With the development of the new CC 300 injection moulding machine control unit, Engel claims to have metaphorically “redefined the interface between man and machine”.
The key features of the control unit are as follows:
- new interface layout which offers a clear differentiation between navigation at the top of the screen and operation at the bottom;
- two views for different customers, one with a traditional component view, the other giving a task view; and
- a “one-touch” highly sensitive operation wheel with a pressable central “select” button and a colour coded LED outer ring to easily show the current operating mode (ie automatic, manual etc).
The full press release is as follows.
Man is the focus and has determined the design – without compromises for sure. The result is the optimal arrangement of operating elements and functions. Engel had three priorities when developing the unit, which allowed it to achieve this:
- A focus on customer-oriented functions
- Optimised ergonomics
- Realisation using the latest technologies
Functions – customised and focused on the essential
The new operating unit allows injection moulding machines and manufacturing cells to be controlled according to tasks such as mould changing, or according to functions such as injecting. The information displayed concentrates on the essential without having to leave out the details at the next level if necessary.
The new central operating element, which provides millimetre-precise accuracy and speed-sensitive control for movements, is called e-move. The clearly defined functions increase safety levels when sensitive movements are made and significantly reduce the risk of operation errors. Simply pressing the intelligent operation button is enough to start the machine and to initiate various movement sequences. "With e-move we are able to fulfil our customers' wish of making it easier and easier to control injection moulding processes without reducing efficiency or safety levels. It has taken 'one-button-control' for injection moulding machines from being a vision to being reality", says Gerhard Dimmler, Head of Product Research and Development at Engel AUSTRIA.
The complete integration of Engel viper linear robots and Engel easix multi-axis robots, which Engel will continue to use with all the products in its new generation of control units, also contributes to this. The entire manufacturing cell can be controlled and monitored centrally from the injection moulding machine's control panel. The CC 300 therefore offers efficiency-optimised interaction between the injection moulding machine and automation, reduces cycle times, and by doing this plays a crucial role in maximising competitiveness.
Ergonomics – individualised with higher safety levels
Seeing, feeling and adapting are key factors as far as ergonomic improvements are concerned. The new 21″ full HD display, for example, is easier to read and also offers simpler and user-friendlier navigation.
The information and layout of the different screen pages can be adapted to suit the user's individual needs, and haptically shaped operation elements can be assigned different functions. The control panel automatically switches to the position which is best ergonomically for the individual operator when they log on.
Latest technologies – robust, fast and user-friendly
Thanks to capacitive touch technologies, the new machine control unit can be operated as easily as a smartphone and is also just as quick to respond. Safety glass gives it a surface which remains robust and insensitive to dirt even in unfavourable environments.
The increasing degree of process integration and automation is constantly presenting plastics processors with new challenges. Acquiring Engel's new CC 300 control unit will ensure that they are as well equipped as possible for the future and able to program, activate and monitor complex processes easily with outstanding precision and safety levels.