Partnership Doubles Production
Industry - Manufacturing - Machine control
For OC Autarkis in Ootmarsum, RIWO—in collaboration with machine builder Westerhof BV—is developing the control system for a new filling machine for PCM panels. Through smart collaboration and a focus on the end customer’s needs, a future-proof solution is being created that doubles production levels.
Background
OC Autarkis, a division of Orange Climate, develops and manufactures PCM (Phase Change Materials) solutions for a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor climate. These materials store heat and release it later, enabling buildings to consume less energy and maintain a more stable temperature.
At the factory in Ootmarsum, PCM panels are filled with a special salt solution. The existing filling machine no longer met the requirements for flexibility and reliability. OC Autarkis therefore sought a future-proof solution.
Challenge
The challenge lies primarily in replacing the existing filling machine, as the outdated software in particular imposes significant limitations on its use and configuration options. At the same time, the investment in a new machine is a key consideration for the end customer.
This calls for a well-thought-out approach that ensures reliability and reproducibility while guaranteeing seamless coordination between mechanical design and control systems. In this process, RIWO and Westerhof are working together to find a solution that is not only technically suitable but also economically viable.
Solution
RIWO and Westerhof BV have opted for a collaborative approach, with each company contributing its own expertise. Westerhof is serving as the general contractor and is responsible for the mechanical engineering. RIWO is focusing entirely on the control systems and software.
RIWO begins by assessing the current situation and how the old machine operates. Based on this assessment, the entire software system is redeveloped with the goal of increasing flexibility for the operator. At the same time, Westerhof designs and builds the new filling machine. RIWO develops additional software for the updated sealing station to ensure that this component also integrates seamlessly into the overall process.
Scaling up within the same investment
Throughout the design process, RIWO and Westerhof place a strong emphasis on the end customer’s needs. This has led to an optimization of the design, resulting in the machine being equipped with two filling stations instead of one. Each filling station has its own sealing station, and the two stations operate in sync. As a result, OC Autarkis can double its production level with virtually the same investment.
Collaboration as a Key to Success
RIWO and Westerhof are jointly developing a working framework that enables the efficient exchange of technical documentation and design information. This makes it possible to move quickly from concept to a working system. This collaboration demonstrates how a machine builder and a system integrator can reinforce each other’s strengths. Depending on the project, one takes the lead and the other joins in. Always with the same goal in mind: the best result for the end customer.
That's high-tech neighborliness in action.
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