Integration of Allen-Bradley into a Control Cabinet
Discover how Alps Group integrated Allen-Bradley automation equipment into the control cabinet of VDS to meet the needs of international markets.
Context
Since 1987, VDS SA, based in Chailly-sur-Montreux, has been recognized for its vacuum casting solutions for the automotive industry. The injection of lightweight metals generates microporosity, which impairs the welding of components. To address this, VDS developed the ProVac process, using controlled industrial vacuum to avoid these defects. However, the diffusion of metallic particles in the circuit posed engineering challenges.
Adapting the automation Control System for the U.S. Market
Converting the original automation cabinet into an Allen-Bradley system, better suited to local requirements.
Achievements
Alps Group carried out the retrofit by integrating Allen-Bradley automation equipment into VDS’s control cabinet. This project included:
- Installing the programmable logic controller, electrical equipment, I/Os, and reprogramming the software application
- Designing an intuitive human-machine interface (HMI) in natural language to simplify interaction, with functions for monitoring, graphical visualization, and data analysis of the vacuum process
- Enabling the export of production data for in-depth analysis, meeting the expectations of the U.S. market in terms of components and ergonomics