Low-cost production monitoring for molders.

An inexpensive production monitoring system for injection molders was introduced at the recent NPE show in Chicago by Universal Dynamics, Inc., Woodbridge, Va. The Sure-Track system is a new optional module for its low-cost F.A.C.S. plantwide monitoring and control system for auxiliary equipment (loaders, blenders, dryers, chillers, TCUs, and granulators). SureTrack software can be activated for less than $800, and it uses the same communication box as the auxiliaries connected to the F.A.C.S. system. All that's needed is to run a single wire from the molding press to the box.

Sure-Track automatically detects and displays cycle time, number of cycles run, interruptions, downtime, idle time, and job efficiency per shift, day, week, or other measure--all without any user input. Users may, however, enter data on standard cycle time, job ID, part and job descriptions, number of cavities, scrap counts, scrap or downtime reasons, and number of parts in the job. That allows the system to report number of parts produced (even from family molds) and time and cycles left to run. Data can be displayed on the central PC screen of the F.A.C.S. system and on remote PCs. Remote annunciator screens (standard LCDs) show job efficiency, alarm messages, and color-coded machine status. F.A.C.S. is said to be cost-effective for at least eight to 10 stations. Tel: [phone] * PTDirect: 368TT

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