Rotzinger, a leading provider of automated cosmetic and packaging equipment, has successfully integrated CoreTigo’s state-of-the-art wireless IO-Link technology into their packaging machines. This innovative solution enables dynamic changeovers, minimizes cable infrastructure, and significantly reduces downtime.
Driven by a customer request for a food packaging machine that could handle high throughput and accommodate various products, Rotzinger recognized the need for advanced technology. They turned to CoreTigo, a renowned supplier of industrial communications, to explore their wireless IO-Link technology, which promised to deliver the required I/O capabilities without the hassle of bulky cables and enable rapid tooling changeovers.
IO-Link Technology Unleashed IO-Link represents a cutting-edge industrial protocol that leverages Ethernet/IP or ProfiNet to transmit status or control information from discrete inputs, discrete outputs, or IO-Link devices. A key advantage of IO-Link is its ability to enable devices to transmit diagnostic data and accept configurations via industrial protocols.
The Power of IO-Link Wireless CoreTigo’s impressive portfolio includes a range of wireless IO-Link devices meticulously designed for industrial applications. These wireless products encompass control and monitoring systems, as well as sensors and actuators. Among their offerings, the TigoMaster product line stands out by providing wireless IO-Link master functionality, which can be seamlessly integrated into virtually any industrial device. Additionally, the TigoHub i4, a multiport I/O hub, wirelessly connects to IO-Link masters and supports up to four IO-Link devices.
Moreover, CoreTigo offers IO-Link bridges, clever devices that can transform traditional wired IO-Link devices into wireless counterparts. Equipped with an internal antenna and two M12 connectors, these bridges enable wireless IO-Link technology to connect wirelessly with the device.
Like conventional IO-Link masters and hubs, the Tigo product line offers great flexibility as it can be combined and configured in various ways to enhance overall I/O capability.
Flexible Packaging Equipment Revolutionized Flexibility is a crucial aspect of automated equipment, as manufacturers constantly strive to make their machines as adaptable as possible. Interchangeable tooling is one method employed to increase flexibility, but the time required for equipment changeovers often results in lost production time.
To tackle this challenge, Rotzinger has successfully implemented wireless IO-Link technology in their packaging machines. By utilizing grippers mounted on a servo-driven conveyor, the need for cables is eliminated. CoreTigo’s TigoBridge actuators enable wireless control, allowing the machine to package single or double product packages without any equipment downtime. The shuttles can be easily batched into their respective configurations, ensuring seamless production.
Retrofitting Equipment for Enhanced Performance As an alternative to purchasing new equipment, retrofitting existing machinery is gaining popularity, particularly when integrating data collection into established production lines. However, older equipment often lacks the necessary signals or sensors to gather machine efficiency data effectively. By leveraging wireless IO-Link technology, the impact on existing equipment is reduced, eliminating the need for signal cables or complex interfacing with the existing PLC.
Enter the TigoGateway, an IO-Link master capable of utilizing popular IIoT protocols for edge computing applications. Employing wireless IO-Link technology empowers machine builders to expand and upgrade existing equipment or facilitate the integration of flexible machinery with reduced changeover requirements.