Application them available with numerous options. "We are also known for finding and implementing custom solutions for applications that other companies would not dare address," explains Dipl.-Ing. Peter Lökös, head of marketing at Hastamat. Accordingly, the implemented automation solution must also prove flexible and efficient while not putting extra pressure on the budget. "The product portfolio of the automation technology manufacturer must, on the one hand, offer all the products needed for all applications at an attractive price, but also must not hinder the selection process with undue complexity," says Dipl.Ing Martin Otto, manager of electrical construction at Hastamat. "The same applies to the automation components. Consistency with our requirements is indispensable so we can avoid expensive detours." These criteria form the core of the performance catalog that Hastamat has chosen in evaluating the control solutions of several well-known providers of automation technology, as they are seeking to modernize their packaging machines. "We have defined separate required and desired criteria in a points system by comparing the prices of each controller manufacturer," explains the manager of electrical construction. B&R emerged at the top of this evaluation.
A complete automation system simplifies system integration Hastamat has created a complete automation system using B&R technology. "We can accomplish typical PLC tasks as easily as those requiring a great deal of computing
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power or multi-axis applications," says Martin Otto. "Without B&R, that would not have been possible." Today, the packaging specialist has implemented its new automation system on a broad scale. Using B&R technology, Hastamat is advancing with the integration of various packaging system components. Recent results of this integration were showcased at Interpack
the packaging machine controller. Thus, the company with roots in scale technology fulfilled its customers wishes and implemented a cost reduction. "Customers do not want to keep many system replacement parts and want the ability to remotely operate the system," explains to Peter Lökös. "The tight connection required between the two system components is difficult (i.e. expensive) or impos-
"We are known for finding and implementing custom solutions for applications that other companies would not dare address." Peter Lökös Head of Marketing Hastamat
2008. There, the company put one of its packaging machines from the new RB series on display, which further consolidated the Hessians product portfolio. The amply-sized touch panel immediately grabs the eye, masking a Panel PC from the B&R Power Panel family that controls the machine. This machine also offers exceptional user-friendliness and a safe accompanying process configuration and guide. "This is especially important for sensitive products, so the user can quickly and easily select an optimal setting," according to the marketing leader at Hastamat. The advantages of the automation system are best utilized in practical applications that use a scale. A multiheaded scale, normally combined with a packaging machine, can be operated and controlled via
sible to achieve if controllers from different manufacturers are used," says Martin Otto. There is also the fact that many companies in recent years (unlike Hastamat) have focused solely on one system component—either the scale or the packaging machine—and have taken separate paths. Additionally, both of these system components place different requirements on the controller regarding performance and the particular algorithms used. Today—unlike a decade ago— modern standard controllers offer sufficient performance to replace special controllers. "This is one of the reasons why customers are not often dedicated to one specific control systems manufacturer," states Peter Lökös. "Today, solutions for task management and costreduction stand in the foreground."