Product category:
CNC and Motion Controllers
News Release from: Bachelor Controls | Subject: Autopilot v2.0
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 21 November 2003
Upgrade for extrusion automation
controller
BCI Autopilot v2.0 offers extrusion operators all the power of its predecessor, plus increased data management performance, greater operator flexibility and an easier user interface.
BCI Autopilot v2.0 offers extrusion operators all the power of its predecessor - tight moisture control, operator consistency, advanced diagnostics, and excellent return on investment (ROI) - plus increased data management performance and operator flexibility with more scalability, new warm startup and barrel prewarm modes, and an easier user interface with an improved look and feel BCI has also reduced the overall cost of expanding BCI Autopilot to handle multiple extrusion lines and auxiliary equipment, such as dryers, coolers, coating, and product transfer equipment
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 14 Nov 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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BCI Autopilot is the industry's first automated cooking extrusion control system, built on a flexible platform and capable of automating most brands and models of extruders.
"The growth and reception of BCI Autopilot in the industry has been tremendous", said President Ray Bachelor.
"Integrating valuable customer feedback with state-of-the-art technology has allowed us to take the most advanced offering in the marketplace and even further improve it".
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Using Rockwell Software's RSView Supervisory Edition and Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE), BCI Autopilot v2.0 offers the latest in control and database technology.
RSView Supervisory Edition offers an integrated, scalable architecture to accommodate the needs of traditional, stand-alone HMI/PLC systems and highly distributed industrial automation systems.
BCI programmers leverage MSDE's data engine, built on core SQL Server technology, for improved data management performance and reliability.
One of the most popular improvements is the new overview screen.
Designed to serve as the "cockpit", this screen contains information the operator needs to monitor the entire extrusion process.
Operators also enjoy more efficiency with fewer screens to navigate and refined graphics that show more detail.
The barrel "prewarm" mode allows the operator to begin warming up the barrel during extruder setup, and the "warm startup" mode starts the extruder more quickly when the equipment is warm and ready to go.
"We strive for continual improvement", said Bachelor.
"Based on experience and feedback in the field, BCI Autopilot v2.0 is engineered with an updated set of best practices and standardised on new control models.
Customers trust us to provide the leadership necessary to guide them through the risk associated with automating their systems and processes".
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