Networks and Communications
DeviceNet Helps Keep M&J Fibretech a World Leader
"And thanks to the control system on DeviceNet, someone can be in the control room and see what's happening on the entire machine."
M&J Fibretech of Horsens, Denmark is the world leader in the design and installation of complete turnkey dry-forming systems, machines that produce paper using air instead of the more traditional method that uses water.
M&J Fibretech is always looking to use the latest technology in its systems to provide customers with the most advanced solutions available and to maintain its position as world leader.
For its latest machine, M&J Fibretech turned to Rockwell Automation to supply them with high-technology solutions for its turnkey paper machines. In fact, for the last five years, M&J Fibretech has relied on Rockwell Automation to supply it with the latest technology, and gives Rockwell Automation some responsibility for suggesting possible solutions.
The Rockwell Automation solution consisted of 1336 and 1305 Frequency Converters, PLCs, I/O and soft starters connected via DeviceNet. M&J Fibretech uses DeviceNet to communicate to the main PLC controllers and the machine's SCADA system.
"M&J Fibretech is always looking to improve the technology it uses in its machines. Rockwell Automation introduces us to the latest and newest technology, and helps us with new ideas," said Lasse Hindkaer, Project Manager, M&J Fibretch.
For its latest machine, Rockwell Automation suggested a solution that was adopted for several reasons. First, Rockwell Automation could offer a complete automation solution by offering integrated products. And second, 99 percent of M&J Fibretech's machines are made for export, so it needs an automation supplier capable of supporting its products globally.
"We felt that the support Rockwell Automation offered was vital. We not only benefit from it once the machine is up and running, but having them help with design and suggest solutions is also very beneficial," said Hindkaer.
With the improvement of frequency converter technology, M&J Fibretech is able to use the more stable AC drives instead of the normal DC drives. "We are now able to run the drives in the machine more accurately, which is important when running the airlaid process. And thanks to the control system on DeviceNet, someone can be in the control room and see what's happening on the entire machine," said Hindkaer.
By using an integrated solution from Rockwell Automation, M&J Fibretch can offer its customers a more advanced machine and remain a world leader.