UNITECHNIK

Thanks to UniCAM.10 production keeps in time

A continuous flow of pallets through the plant is a key requirement for an efficient production process in automated precast concrete factories. It requires a similar processing time of pallets at each individual station. If one production board takes longer than the following one, there will be a bottleneck with undesired delays.

The new Unitechnik UniCAM.10 master computer significantly contributes to the homogenization of cycle times. Using a configuration algorithm, the software optimizes the layout of the elements on the production pallets, thus homogenizing the processing time on the individual stations. By indicating the available processing time, the cycle time is also visible for employees. As a result, UniCAM.10 significantly improves the performance of precast concrete plants.

Smart combination

Two factors have an impact on the productivity of a precast concrete plant using a pallet circulation system: The first criterion is the pallet configuration, namely the layout of the precast concrete elements to be produced on the production pallets. An optimum utilization of space is the objective here, because the more square meters can be placed on a pallet, the higher the production capacity of the factory. UniCAM.10 features a special algorithm to optimize the pallet configuration. It allows, for example, the nested layout of elements, with the result that only minimal space remains unused.

The second criterion regarding a plant‘s productivity are short and homogenous cycle times, namely the uniform and efficient flow of pallets through the circulation system. This requires that all pallets have approximately the same residence time at a station. The processing time of a pallet is determined by the number and type of mounting parts, for example, and can be adjusted by the configuration. The configuration algorithm of UniCAM.10 smartly combines several orders so as to homogenize the processing times of pallets as much as possible, thus contributing significantly to cycle time homogenization.

 

Signal lights avoid bottlenecks

A smooth manufacturing process in sequential production requires that the consecutive stations have comparable processing times. Idle times in front of the slow stations are the consequence if processing times differ from each other. The processing time at the stations is the result of the number and complexity of the elements and is determined by the pallet configuration. In addition, the processing time is affected by the necessary production steps, which are a result of the functional layout of the system. A signal light function indicates if processing is highly elaborate, with the result that it hardly can be managed with the existing staff.

At first, the pallet configuration algorithm uses forecasts for the calculation of the processing times. It then receives feedback. On the basis of this information, the master computer successively improves its forecasts, thus achieving even better results for the pallet configuration and cycle time homogenization.

x

Related articles:

Issue 03/2018 Unitechnik

Master computer UniCAM.10 in high demand

Just one year after the market launch of the UniCAM.10, the latest version of the master computer developed for precast concrete plants, Unitechnik records a high demand for the automation solution....

more
Issue 12/2016 Unitechnik

Chinese construction group banks on ­UniCAM.10 master computer

Commissioned by one of China’s largest construction groups, Unitechnik is fitting two precast concrete plants with the latest model of its master computer. The software controls the entire production...

more
Issue 12/2017 Unitechnik

New algorithm optimizes automatic concrete discharge

Many companies still rely on manual concrete discharge, due to difficult batching of the material and frequently inadequate results achieved with automatic casting. Nevertheless, automated systems can...

more
Issue 02/2017 Unitechnik

Kemmler relies on new UniCAM.10 master computer

Kemmler Baustoff GmbH, manufacturer of structural and precast elements, upgrades its control system and technology at the Tübingen location. In this regard, the medium-sized enterprise relies on the...

more
Issue 05/2016 Unitechnik

Master computer celebrated world premiere

At this year’s Bauma, Uni­technik presented its Unicam.10 master computer, the completely re-developed version is to allow the users in the precast concrete industry to increase their productivity....

more