Wittmann-Battenfeld has developed a new material distribution system that is said to promote material conversion. It is called Codemax and has a monitored coupling station to ensure that the material is sent to the right machine at the right time.

The RFID antennas and tags on each coupling ensure that the correct connection between the feed pipe and the processing machine is established in each case. These connections are monitored by the machine manufacturer's material handling system network control and are always checked based on the input of the system operator. If the coupling process is triggered on the network control system without operator input, an error signal will be generated immediately and the transmission of the affected material will be stopped. According to reports, this prevents the wrong material from being fed into the processing machine.

If a material change is triggered by the control system and the wrong material is connected to the coupling station, follow the same procedure. Before performing the coupling process, the system operator will be informed which material hose must be connected to which distributor unit. Incorrect and open connections can be seen on the graphic display of the control system. All this ensures that in each case only the required material is always provided to the processing machine and also eliminates leakage caused by open connections.

The RFID antenna is installed in an aluminum housing and is overmolded with a plastic shock-absorbing layer to provide the best shock protection. Existing material dispensers can also be equipped with RFID antennas, and subsequent expansion of the monitored coupling station will not cause any problems.

The Codemax connection station is available in a pluggable version with a sealed pipe clamp, allowing subsequent replacement of pipe components and the use of wear-resistant parts if necessary. The quick cam lock joint is made of aluminum, is completely sealed, has no sensitive threads during production, and is installed on a stainless steel pipe. The extremely sturdy design helps the joint to withstand rough handling during operation, because the material hose usually drops to the floor together with the joint. The cam lock connector ensures a leak-free and safe connection and can be quickly reinserted.

The company stated that Codemax is easy to operate and can retrieve all currently available coupling options from a central point. With the help of such a system, rapid material changes become the norm, and material sources such as dryers, drum containers or external silos can be used by multiple consumers. In short, RFID monitoring can ensure trouble-free production processes.

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