EP4548162A1 - Method and system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and use of such a machine - Google Patents

Method and system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and use of such a machine

Info

Publication number
EP4548162A1
EP4548162A1 EP23739681.7A EP23739681A EP4548162A1 EP 4548162 A1 EP4548162 A1 EP 4548162A1 EP 23739681 A EP23739681 A EP 23739681A EP 4548162 A1 EP4548162 A1 EP 4548162A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
prototype
automatic machine
printer
component
new component
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23739681.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Mattia MECCAGNI
Luca STEFANINI
Alessio NICOLOSI
Andrea MERNI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
GD SpA
Original Assignee
GD SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GD SpA filed Critical GD SpA
Publication of EP4548162A1 publication Critical patent/EP4548162A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Program-control systems electric
    • G05B19/18—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of program data in numerical form
    • G05B19/4097—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of program data in numerical form characterised by using design data to control NC machines, e.g. CAD/CAM
    • G05B19/4099—Surface or curve machining, making three-dimensional [3D] objects, e.g. desktop manufacturing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F10/00—Additive manufacturing of workpieces or articles from metallic powder
    • B22F10/80—Data acquisition or data processing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F12/00—Apparatus or devices specially adapted for additive manufacturing; Auxiliary means for additive manufacturing; Combinations of additive manufacturing apparatus or devices with other processing apparatus or devices
    • B22F12/90—Means for process control, e.g. cameras or sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
    • B29C64/386—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y30/00—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y50/00—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/30—Nc systems
    • G05B2219/32—Operator till task planning
    • G05B2219/32226—Computer assisted repair, maintenance of system components
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/30—Nc systems
    • G05B2219/49—Nc machine tool, till multiple
    • G05B2219/49019—Machine 3-D slices, to build 3-D model, stratified object manufacturing SOM
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/30—Nc systems
    • G05B2219/49—Nc machine tool, till multiple
    • G05B2219/49034—Changing design, use same prototype, add reinforcements where needed
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/20—Administration of product repair or maintenance

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and to a use of such a machine.
  • complex automatic machines such as those for producing smoking articles, like cigarettes, for example, are designed using, to some extent, modules already used for other machines and modules constructed to the customer's specifications.
  • the constructor makes a new component for the machine prototype at their own production facility and sends the component to the customer's production facility so it can be installed on the automatic machine prototype to fix the problem.
  • This invention therefore has for an aim to provide a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype to meet the above mentioned need.
  • the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention.
  • the expression "situated at a geographical location different from” is used to mean that the production site 2 is located at a distance from the design site 4 greater than a certain value (preferably greater than 100 km, and still more preferably, greater than 1000 km).
  • digital engineering drawing is used to mean any file containing the geometries of the new component 3B.
  • the “digital engineering drawing” can be made using any graphic design or CAD software.
  • defective component is used generically to denote a component of the automatic machine 1 that generates or causes non- optimal (or suboptimal) functioning of the automatic machine 1.
  • the expression “defective component” is used to denote a malfunctioning component in the sense that it generates or causes nonoptimum (or suboptimum) operation of the automatic machine 1 .
  • the automatic machine 1 prototype may be a machine of any kind.
  • the new component 3B may be a component of any kind, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a packaging machine (in particular, for tobacco articles), more specifically, for example, a component for folding the panels of blanks, an opposing element for packets of tobacco articles, a positioning element for blanks, a support for at least one sensor.
  • a packaging machine in particular, for tobacco articles
  • a component for folding the panels of blanks an opposing element for packets of tobacco articles
  • a positioning element for blanks a support for at least one sensor.
  • the step of identifying a malfunction of at least one malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype may comprise a step of identifying a non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the machine, that is, operation that leads to defects, production slowdowns, scrap products, etc.
  • the automatic machine 1 prototype is designed to make a product of any kind (preferably a smoking article or a part of a smoking article).
  • the automatic machine 1 prototype may be a machine for packaging a product (or a group of products).
  • the method comprises the following steps:
  • remote computer 7 may be any computer, whether external or integrated in the 3D printer 6.
  • the 3D printer 6 may be any three-dimensional printer configured to make any three-dimensional component or object by the addition of material (additive method).
  • the 3D printer 6 may be configured to fuse or weld or heat the additive material defining the three-dimensional component or object.
  • the 3D printer 6 is therefore provided with means for heating the additive material.
  • the data receiving module 8 is a hardware and/or software module.
  • the data receiving module 9 is a hardware and/or software module.
  • the method comprises the step of positioning the 3D printer 6 at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
  • the preposition "at” indicates the exact position or physical location mentioned, that is to say, the production site 2.
  • the 3D printer 6 is preferably located at or near the production site 2.
  • the 3D printer is located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 150 km from the production site 2.
  • the 3D printer is located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 100 km from the production site 2.
  • this allows the new component 3B to be made directly at the production site 2, saving a considerable amount of time in setting up the machine 1 .
  • the method also comprises a step of providing a sensor 9 in the automatic machine 1 prototype at the production site 2, configured to detect least one operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
  • the senor 9 may be a sensor of any kind: a sensor for detecting force, current, voltage, pressure, distance, temperature, colour, shape, etc.
  • the step of identifying a malfunction of at least one malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype comprises a step of detecting the operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 (through the sensor 9) and deriving a malfunction or non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the automatic machine 1 prototype as a function of the operating parameter detected.
  • the step of sending the programming instructions to the 3D printer 6 to print the new component 3B with the 3D printer 6 comprises a step of sending transmission data in encrypted form. It should therefore be noted that, advantageously, the printing process cannot, unless specifically authorized, be replicated by decrypting the printing instructions.
  • the method comprises a step of sending programming instructions directly to the 3D printer 6 through a further computer at the production site so as to print the new component 3B with the 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material.
  • the method does not include the step of making the digital engineering drawing 11 of the new component 3B at the design site 4 and deriving, from the digital engineering drawing 11 , the programming instructions for the 3D printer.
  • the programming instructions for the 3D printer are ready at the production site.
  • the new component 3B is a spare part.
  • an operator at the production site sends the programming instructions to the 3D printer 6, already in their possession, to print the new component 3B to replace the malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
  • the invention defines a system 100 for setting up an automatic machine 1 prototype, comprising:
  • an automatic machine 1 prototype located at a production site 2 and comprising at least one sensor 9 configured to detect an operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype, usable to identify a malfunctioning component 3A;
  • a remote computer 7 connected to the 3D printer 6 to drive it and comprising a data receiving module 8 configured to receive programming instructions for a 3D printer 6 to allow driving the 3D printer 6 through the programming instructions and making a new component 3B for the automatic machine 1 prototype on the 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material.
  • the new component 3B is used to replace the malfunctioning component 3A.
  • the malfunctioning component 3A is the cause of non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the machine 1 , or leads to defects, production slowdowns, etc.
  • system 100 further comprises a graphic design computer 5, provided with a data transmission module 9 configured to transmit the programming instructions to the data receiving module 8.
  • the graphic design computer 5 may be a computer of any kind, a PC, a processor, etc.
  • the 3D printer 6 and the remote computer 7 are located at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
  • the 3D printer and the remote computer 7 are located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 150 km from the production site 2.
  • the 3D printer and the remote computer 7 are located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 100 km from the production site 2.
  • the graphic design computer 5 is located at a design site 4.
  • the system 100 and the method described allow greatly reducing the time needed for setting up the automatic machine 1 prototype.
  • the malfunctioning component 3A that is, the one causing the sub-optimum operation
  • a new component 3B made at or in the vicinity of the same production site 2 where the machine 1 is located.
  • the lead time for supplying the new component 3B can be very greatly reduced since it can be made directly at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
  • the design site 4 where the new component 3B can be designed can be kept separate from the production site 2, thus facilitating the setting up of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
  • the new component 3B is designed where the designers are, that is to say, at the design site 4, while it is physically made on the production site 2 (at or in the vicinity of the production site 2).
  • the new component 3B is produced in the vicinity of the automatic machine 1 prototype, with considerable advantages in terms of time scale and costs.
  • an automatic machine 1 prototype at a production site 2 where the automatic machine 1 prototype comprises at least one sensor 9 configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype usable to identify a malfunctioning component 3A, wherein:
  • an engineer through the sensor 9, identifies a non-optimum operation due to a malfunctioning component 3A;
  • the engineer sends to a design site 4 a remote request to rectify the non- optimum operation in order to receive instructions for printing a new component 3B adapted to rectify the non-optimum operation; - the engineer prints the new component 3B on a 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material;
  • the engineer replaces the malfunctioning component 3A in the automatic machine 1 prototype with the new component 3B so as to rectify the non- optimum operation.
  • engine is used broadly to mean operating personnel, that is to say, either a user or a maintenance technician.
  • the use of the automatic machine 1 prototype may further comprise the following steps:

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)

Abstract

A method for setting up an automatic machine (1 ) prototype comprises the following steps: - providing an automatic machine (1 ) prototype at a production site (2); - starting the automatic machine (1 ) prototype at the production site (2); - identifying a malfunction or a non-optimum operation of at least one malfunctioning component (3A) of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype; - making, at a design site (4) situated at a geographical location different from that of the production site (2), using a graphic design computer (5), a digital engineering drawing (11 ) of at least one new component (3B) to replace the malfunctioning component (3a) of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype; - deriving, from the digital engineering drawing (11 ), programming instructions for a 3D printer (6) configured to allow the new component (3B) to be made on the 3D printer (6); - sending the programming instructions to the 3D printer (6) to print the new component (3B) with the 3D printer (6) by deposition of superposed layers of material; - mounting the new component (3B) on the automatic machine (1 ) prototype in place of the malfunctioning component (3A); - starting the automatic machine (1 ) prototype at the production site (2) to check the functioning of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype with the new component (3B) mounted.

Description

DESCRIPTION
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SETTING UP AN AUTOMATIC MACHINE PROTOTYPE AND USE OF SUCH A MACHINE
Technical field
This invention relates to a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and to a use of such a machine.
Background art
In the field of particularly complex automatic machines, there is a strongly felt need for being able to optimize the process of commissioning a machine prototype constructed according to a customer's specifications and requirements. In most cases, complex automatic machines such as those for producing smoking articles, like cigarettes, for example, are designed using, to some extent, modules already used for other machines and modules constructed to the customer's specifications.
Generally speaking, most of these machines are subsequently linked up in lines or installations already in existence at one of the customer's production facilities.
In this sense, the constructor of such machines is unable to effectively test the automatic machine prototype until commissioning takes place at the customer's production facility.
In most cases, malfunctioning or non-optimum operation of the machine prototype occurs, which means some of the components of the machine need to be redesigned or modified to set the problem right.
Normally, therefore, the constructor makes a new component for the machine prototype at their own production facility and sends the component to the customer's production facility so it can be installed on the automatic machine prototype to fix the problem.
This procedure is far from being ideal and gives rise to numerous costs and inefficiencies, in addition to increasing lead times and making the process for setting up the machine particularly long and complex. It should be noted that there is also a long-standing need to also shorten the time scale for manufacturing the components of a machine prototype; in effect, the manufacturing materials are not always available at the machine constructor's facility and this may contribute to increasing the time needed for setting up.
In this context, there is a particularly strongly felt need for setting up an automatic machine prototype quickly and easily, with a short time scale and at a reduced cost.
Disclosure of the invention
This invention therefore has for an aim to provide a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype to meet the above mentioned need.
More precisely, the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a system for setting up an automatic machine prototype.
Brief description of the drawings
The technical features of the invention, with reference to the above aims, are clearly described in the annexed claims and its advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of the invention and in which:
- Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a system according to the invention.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
Defined according to this invention is a method for setting up an automatic machine 1 prototype, comprising the following steps:
- providing an automatic machine 1 prototype at a production site 2;
- starting the automatic machine 1 prototype at the production site 2;
- identifying a malfunction of at least one malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype;
- making, at a design site 4 situated at a geographical location different from that of the production site 2 (that is, situated at some distance from the production site 2), using a graphic design computer 5, a digital engineering drawing 11 of at least one new component 3B to replace the malfunctioning component 3a of the automatic machine 1 prototype;
- deriving, from the digital engineering drawing 11 , programming instructions for a 3D printer 6 configured to allow the new component to be made on the 3D printer 6;
- sending the programming instructions to the 3D printer 6 to print the new component 3B with the 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material;
- mounting the new component 3B on the automatic machine 1 prototype in place of the malfunctioning component 3A;
- starting the automatic machine 1 prototype at the production site 2 to check the functioning of the automatic machine 1 prototype with the new component 3B mounted. It should be noted that the expression "situated at a geographical location different from" is used to mean that the production site 2 is located at a distance from the design site 4 greater than a certain value (preferably greater than 100 km, and still more preferably, greater than 1000 km).
It should also be noted that the greater the distance between the production site 2 and the design site 4, the greater the advantages of the proposed method, in particular in terms of the setting up time scale.
The term "digital engineering drawing" is used to mean any file containing the geometries of the new component 3B. The "digital engineering drawing" can be made using any graphic design or CAD software.
The expression "defective component" is used generically to denote a component of the automatic machine 1 that generates or causes non- optimal (or suboptimal) functioning of the automatic machine 1. In other words, the expression "defective component" is used to denote a malfunctioning component in the sense that it generates or causes nonoptimum (or suboptimum) operation of the automatic machine 1 .
It should also be noted that the automatic machine 1 prototype may be a machine of any kind.
The new component 3B may be a component of any kind, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a packaging machine (in particular, for tobacco articles), more specifically, for example, a component for folding the panels of blanks, an opposing element for packets of tobacco articles, a positioning element for blanks, a support for at least one sensor.
The step of identifying a malfunction of at least one malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype may comprise a step of identifying a non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the machine, that is, operation that leads to defects, production slowdowns, scrap products, etc.
Preferably, but not necessarily, the automatic machine 1 prototype is designed to make a product of any kind (preferably a smoking article or a part of a smoking article).
According to another aspect, the automatic machine 1 prototype may be a machine for packaging a product (or a group of products).
According to another aspect, the method comprises the following steps:
- providing a remote computer 7, connected to the 3D printer 6 to drive it;
- providing a receiving module 8 for receiving data in the remote computer 7;
- providing a data transmission module 9 in the graphic design computer 5, configured to transmit data, relating to the programming instructions, to the receiving module 8.
It should be noted that the remote computer 7 may be any computer, whether external or integrated in the 3D printer 6.
The 3D printer 6 may be any three-dimensional printer configured to make any three-dimensional component or object by the addition of material (additive method). The 3D printer 6 may be configured to fuse or weld or heat the additive material defining the three-dimensional component or object.
The 3D printer 6 is therefore provided with means for heating the additive material.
The data receiving module 8 is a hardware and/or software module.
The data receiving module 9 is a hardware and/or software module.
According to another aspect, the method comprises the step of positioning the 3D printer 6 at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
The preposition "at" indicates the exact position or physical location mentioned, that is to say, the production site 2.
The expression "in the vicinity of", on the other hand, indicates a place near the physical location mentioned, that is to say, near the production site 2.
In short, according to an aspect, the 3D printer 6 is preferably located at or near the production site 2.
Preferably, the 3D printer is located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 150 km from the production site 2.
Still more preferably, the 3D printer is located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 100 km from the production site 2.
Advantageously, this allows the new component 3B to be made directly at the production site 2, saving a considerable amount of time in setting up the machine 1 .
According to another aspect, the method also comprises a step of providing a sensor 9 in the automatic machine 1 prototype at the production site 2, configured to detect least one operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
It should be noted that the sensor 9 may be a sensor of any kind: a sensor for detecting force, current, voltage, pressure, distance, temperature, colour, shape, etc.
The step of identifying a malfunction of at least one malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype comprises a step of detecting the operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 (through the sensor 9) and deriving a malfunction or non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the automatic machine 1 prototype as a function of the operating parameter detected.
According to another aspect, the step of sending the programming instructions to the 3D printer 6 to print the new component 3B with the 3D printer 6 comprises a step of sending transmission data in encrypted form. It should therefore be noted that, advantageously, the printing process cannot, unless specifically authorized, be replicated by decrypting the printing instructions.
According to another aspect, the method comprises a step of sending programming instructions directly to the 3D printer 6 through a further computer at the production site so as to print the new component 3B with the 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material.
In such a case, therefore, the method does not include the step of making the digital engineering drawing 11 of the new component 3B at the design site 4 and deriving, from the digital engineering drawing 11 , the programming instructions for the 3D printer. In effect, in this case, the programming instructions for the 3D printer are ready at the production site.
Preferably, the new component 3B is a spare part.
More precisely, an operator at the production site sends the programming instructions to the 3D printer 6, already in their possession, to print the new component 3B to replace the malfunctioning component 3A of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
That way, it is possible to take direct action on site (that is, at the production site, where the automatic machine 1 is located) using programming instructions already present there to make components with the 3D printer 6, thereby further reducing the time needed for the process for setting up the automatic machine 1 . According to another aspect, the invention defines a system 100 for setting up an automatic machine 1 prototype, comprising:
- an automatic machine 1 prototype located at a production site 2 and comprising at least one sensor 9 configured to detect an operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype, usable to identify a malfunctioning component 3A;
- a 3D printer (6);
- a remote computer 7 connected to the 3D printer 6 to drive it and comprising a data receiving module 8 configured to receive programming instructions for a 3D printer 6 to allow driving the 3D printer 6 through the programming instructions and making a new component 3B for the automatic machine 1 prototype on the 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material.
The new component 3B is used to replace the malfunctioning component 3A.
The malfunctioning component 3A is the cause of non-optimum (or suboptimum) operation of the machine 1 , or leads to defects, production slowdowns, etc.
According to another aspect, the system 100 further comprises a graphic design computer 5, provided with a data transmission module 9 configured to transmit the programming instructions to the data receiving module 8.
The graphic design computer 5 may be a computer of any kind, a PC, a processor, etc.
According to yet another aspect, the 3D printer 6 and the remote computer 7 are located at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
Preferably, the 3D printer and the remote computer 7 are located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 150 km from the production site 2.
Still more preferably, the 3D printer and the remote computer 7 are located in the vicinity of the production site 2, at a distance less than or equal to 100 km from the production site 2. According to yet another aspect, the graphic design computer 5 is located at a design site 4.
Advantageously, the system 100 and the method described allow greatly reducing the time needed for setting up the automatic machine 1 prototype. In effect, in the event of malfunctions or non-optimum operation of the automatic machine 1 prototype, it is possible to replace the malfunctioning component 3A (that is, the one causing the sub-optimum operation) with a new component 3B made at or in the vicinity of the same production site 2 where the machine 1 is located.
That way, the lead time for supplying the new component 3B can be very greatly reduced since it can be made directly at or in the vicinity of the production site 2.
Advantageously, therefore, the design site 4 where the new component 3B can be designed can be kept separate from the production site 2, thus facilitating the setting up of the automatic machine 1 prototype.
The new component 3B is designed where the designers are, that is to say, at the design site 4, while it is physically made on the production site 2 (at or in the vicinity of the production site 2).
It should be noted that, according to the invention, the new component 3B is produced in the vicinity of the automatic machine 1 prototype, with considerable advantages in terms of time scale and costs.
Also defined according to this disclosure, is a use of an automatic machine 1 prototype at a production site 2, where the automatic machine 1 prototype comprises at least one sensor 9 configured to detect at least one operating parameter of the automatic machine 1 prototype usable to identify a malfunctioning component 3A, wherein:
- during operation of the machine, an engineer, through the sensor 9, identifies a non-optimum operation due to a malfunctioning component 3A;
- the engineer sends to a design site 4 a remote request to rectify the non- optimum operation in order to receive instructions for printing a new component 3B adapted to rectify the non-optimum operation; - the engineer prints the new component 3B on a 3D printer 6 by deposition of superposed layers of material;
- the engineer replaces the malfunctioning component 3A in the automatic machine 1 prototype with the new component 3B so as to rectify the non- optimum operation.
It should be noted that the term "engineer" is used broadly to mean operating personnel, that is to say, either a user or a maintenance technician.
The use of the automatic machine 1 prototype may further comprise the following steps:
- making, at a design site 4 situated at a geographical location different from that of the production site 2, using a graphic design computer 5, a digital engineering drawing 11 of at least one new component 3B to replace the malfunctioning component 3a of the automatic machine 1 prototype;
- deriving, from the digital engineering drawing 11 , programming instructions for a 3D printer 6 configured to allow the new component 3B to be made on the 3D printer 6.

Claims

1) A method for setting up an automatic machine (1 ) prototype, comprising the following steps:
- providing an automatic machine (1 ) prototype at a production site (2);
- starting the automatic machine (1 ) prototype at the production site (2);
- identifying a malfunction or a non-optimum operation of at least one component (3A) of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype;
- making, at a design site (4) situated at geographical location different from the production site (2), in particular using a graphic design computer (5), a digital engineering drawing (11 ) of at least one new component (3B) to replace the malfunctioning component (3a) of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype;
- deriving, from the digital engineering drawing (11 ), programming instructions for a 3D printer (6) configured to allow the new component (3B) to be made on the 3D printer (6);
- sending the programming instructions to the 3D printer (6) to print the new component (3B) with the 3D printer (6) by deposition of superposed layers of material;
- mounting the new component (3B) on the automatic machine (1 ) prototype in place of the malfunctioning component (3A);
- starting the automatic machine (1 ) prototype at the production site (2) to check the functioning of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype with the new component (3B) mounted.
2) The method according to the preceding claim, comprising the following steps:
- providing a remote computer (7), connected to the 3D printer (6) to drive it;
- providing a receiving module (8) for receiving data in the remote computer (7);
- providing a data transmission module (9) in the graphic design computer (5), configured to transmit data, relating to the programming instructions, to the receiving module (8).
3) The method according to either of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of positioning the 3D printer (6) at or in the vicinity of the production site (2).
4) The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of providing a sensor (9) in the automatic machine (1 ) prototype at the production site (2), configured to detect least one operating parameter of the automatic machine (1 ) and wherein the step of identifying a malfunction of at least one malfunctioning component (3A) of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype comprises a step of detecting the operating parameter of the automatic machine (1 ) and deriving a malfunction or non-optimum operation of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype as a function of the operating parameter detected.
5) The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of sending the programming instructions to the 3D printer (6) to print the new component (3B) with the 3D printer (6) comprises a step of sending transmission data in encrypted form.
6) The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of sending programming instructions directly to the 3D printer (6) through a further computer located at the production site so as to print the new component (3B) with the 3D printer (6) by deposition of superposed layers of material.
7) A system (100) for setting up an automatic machine (1 ) prototype, comprising:
- an automatic machine (1 ) prototype located at a production site (2) and comprising at least one sensor (9) configured to detect an operating parameter of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype, usable to identify a malfunctioning component (3A);
- a 3D printer (6);
- a remote computer (7) connected to the 3D printer (6) to drive it and comprising a data receiving module (8) configured to receive programming instructions for a 3D printer (6) to allow driving the 3D printer (6) through the programming instructions and making a new component (3B) for the automatic machine (1) prototype on the 3D printer (6) by deposition of superposed layers of material.
8) The system (100) according to claim 7, further comprising a graphic design computer (5), provided with a data transmission module (9) configured to transmit the programming instructions to the data receiving module (8).
9) The system (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the 3D printer (6) and the remote computer (7) are located at or in the vicinity of the production site (2).
10) The system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9 and claim 8, wherein the graphic design computer (5) is located at a design site (4).
11) A use of an automatic machine (1 ) prototype at a production site (2), where the automatic machine (1 ) prototype comprises at least one sensor (9) configured to detect least one operating parameter of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype usable to identify a malfunctioning component (3A), wherein:
- during operation of the automatic machine (1 ) prototype, an engineer, through the sensor (9), identifies a non-optimum operation due to a malfunctioning component (3A); - the engineer sends to a design site (4) a remote request to rectify the non-optimum operation in order to receive instructions for printing a new component (3B) adapted to rectify the non-optimum operation;
- the engineer prints the new component (3B) on a 3D printer (6) by deposition of superposed layers of material;
- the engineer replaces the malfunctioning component (3A) in the automatic machine (1 ) prototype with the new component (3B) so as to rectify the non-optimum operation.
12) The use according to claim 11 , wherein, the engineer, if already in possession of the instructions for printing the new component (3B) to rectify the non-optimum operation, proceeds directly to printing the new component (3B) on the 3D printer (6) by deposition of superposed layers of material without sending to the design site (4) the remote request to rectify the non-optimum operation.
EP23739681.7A 2022-07-01 2023-06-27 Method and system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and use of such a machine Pending EP4548162A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT202200013951 2022-07-01
PCT/IB2023/056612 WO2024003729A1 (en) 2022-07-01 2023-06-27 Method and system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and use of such a machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4548162A1 true EP4548162A1 (en) 2025-05-07

Family

ID=83271632

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23739681.7A Pending EP4548162A1 (en) 2022-07-01 2023-06-27 Method and system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and use of such a machine

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4548162A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2024003729A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008047118B4 (en) * 2008-09-15 2024-02-01 Dürr Systems Ag Painting system component
US20160167307A1 (en) * 2014-12-16 2016-06-16 Ebay Inc. Systems and methods for 3d digital printing
DE102018110742A1 (en) * 2018-05-04 2019-11-07 Liebherr-Werk Biberach Gmbh Method and device for servicing and / or repairing a construction machine
US20200326683A1 (en) * 2019-04-13 2020-10-15 Toybox Labs Inc Secure 3D Printing
KR20230135069A (en) * 2020-12-18 2023-09-22 스트롱 포스 브이씨엔 포트폴리오 2019, 엘엘씨 Robot Fleet Management and Additive Manufacturing for Value Chain Networks

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2024003729A1 (en) 2024-01-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20250060726A1 (en) Subscription-based services using indusrial blockchains
US20090044491A1 (en) Method of controlling an automatic production/packing machine
Durão et al. Distributed manufacturing of spare parts based on additive manufacturing: use cases and technical aspects
EP3564881A1 (en) Blockchain-enabled industrial devices
CN105992976B (en) Processing information management device and tool path generation device
CN102292681B (en) Safety control device and method for controlling automation equipment with multiple equipment hardware components
KR20210062440A (en) Manufacturing apparatus of machine tool using digital twin and the method thereof
JP2012524354A (en) Safety controller for controlling an automation system and method for generating a user program
CN107533612B (en) Method for manufacturing spare parts for packaging machines
CN109689508B (en) Packaging machine and method for providing control program therefor
US6892358B2 (en) Method and automatic machine for processing a product
CN112005535B (en) Methods for protecting automation components
EP4548162A1 (en) Method and system for setting up an automatic machine prototype and use of such a machine
JP5815504B2 (en) Safety controller and method for controlling automation equipment
CN101185065A (en) Methods and tools for optimizing system maintenance
US12186950B2 (en) Method for viewing and selecting production resources, in particular peripheral devices, for the injection molding industry, and an industrial installation
US7103689B2 (en) Method for automatic replacement in automation technology field devices where swapping is not necessary
IT201800001507A1 (en) SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AND MONITORING A PLURALITY OF NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED MACHINE TOOLS
CN107797528A (en) Produce control device
CN111930103B (en) Automatic vehicle configuration system and method
JP4032907B2 (en) Design support apparatus, design support method, and program
US20250021074A1 (en) Method for providing tool data records for machining tools
US20230021899A1 (en) Dynamically creating three-dimensional object files for components needing to be replaced at point of need
JP7224277B2 (en) Engineering support equipment
JP2021039479A (en) Apparatus and method for plant engineering assistance

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20250117

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)