A breakthrough in cargo logistics-UHF series RFID non-contact identification
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The world’s leading CD and DVD manufacturers are looking for a new way to automate control. Currently, the Alsdorf factory near Aachen is conducting a pilot project with the aim of continuously optimizing the production and management of various products within the company. After conducting preliminary tests on 13.56 MHz low-frequency components, the company chose an RFID system for non-contact identification of UHF series products. The specific advantages are as follows: the reading distance is longer and the device size is smaller.
Maximizing production automation is the key to improving CINRAM’s competitiveness. CINRAM has a long history and is headquartered in Canada. Currently, the company is studying the Alsdorf plant in Germany, trying to use the latest sensor technology to find a more effective way to produce and control the company’s internal product processes. Therefore, the new UHF identification system Simatic RF600 launched by Siemens was used in the test.
Workshop gate equipped with Simatic RF600, including antenna
At the beginning of the test, the project was restricted at two gates in the cargo receiving area. Its purpose is to test the feasibility of the integrated identification system by testing a certain number of goods. The prerequisites for the test project are ideal, because 85% of the DVD and CD packaging boxes are transported to these two gates by large equipment (the equipment is also included in the test project).
Compact unit structure, small antenna
The situation in the cargo receiving area illustrates the basic problem faced by the non-contact identification system: To solve the actual problem, it must be able to read the identification tags (identifications) from a greater distance. At the two cargo receiving locations, the forklifts load and unload about 200-300 pallets every day, and each pallet has a loading capacity of 3,500 DVD boxes.
Martin Fischer, the automation manager in charge of the basic concept of the project, said: “We want to greatly simplify the cargo receiving work and improve its work efficiency. The introduction of a new system fully automates the daily work of recording shipping documents and data. Unloading pallets from the truck According to the system settings displayed on the large-screen LCD display, forklift operators can immediately find the corresponding storage location.”
The RFID system can set the storage location of the pallet, and the forklift operator can check its location through the LCD display
First of all, we must first determine the basic technical requirements of the system, especially the best reading distance between the antenna and the identification mark. The RFID system Simatic RF600 used in the test is based on Siemens’ more than 20 years of experience in identification system development.
The security level of the system reaches IP65, and it is capable of various complex industrial applications (the door of the workshop is also possible), because UHF technology can tolerate a long distance between the reading and writing device and the mark. “Siemens product spectrum sensor left us a deep impression, one is because of its technical content, and the other is its compact structure. Because we used a 13.56MHz system in the preliminary test, so we can use a large antenna to Achieve the reading distance we want.” Fischer emphasized.
The reader/writer, the enclosure and packaging security grade is IP65, it is very stable and safe, can operate in a large temperature range, and is very suitable for various complex industrial environments (for example, warehouses or loading docks)
Better storage capabilities
Another goal of the project is to improve the accuracy of the placement of the markings on the pallet. Therefore, it must be able to determine the cause of the interference factor, which is very important. For example, the receiving performance depends not only on the location of the marker, but also on its location. Preliminary test results show that the signs posted on the corners are easier to identify. Multiple logos pasted on the same tray will also cause trouble if the pasting positions are offset. Therefore, although Simatic RF600 can recognize multiple logos at the same time (group recognition) in principle, radio communication still cannot recognize these logos normally.
Moreover, it must be ensured that the identified logo can be correctly transferred to other products (such as a finished CD). The RFID system launched by Siemens has achieved gratifying results in the initial test of CINRAM.
Pilot project, promising prospects
The application of the factory is as diverse as its product series. For example, the company has its own printing workshop, which is responsible for the printing of CDs and DVDs. In the future, the company’s internal transportation will use this system, and at the same time, it will also be used for the receipt and distribution of goods at the gates of the other 50 workshops. After the internal data flow is standardized, it is planned to let all manufacturers adopt the concept of CINRAM, and this plan has entered the post-configuration stage.
Although we have not yet issued any specific and clear standards, with this technology, the formulation of this standard will be just around the corner. The Alsdorf factory is also looking for a suitable identification printer for recording the identification of the RFID system, which can be operated quickly and without any failure. Thanks to Siemens Automation and Drives, CINRAM has found an ideal partner for this pilot project. “We are very grateful that the local sales office and the Nuremberg headquarters have provided us with comprehensive technology and comprehensive services.” Fischer pointed out, “Siemens has a strong sense of responsibility, and they will achieve great success.”
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