During K 2007 BOY, the manufacturing specialist of injection moulding machines with clamping forces below 1000 kN, will debut the Procan ALPHA control. The touch screen system sets new standards for speed, precision, and ease of operation. Procan ALPHA, which incorporates three patented components, has successfully completed the test and pilot phase and will now begin mass production.

In 1998 BOY was the first German injection moulding machine manufacturer to introduce an easy to understand touch screen control. This type of control has subsequently become the industry standard. The K 2007 debut of the Procan ALPHA control will once again define BOY as a technical pioneer.

"The Procan ALPHA will be a highlight during the K 2007 exhibition", says Bernd Fischer, Director Process Engineering and Service at BOY. "This new control system will confirm the claim that BOY is always one step ahead when machine controls are considered. The claim is further supported by the many companies that have participated in beta site testing of the Procan ALPHA control for an extended period of time. During the beta site trials, many of the participating companies offered a number of suggested improvements that have been incorporated into the final version.

Easy and safe operation
Procan ALPHA features a patented 15" full touch screen display that is both intuitive and easy to use. These features enable a rapid and safe operation. A logical analogue configuration continuously displays the process sequence. The time needed for changes in set values and the selection of screen pages is extremely short.

The entire touch screen operation works entirely without customary keys. The entry key panel is displayed on the monitor. Functions for machine operation and the selection of operating modes are accomplished via the touch screen. The operators identify themselves with their USB flash drive or their name and password. All changes to set values are automatically stored and the name of the operator is recorded.

Screen pages are logically arranged and designed with clearly understandable symbols. The start page features all the important information at one glance and offers direct access to further pages. It contains a notepad where the operator can enter short messages via the entry keys or alternatively, can actually write on it. A graphics editor is available that permits the rapid and easy entry or modification of set value profiles.

The tolerance range for an actual value curve can be individually defined and ensures that a desired tolerance limit is set. The operator can freely configure and arrange set and actual values on any screen page in nearly any combination. Therefore, a quick overview of the important parameters is available at all times to the operator.

The configuration page displays the machine cycle with all auxiliary functions including core pulls, unscrewing and the freely programmable entries and exits. The programming of the auxiliary functions is directly accessible. The text and image of each recording can be stored on a "notepad".

The complete operation manual of the Procan ALPHA control is stored in the system, including the explanation of warning codes, a list of all alarms and causes, as well as trouble shooting information. When and if needed, the operator has immediate access to the required information.

A USB flash drive serves as an external means for entry and storage. Connections for printer (USB interface), Ethernet, and OPC are available as options. Temperature control units and hot runners can be controlled via a serial port.

High speed, shorter cycle times
The hardware is based upon a rapid UTX PC system. The patented hardware module, which is separate, is especially effective regarding the processing of analogous signals. It reacts without delay and frees the PC from all time critical tasks. This unique configuration reduces cycle times.

Maximum precision, highly efficient production
The third of the patented solutions, the Iterative Learning Controller (ILC), ensures high precision and markedly reduces time and cost. Due to the ILC, actual values are rapidly achieved in a stable state. The advantages include the reduction of start-up and set-up times, and deviations common to continuous operation are quickly and precisely controlled. The profiles of actual and set values are largely approximated thereby minimizing frequency peaks.

During each heating phase (five heat zones), the temperature control is adapted automatically and the nozzle and nozzle heater bands are individually adjustable.

For further information or to receive a machine quotation equipped with the Procan ALPHA Control please call BOY at 610-363-9121 and press 3.
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Training | Trade Show Schedule | Demo Center

199 Philips Road • Exton, PA • 19341• Phone 610-363-9121
Fax 610-363-0163 • e-mail: sales@boymachines.com