From Components to Cyber Physical Systems

The range of Camozzi’s Smart Components keeps on growing: these are components designed for Industry 4.0. and the smart factory. The joint presence of Camozzi Automation and of its Camozzi Digital division at the Hannover Messe trade show underlines the winning synergy between these two concerns in the field of IIoT solutions and cyber physical systems.

by Silvia Crespi

At the Hannover Messe trade show, Camozzi Automation and its Camozzi Digital division showcased Cyber Physical systems, jointly developed for predictive maintenance in a smart manufacturing vision, and the new intelligent components for IIoT. A highly innovative offer, in line with the focus of the 2019 edition of the event: “Integrated Industry – Industrial Intelligence”.
Specifically, end-to-end dedicated Cyber Physical systems embed Camozzi sensors and intelligent systems and can send complete process data to management systems and to the cloud, using IIoT Gateways supplied by Advantech, Camozzi’s partner for the development of highly innovative products and solutions for smart cities and IIoT. Information gathered by these enabling technologies is analysed, in real time, by means of sophisticated proprietary algorithms and processed as detailed diagnostic reports, which clients may then use to activate in real time predictive maintenance plans for their machines, with positive effects on efficiency and costs. A live demonstration of the interconnection methods between components, cloud and return diagnostics was available directly on the stand.

Real-time monitoring of the conditions of the valve
Part of the exhibition area was dedicated to the launch of “smart” components by Camozzi: the Series D valves and the Series PRE proportional pressure regulator, equipped with CoilVision technology.
Series D was created to meet the growing demand on the market’s part of advanced solutions capable of guaranteeing high quality standards and maximum flexibility. The key asset of the Series D is its capability of mixing two different valve sizes in the same island, with important advantages in terms of reduction of floorspace and costs, using a single initial electric part. Another aspect which sets the Series D apart is the CoilVision technology, which allows to monitor constantly the functional parameters of the solenoid. Specifically this diagnostic system allows, by means of a web platform with synthetic graphic indicators, an overview of such aspects as the on/off state of each valve, the number of cycles, the electrical energy consumption levels and any overheating of the coil. We talked about this in Hanover with Andrea Camisani, an electronic engineer and hardware developer at Camozzi’s MARC (Mechatronic Application Research Center). “We are presenting an important addition to our range at Hannover Messe, a fundamental appointment given the importance of the German market (and of the European market in general) for our company.
The Series D valves are one of the highlights of our offering during the show. Thanks to the CoilVision technology, the island actually integrates a predictive maintenance system.
For this purpose Camozzi developed internally electronic boards which can receive digital signals from PLCs and convert them, by means of a proprietor communication bus, which connects the head module with the single
sub-bases.
Simultaneously, monitoring of the valve itself is carried out.
In other words we can not only determine blocking events (short circuit, overtemperature, overcurrent etc.), but also the general condition of the solenoid valve. Tests carried out internally on the CoilVision technology are providing excellent results”.

Smart functions even in the proportional pressure regulator
The CoilVision technology has also been applied to the Series PRE proportional pressure regulator, designed to monitor the functioning of the solenoids constantly and to prevent any faults. Even in this case, data collected are sent to the cloud, in aggregate form, and made available for the client easily by means of a dashboard. The Series PRE is available in two sizes and several configurations, including an IO-Link connection. Lastly, a version with an external sensor connection is available for applications where the pressure of aggressive liquids or gases needs to be monitored.
“This is an excellent tool for production monitoring, which provides synthetic indexes regarding the condition of the valves, allowing to schedule maintenance throughout the entire life cycle of the valves”.
Another innovative product is the DC motor regulator, the first drive developed completely within Camozzi, as regards both the hardware part, and the software part, equipped with communication interfaces.
What will be the next step? “A real business intelligence platform – Camisani continued – created in cooperation with Microsoft, Camozzi being a Microsoft partner. Since both cloud storage and data processing tools (machine learning, artificial intelligence and so on) are available, data being sent to the cloud are increasingly “refined” and may be further investigated, linked to plants installed in the world in the most diverse environmental and operating conditions”.
Among the main players at Hannover Messe there were the new Series 23 Pneumatic Cylinders. Compliant with the ISO 6432 standard, they are based on a “auto-cushioning” technology (patent pending), which always guarantees optimal deceleration, ensuring a smooth movement of the cylinder, without jolts, with reduced vibrations and noise, bringing about greater reliability and constant performances over time.

From components to solutions right up to cyber physical systems
Camozzi continues its transformation, from components manufacturers to systems supplier. “We are cooperating with our subsidiaries and a few selected clients – Camisani concluded – to create successful case histories which will give a boost to product evolution, from components to integrated solutions, right up to cyber physical systems: these systems are not electromechanical or pneumatic but they are evolved from a digital standpoint. Besides carrying out handling and automation operations, the system is also self-monitoring, it produces data and sends them to the cloud”.
We shall conclude by quoting Marco Camozzi, Managing Director, Camozzi Automation, who declared “The interconnection and digitization of the entire production process represent the main challenges in the Industry 4.0 domain, which the manufacturing industry worldwide must face, now more than ever, in order to increase its competitiveness. Innovative components and intelligent systems by Camozzi will allow companies to monitor constantly the performance of production processes, planning more effectively and efficiently maintenance activities, thereby significantly reducing downtimes and operating costs”.