Injection moulding machinery makers test real-time OPC spec

Frankfurt, Germany – Manufacturers of injection moulding machines and robots met at Baumüller in Nuremberg for a so-called ‘plugfest’ to test the new digital interface OPC 40079.

The main focus of the meeting, held 5- 6 April, was on connecting devices from different manufacturers with each other, according to a Euromap press release.

At the ‘plugfest, “It became apparent where the specification still has weaknesses,” reported Euromap, noting that OPC 40079 is currently published as a draft – and the first to standardise communication between machines based on OPC UA publish-subscribe technology.

In contrast to client-server communication, which has already been tested in several specifications for different types of machines, Publish-Subscribe provides a real-time capable technology, it further pointed out.

“This is needed to ensure safe interaction between the machines so that, among other things, collisions are reliably prevented even during fast movements,” explained the industry body.

Experience gained during this month’s meeting will be incorporated into the further development of the standard, with the final version expected to be published later this year.

“Even if the rubber machine manufacturers are not actively involved [in the testing exercise], the standard will also be usable by them,” Dr. Harald Weber, technical commission, EUROMAP / VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery informed ERJ.