerequisites
for electrical
assembly.
Added value and savings with
lean in operation
Additional costs incurred by
applying lean principles to
technology
Lean automation devices compared
with «non-lean» self-build,
slice-type collections
Automation devices structured according to
lean principles are designed to have easy, reli-
able possibilities for assembly and service. It
is good to be able to recognize a lean design.
The following is a description based on the
Saia® PCD3.
The automation device needs a stable back-
bone in the form of an integrated casing with
backplane bus. Each interface module is in-
serted into a module slot marked in large let-
ters. Everything can be done straightaway
and without error: no tools or special knowl-
edge required. There is no Achilles’heel or 46-
page instructions for assembly containing
one warranty exemption after another. The
control devices function reliably as a system
for 15–20 years and are simple and quick to
extend.
clean the contacts with alcohol and leather cloth.
When everything is clean and correctly assembled,
it would be ideal if nothing went wrong: to change
a single module, you need to read and understand
46
pages. The probability of error is also very high,
as every wire has to be plugged back in correctly –
particularly if staff are unskilled and unmotivated!
Video about changing modules in self-build control
devices: web code en1312e
Video «changing modules in lean automation technology»:
web code en1312f
Robust, large
terminals for
the control
panel ground
Clearly visible slot numbers
High quality ground plug
connection for each module
Snap-lock, holds securely,
module can be changed without tool
Signal connector from module
to backplane
Attention:
The bus terminals should not be
placed on the gold spring contacts in order
to avoid contamination and scratches
Attention:
Dirty contacts can be cleaned
with oil-free compressed air or with ethyl
alcohol and a leather cloth.
NB:
It is important to ensure proper contact
between the rail and contact rail.
