User story Finova
A Comprehensive Solution for Achieving Unparalleled Precision, Speed, and Accuracy in Motion Control
Located in Barcelona, Finova offers an extensive array of specialized projects, machinery, and services, primarily catering to the meat industry. The newly introduced Automatic SliceFil-660 machine boasts a remarkable capability of executing 600 cuts per minute. At the core of this innovative solution lies Panasonic Industry's GM1 motion controller, orchestrating the synchronized movements of 20 servo motors ranging from 400W to 1.5 kW. This controller furnishes essential motion functionalities, including electronic cam synchronization, to govern the precision of product cutting and the synchronized movement of surrounding belts. The integration of a comprehensive motion control solution empowers Finova to enhance precision, speed, and accuracy of its machinery, ensuring the delivery of a product that meets the highest standards of quality and food safety. Additionally, this enhancement contributes to an improved overall product presentation for the end consumer.
Perfect Automation for Perfect Slices
The Automatic SliceFil-660 machine incorporates 20 servo motors ranging from 400W to 1.5 kW, which are responsible for moving various elements of the machine. The Minas A6 Multi servo motor is particularly well-suited for this application, given its ability to minimize space and wiring requirements in the electrical panel, a critical consideration due to the substantial number of axes involved.
The MINAS A6 Multi boasts a dual-axis layout and a slim width of only 50 millimetres per unit. Compared to existing systems, this compact servo drive significantly reduces the footprint within the electrical cabinet by up to 64%. The front-mounted D-link bus system can be set up without any tools for an easy and time-saving installation. Additionally, the MINAS A6 Multi is equipped with 18 safety functions.
All servo motors used in the SLICEFIL-660 are synchronized and controlled by the GM1 motion controller. This controller integrates programmable logic and motion control into a single device, enhancing overall productivity. For this machine, it provides essential motion functionalities, including electronic cam synchronization on the fly, based on the master axis. This feature enables automatic adjustments for deviations in slice thickness caused by variations in food product density, ensuring precise and consistent results.
The motion controller was chosen mainly for its axis control capabilities, supporting up to 32 axes (16 physical and 16 virtual axes), standardized communication through EtherCAT, and advanced programming features with CODESYS. These attributes collectively position the Motion Controller as the optimal choice for applications in machines like the SLICEFIL-660 that demand complex motion profiles, including rotary knives, path interpolation, and the synchronization and coupling of axes.
Other devices used in the machine include two HMI units from the HMs series, selected for their suitability in the food industry, thanks to their IP67 rating and ease of installation without requiring an electrical panel. Finally, a FPI4C communication unit is integrated into the machine, facilitating remote access to the GM1 motion controller for technical support and enabling seamless communication between the machine and other devices in a simple, reliable, and secure manner.
The Journey to the current solution
In the words of Eduard Berenguer, Finova Technical Manager: "We have been working together with Panasonic Industry for several years already, and we highly value their technical expertise and commercial support, as well as the outstanding product quality and always timely deliveries," Eduard Berenguer continues. "At the beginning of 2015, we were only using their servo motors for our stuffing machines. Since 2020, we have also been using their motion control devices for these machines, and since 2021, we have been incorporating several servo motors, motion controller units, human-machine interfaces, and communication units into our automatic slicing machines."
Elena Avila, Sales Engineer at Panasonic Industry, remarks: “Since 2021, we have closely collaborated with Finova on this dedicated project to deliver a fully programmable motion control solution using CODESYS and EtherCAT servo motors for their sophisticated automatic food slicing machines. This initiative has led to a substantial improvement in the performance, accuracy, and reliability of these machines.
The decision to integrate Panasonic Industry's products into significant portions of the Finova machine range was driven by the proven product quality and reliability observed through extensive testing. Additionally, the strong technical and commercial support provided by Panasonic, as well as a proven track record of timely component deliveries, further consolidated the choice and we are very much looking forward to expanding our business relationship with Finova even further in the years to come”, concludes Elena Avila.
About Finova
Ask to Finova: Finova manufactures a wide range of machinery for food processing and handling. This includes sausage-making equipment, injection and marinating lines', machines for forming and portioning, cooking and drying systems, packaging lines, and especially high-speed slicing systems.
Finova uses Panasonic servo motors, PLCs, and displays for their small-scale machinery models such as stuffers, mixers, and ovens. They utilize high-performance servos, axis control, and displays from Panasonic for their high-speed slicing lines.
Image from left to right: Rocío Sevilla (Application Engineer at Panasonic Industry Iberia), Eduard Berenguer (Technical Manager at Finova) and Elena Ávila (Sales Engineer at Panasonic Industry Iberia).
More about Finova https://www.finovaweb.com/en
