Practical Application of Industry 4.0 Promoted at Piovan, Una-Dyn
10 years after it acquired Universal Dynamics, Italy’s Piovan Group continues to expand its presence in the North American market as it nears completion of a new plant for Una-Dyn in Fredericksburg, Va.
A new U.S.-made product is among the highlights for Piovan at NPE2018 (Booth W1923). The new line of Quantum batch blenders—which are entirely made in the U.S.—promise greater accuracy. Piovan says that precision can be carried across the full material handling system by pairing with its Easylink automatic distribution and Pureflo filterless receivers. For all this equipment, visitors can see and use the respective control panels.
The company will also showcase a complete line of Piovan-branded granulators, including models with the U&G disposable knives system. Here longer knife life is promised thanks to the application of CPM10V tool steel.
Under the Una-Dyn brand, an array of drying systems fully equipped with loaders will be exhibited. The display ranges from the Automate adaptive multiple hopper central-drying system, to the energy efficient Vantage series of dryers.
In process cooling, the Aquatech brand is on hand with a debut for the U.S. market: the Easycool+ line of air- and water-cooled chillers. Also on display will be the Aryacool dry cooler and DigitempEvo thermochiller unit for a flexible heating or cooling.
Piovan’s Penta unit will show the Fdm line for powder and PVC treatment in full operation. This line is said to be able to convey powders in a newly developed vacuum system, ensuring gentle handling.
Industry 4.0, Practically Speaking
As it is at many auxiliary equipment suppliers booths, Industry 4.0 will also be part of the discussion. Here there’s the launch of newly revamped FACS 4.0 auxiliary equipment control and monitoring system, designed by Una-Dyn. In addition, from Piovan, is Winfactory 4.0: what Piovan calls its OPC-UA compliant “supervisory software for the Smart Factory.” The Winenergy platform, which uses a combination of software and hardware to monitor and analyze energy consumption, is also highlighted.
At the booth, Piovan has what it’s calling an “Industry 4.0” open space with demo versions of Winfactory 4.0, Winenergy and FACS 4.0. The company will also provide case studies on recently installed Industry 4.0 compliant systems, including one in the U.S. “Industry 4.0 is still not easy to explain,” a company spokesperson says. “For this reason, Piovan will try to show in practical terms what the Piovan Group and Una-Dyn can offer nowadays to support the customers along the so-called 4th industrial revolution.”
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