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Using RFID Technology for Rapid Changeover

In today’s tight economy, marked by high inflation and supply chain issues, the need to enhance product flexibility has become increasingly important. Most manufacturing lines these days are set up to run multiple work orders of the same product type based on specific requirements. The goods produced at the manufacturer line are still the same, but the package size can change. The raw materials that start the process might be the same, but other component parts and tools on the machine that help with the different packaging sizes must be replaced. The process of converting one product line or machine to another is known as changeover. This blog explores how Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can revolutionize changeover by eliminating manual verification and adjustments.

Challenges of changeovers

Changeover can involve swapping out parts, tools, or molds specific to each product along with setting up specific parameters on the PLC controller for that product run. This requires personnel to make sure all the required parts are exchanged out correctly and the new settings are correctly entered into the controller. Afterward, it is necessary to verify that everything is correct before full production starts again with the new work order. Any incorrect setting part replacement can result in wasted product and troubleshooting. During this changeover period, no products are being produced since the machine/line is being set up for the new work order. Therefore, it makes sense to try and reduce this time as much as possible to maximize production efficiency and reduce produce waste.

Role of RFID technology in streamlining changeovers

Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can significantly help changeover in the manufacturing process by preventing errors, and ensuring correct component loading and accurate parameter settings. RFID tags can be attached to different parts requiring replacement for various packaging sizes and to store all the information needed for the production run, including product-specific settings and parameters that need to go back to the PLC controller.

In the figure below, three RFID tags are attached to different parts needed to run the production Variant A of a product. All three tags are programmed for use with Variant A along with any required settings for the controller. For a different product size, the parts that needed to be swapped out would have a unique RFID tag on them – Variant B, for example. Before the controller starts a new production run, a RFID antenna can quickly scan the RFID tags to verify that all three Variant A parts are on the machine. The RFID antenna can quickly tell if a part was missing, or if Variant B was loaded by mistake. This can be tied back to a signal on the controller so that it does not run. The RFID antenna can also read the product-specific settings on the RFID tags and send those parameters to the controller as well, eliminating the need to manually enter the settings in the controller.

RFID helps by taking out the manual verification and adjustments needed by the operator. With careful planning and implementation, RFID technology can help reduce downtime, increase productivity, and improve operational efficiency.

Click here to learn about guided changeover solutions, including step-by-step instructions to improve OEE.

Die Identification – A Critical Part of the Stamping Operation

It’s one thing to stamp out a bunch of bad parts because the die hasn’t been properly maintained, but it is another to suffer through a crash because the wrong shut height was set. Failure means hours or even days of downtime and hundreds of thousands of dollars in repair expenses. The fact is, both are preventable with a very simple RFID solution.

Let’s face it, stamping presses aren’t the most technologically advanced machines in our industry. With all the multi-axis, CNC driven machines out there nowadays a press can look somewhat archaic. However, they are one of the most widely utilized machines across the globe today and have been for many years. I can’t say how many times I have walked into a press shop and witnessed 30 year old presses in full operation. So while they may be the dinosaurs in the world of machines, their flawless operation is critical.

One sure way to protect this critical process is to incorporate RFID. Simply affixing an RFID tag to the die can inform the operator of the following:

Die location
Use Data
Repair Data
Setup Data
Shut Height
Feed Material
Correct Transfers
Number of Hits

All this information is recorded to the tag’s memory and can be read with either a handheld or fixed reader. Since the tag can be read and written to, the information on the tag can be updated after every job or periodic maintenance.

Everyone knows that properly maintained tools extend the life of equipment and help ensure quality products are being produced, but recording this data is another story. The safest and most secure method of recording data about a die is RFID. There are no documents to lose, or illegible handwriting to decipher because the RFID tag is secured directly to the die. Incorporating a die protection program is certainly not a major undertaking. On the contrary, recovering from a crash can cause a major strain on time and resources.

Learn more about solutions for the Metal Stamping industry by visiting Balluff’s website.

Customization of RFID tag holders and mounting accessories

Does your RFID application require a customized tag holder? What about special brackets for read/write heads and processors? Don’t have the bandwidth to design the mounting hardware required for your unique application? The Balluff Customizing Group can help! If you are implementing the BIS C, BIS L, BIS M or BIS U RFID systems we will make sure you get the performance your application demands.

For several years the Balluff Customizing Group has been working directly with engineers and maintenance personal to provide design and development services for RFID mechanical accessories. The process is streamlined and very straight forward. Please contact Balluff’s Technical Support Professionals to discuss your RFID application.

Here are a few recent examples of RFID projects in the Customizing Group:

1) RFID Pistol Grip Read/Write Head for BIS M data carriers. The modular design can be used with M12, M18 and M30 tubular read/write heads for logistics tracking of incoming and outgoing shipments.

2) Keyfob with embedded BIS C data carrier. Individual access codes are programmed to the tags allowing only authorized personnel to enter restricted areas.

3) BIS M read/write data carriers embedded in stainless steel NPT plug for Production Tracking.

Tracking low-cost assets with RFID tags…Is it worth it?

First, a lesson in Lexicography

Lexi-what!? Don’t be alarmed. This blog is not as boring as it sounds, especially if you are involved in manufacturing. Lexicography is the art of compiling, writing and editing dictionaries. Sounds like a ton of fun, but let’s move quickly to the point to prevent nausea or inducing sleep. Value, according to dictionary.com when used as a noun, is defined as relative worth, merit, or importance. Notice, the lexicographer mentions nothing about cost.

Tracking valuable assets using RFID within the walls of a plant has become common practice for many organizations. Tracking fork trucks, specialized equipment, machinery and other high cost items are a no-brainer. However, experienced users of RFID technology have realized that it is important to know the location of a high cost asset, but it is paramount to know the location of a high value item.

Defining the VALUE of assets (tools, measurement and calibration devices, specialized machines etc.) can be a tricky game. Conversely, it is not difficult to record the cost of an asset on a balance sheet. A tool which has a cost of $50 doesn’t have a VALUE of $50.

Do you really know what your assets are worth? Is your $50 tool worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions? How is that possible? This is fairly straight forward. If that tool is an integral part in the operation of the manufacturing line then every minute that tool is “missing” is a minute of downtime. How much does a minute of downtime cost your company? How much does an hour of downtime cost your company? Does this tool help your final product conform to standards? What is the cost of nonconformance? What are the financial implications of a product recall? These questions need to be addressed when determining whether or not you should track your assets.

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