Realizing PLC Data Acquisition for Gravure Printing Machines via Edge Computing Gateways

In the modern industrial automation landscape, data acquisition and analysis play pivotal roles.

 Efficiently and accurately collecting and utilizing production data has become crucial for enhancing enterprise competitiveness. Gravure printing machines, suitable for flexible packaging color printing on materials like plastic films and papers, boast high automation levels, production efficiency, and user-friendliness. They are widely used in plastic packaging printing for food, pharmaceuticals, and daily chemicals.

To facilitate the digital transformation of the plastic packaging printing industry, WideIOT (formerly known as WideIOT) offers a solution for remote monitoring and data acquisition of gravure printing machines based on edge computing gateways.

 By deploying edge computing gateways and connecting them to various PLC modules, these gateways leverage their robust data processing capabilities to filter, integrate, and conduct preliminary analysis on received data.

Subsequently, the preprocessed data is uploaded to cloud platforms or local upper computers (supporting various internet connectivity options such as 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet) for further data mining and decision support.

 Throughout this process, the edge computing gateway acts as an intelligent hub, coordinating resources to ensure seamless data flow. Consequently, managers can monitor equipment operational status, work parameters, production volumes, and other information anytime, anywhere via mobile phones or computers, and take appropriate management and control measures.

When abnormal data is detected, the system automatically notifies relevant personnel through methods such as WeChat, SMS, or email, facilitating rapid positioning, diagnosis, and response.

 This enables the use of remote PLC programming, debugging, and program uploading/downloading capabilities to swiftly repair faults and restore production, ensuring the safety and reliability of production operations.

Based on data such as printing efficiency, drying temperatures, and material consumption, managers can gain insights into equipment production capacity, enabling timely adjustments to production plans to ensure order fulfillment. Additionally, they can optimize resource allocation to promote cost reduction and efficiency enhancement in production, fostering the creation of digital workshops.