Intelligent spray coating is the next generation of industry 4.0 requirements. It’s not just a basic mechanic automation on specific workstation but a general system management which is a cross platform automation. From spray coating industry, intelligency requires both hardware construction and software programming. It’s a high end system setup for high end production. Regarding the general setup, we’ll briefly introduce on following points.
Robotic Automation
The basic hardware requirement of intelligent spray coating system. Robotic operation includes – spray gun motion, paint preparation, possible transfer to next handling station plus environment control etc. The mechanic part must be automated and scalable to work with system control. So basically, all mechanic devices in production line must be robotic and be able to connect with system control.
Intelligency
Intelligency is actually a management system based on existing robotic operation. It’s a cross platform software programm to have all devices in central control. In real world we call it MES(Manufacturing Execution System) which is a powerful program to put the entire factory management online by MES App. Each level operators can view/manage all available operation anywhere and anytime by a laptop or mobile phone.
What can the MES do? Well, it can be fully customized by exact production requirement. Not only the general control of coating line operation but the entire workshop like air condition, filtration, alerts and material storage level etc. Further more, it can be connect with other company management systems like ERP. Another light point of MES is operator can apply remote maintenance and repair by schedule. So it’s not just a simple monitoring program but a high intelligent control system. Due to its scalable design, it provides the factory no-limit possibilities for any future requirements.
The intelligent spray coating system already setup in various high end plants in automotive and electronics industry. It’s likely to come into regular design standards of paint shop construction when the costs is more and more acceptable while man power is more and more expensive.
