Smart Windows

Through a barcode reader it is possible to identify and select for each single piece or single bar the corresponding recipe and the desired colour: in this case, it is not the operator who manually manages the processing phases but an optical reader, sending the code which identifies the bar number, recipe and colour directly to the PC of iGiotto, Cefla Finishing's anthropomorphic coating robot.

The barcode can directly contain the recipe and colour information for each run, or it can be linked to a work file listing the production batches, loaded to the machine at the start of production: by selecting this second option, working with pre-existing barcode systems is possible, and all the information necessary for the coating line will be found in the work file. The work file can be generated by the factory management software and allows total integration with the production flow.

The bars can optionally be tracked through a radio frequency identification system for automatic management of the overhead line. The system includes one or more antennas and TAGs positioned on each bar: the antennas connected to the line PLC monitor the position of the bars and allow the selection of the desired path in several connected loops allowing multi-run line management without any operator action being required.

For each unloaded bar, a file is generated containing the production data: loading and unloading date and time, production batch, drying and humidification temperature and times, processing recipes and colours; this allows full traceability of the data for production monitoring.