June 2019

28 n HANNOVER FAIR REPORT June 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com of memory. There are three Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and four PCI/PCIe slots. Siemens has also implemented an OPC UA interface which supports the Omac PackML packaging machine language in its Simatic S7- 1500 controller. This is based on a specification drawn up by OPC and Omac members and will make it easier to integrate packaging machines and to connect them to MES and other systems. The integration can be programmed automatically, avoiding the need for manual coordination between machine manufacturers and line integrators. ELECTRICAL AND SAFETY Euchner was demonstrating an enhanced version of its MGB multifunctional gate box which, instead of using bus communications, Shady Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham, West Midlands B44 9EU. UK Tel. No: 0044 (0)121 360 0155 Fax: 0044 (0)121 325 1079 sales@crossmorse.com www.crossmorse.com Torque Limiters and Couplings Morflex Couplings Sheargard Overload Clutches Flexible Couplings Duo Cam Clutches and Couplings At Hannover, Lenze was demonstrating its vision of the future in which production lines will no longer need to be reprogrammedwhen newproducts are introduced. Instead, manufacturer-independent standards will allow various modules to configure the production line automatically and exchange data with one another. This“plug-and-produce”concept is based on the open OPC UA and PackML specifications. Using an administration shell to provide data descriptions of machine“skills”, themodules can link together automatically and organise interactions in production processes. To achieve this vision, Lenze wants to createmanufacturer-independent standards and is looking for support fromOEMs and standards committees. It says that OEMs will benefit fromuniform interfaces and standards that will simplify themodularisation of machines and systems.The concept will also protect the OEM’s intellectual property because no specialist third-party expertise will be needed to ensure communication and networking. Integration and programming efforts will be reduced and the integration of visualisation systems will be simplified. Lenze also predicts that its approach will result in improved functions, shorter times-to-market andmore efficient use of personnel. There will benefits for end-users as well, offering them improved flexibility and adaptability, more openness when choosingmachines and suppliers, and easier reusability of machinemodules. Production will adapt faster tomarket changes and customer requirements. Plug-and-produce will also allowmore frequent product changes due to easier, faster retooling and high plant availability. Lenze says that current standards already allow large parts of its plug-and- produce concept to be implemented today.The task is now to fill the gaps. It wants to talk to customers, partners and professional associations to help it achieve its goals. ‘Plug-and-produce’ demo heralds programming-free future Enhanced: Euchner’s MGB2 Classic gate box