Elematic’s new automatic Plotter E9 makes hollow core slab production process fast and accurate, resulting in substantial cost savings. It comes with a simple touch screen that meets the needs of the machine operator. The plotter marks cutting lines, rectangles and circles for openings and reservations as well as identification texts and codes on the cast slab surface. It also marks places for dividers and fittings on an empty bed surface. Both longitudinal and crosswise text printing can be achieved.
A new level of plotting accuracy is reached through a direct transfer of slab design details file from the design software (such as Tekla Structures BIM) to the Plotter’s FloorMES machine control system. The transfer takes place via a wireless remote link connection without any manual interventions, which removes the risk of human errors from this stage in the process. Further improving the plotting accuracy is the continuous laser positioning along the casting bed. The accuracy of the laser is +/- 1 mm.
Plotter E9 is operated via a simple 15.6-in touch screen designed to meet the everyday plotting tasks in precast concrete plants. The screen shows the slabs on beds, and on-bed quick re-planning allows the operator to: check and edit the data on machine if needed, remove faulty slab sections, define a new starting point, and remove geometry.
The screen also shows work status such as start time, slab no., tasks and elapsed time, alerts and remaining battery power and ink levels. It is easy to use; users can zoom and drag and drop items similar to any other smart device. The user interface is available in English, Russian and Finnish as standard. Any other language is available as an option.
For safe operation, the plotter has light sensors on both buffers and also ultrasonic sensors. The machine stops automatically at any hinders on its way, and is equipped with light and sound alarms. No cables are needed as the plotter is battery-operated. A fully charged battery lasts 16 hours, or one to three days, depending on the beds and machine usage, said Elematic. Automated waterhole driller is available as an option.
There are several other features for easy maintenance of the machine. These include on-screen quick adjustment and calibration and clog-resistant print head. The machine is ready for remote troubleshooting and support via a WiFi link (network connection required).
WallMES
In addition, the WallMES system is part of Elematic’s new, advanced plant control solution for precast production, and will cover automatic production planning, work follow-up and quality control of precast wall production. The system can also take panel design information in directly from BIM systems such as Tekla Structures.
Elematic’s WallMES system optimises the panel production and gives a variety of tools for planning and monitoring. The company said the main objective of the manufacturing execution system (MES) is to achieve smooth, continuous production and low operational costs as well as to ensure high quality of precast wall panels.
Elematic also offers precast wall producers an opportunity to take a virtual look at an example production line. The company pointed out that in the near future, 3D virtual models will be likely used for the engineering process right from the very beginning. Thus, understanding the big picture, how everything will work as a whole and seeing even the smallest details at the same time will make successful plant layout design easy.
Extruder E9
Furthermore, the all-new Elematic Extruder E9 will provide high casting speed aided by individual feed screw motors, second generation automatic compaction control and sophisticated bouncing prevention. In addition to the standard hollow core slab production, the new design of the machine will enable casting of a variety of precast slabs such as filler slabs, wing slabs, solid slabs and piles and poles.
Equipped with an advanced touch-screen user interface, added intelligence and a smart concrete recycling option, the new Extruder will also deliver a new kind of modern user experience and significant material savings without any slowdowns to production. With the new launch, Elematic Extruder family now consists of three different models: S5, P7 and E9.
