Packaging automation with ASi – simple, flexible, resource-saving
Packaging automation is an ideal field of application for AS-Interface (ASi). This is because the advantages of our hassle-free wiring system come into their own here – e.g., in packaging machines, robots, palletizers, pallet stretchers, strapping machines and shrink-wrapping machines. The proven advantages of ASi include the ability to supply voltage and communication data on a single cable, as well as simple wiring thanks to piercing technology. This is complemented by a flexible topology and the transmission of safe and standard signals on the same cable.
Thanks to ASi-5 – the latest generation of AS-Interface – you now have maximum convenience and economy when integrating a wide variety of (smart) IO-Link devices, such as distance sensors or signal lights, which are becoming increasingly important in packaging automation. ASi-5/ASi-3 gateways with an integrated OPC UA interface also facilitate straightforward transfer of IIoT-relevant data to cloud-based databases. With our ASi-5 motor modules, you can also efficiently control 24 V and 48 V motorized rollers from suppliers such as Interroll, Itoh Denki and RULMECA and many others. As for frequency inverters, we offer solutions for SEW, NORD, Lenze, Rockwell and Bonfiglioli, for example.
Functional safety is also unproblematic with ASi. Safety components such as E-stop buttons, safety switches, door locks and light barriers, which are important in packaging automation, can be seamlessly integrated.
Easy integration of safety switches and door locks in ASi
Bihl+Wiedemann has developed active distributors ASi Safety with integrated ASi chip especially for safety switches from manufacturers, such as Schmersal, Pilz, Keyence and EUCHNER. They enable you to easily integrate safety switches from these manufacturers into ASi. The pin assignment matches the respective connection seamlessly (e.g., 8-pole M12 plug). This makes it very easy to integrate the devices into the ASi network.
Passive distributors enable ASi-capable components with an integrated ASi chip to be easily integrated into the installation system.
The particularly compact design of the active distributors and passive distributors has been optimized for the cable duct and opens up the possibility for completely individual installation paths. And thanks to pre-assembled cables, you not only save hardware costs and connection time, but also minimize potential sources of error. We are happy to develop additional variants upon request.
Of course, it is also possible to use conventional wiring in the control cabinet using our safety I/O modules in IP20.
Data and power on one cable
ASi connects the modules in the lowest process level in automation systems with each other. The usual cable harnesses are replaced by a single electrical cable – the ASi cable. Both data and power are transmitted on this one cable.