Standard controls and communications buses –

permit remote system monitoring and operational changes

At the heart of the Dematic C-L100 system are programmable automation controllers (PACs). These controllers are an integral part of each system module and have PROFINET connections that allow networking and monitoring via a central control station.

As a result, you can easily monitor system performance, make necessary adjustments or change functionality. You get improved diagnostics and monitoring capabilities built optionally into every system. There is little need for custom engineering. Want to change conveyor speed from 0.35 – 1.6 m/s from your central control location? No problem. Want to change accumulation mode from contact to noncontact? That’s not a problem, either. These PACs feature standard, user friendly software with touch-screen interface, so changes and adjustments are simplified. What’s more, this is off-the-shelf software, not custom designed. So, no special programming for basic conveying functionality is needed.

High Performance, reduced Operational Costs

Throughout the development of the Dematic C-L100 product line, considerable attention has been focused on reducing the overall operational cost of the material handling system. Reliable transport and accumulation of smaller items can reduce annual direct labor costs by as much as 5%. Maintenance labor is also reduced with Dematic C-L100 features like: commonality of parts, a reduced system MTTR (e.g. for straight conveyors 15 min) if desired elimination of compressed air.

Operational requirements vary by system application, please consult your sales representative for a specific analysis of your operation and how the Dematic C-L100 product might impact your system life-cycle costs.

Embedded controls and software provide enhanced monitoring and control capabilities, including:

• Module diagnostics
  provide data on the module operation, speed and accumulation mode.
• Electronic sensor health
  provides feedback on the condition and accuracy of photo-eye sensors.
• Optional network diagnostics
  let you monitor and adjust network modules and system performance.

Both power and communications buses are installed at the factory in the side channel of each module. Modules plug together to provide power and network communications to components throughout the system. There are two separate power buses. The 230/400-V power bus runs through the entire system. Its voltage is automatically transformed by the C-L100 modules into 48-V voltage that powers the drive rollers and 24-V voltage that powers controls components and accessories. Both buses are prewired with extra ports to accommodate scanners, scales or other auxiliary equipment.

PROFINET, the open Industrial Ethernet standard, powers the communications network. It provides horizontal communication between devices, along with vertical communication from management information systems down to the field devices.

... and less when you want less

With prewired power and communications buses, the C-L100 eliminates the need for large, custom-built control panels. There are no pneumatic requirements either, so there are less operational costs, complexity and noise. What‘s more, the system consists of fewer parts and all components are standardized across the entire line. That dramatically reduces your spare parts inventory. And when controls components need replacement, they simply snap fit to the side channel and are secured with two screws. So maintenance and downtime are also reduced.

Since the system runs on demand and not continuously, energy costs are less, maintenance and operational costs are less and there’s less noise.

The bottom line is, the Dematic C-L100 conveyor system gives more of what you want – more throughput, more productivity, more system control and more uptime … and less of what you don’t want – less operating cost, less energy consumption, less maintenance, less noise, less spare parts inventory and less downtime.