LINK Systems LinkNet I - Manual (Page 5)

LinkNet
1.1
manual rev 2.1 March 25, 1999
1. Introduction
The Link Systems Network Application
(LinkNet) provides detailed monitoring of stamping
operations utilizing Link equipment. Supported
equipment includes the OmniLink 5000 press control
and associated option modules, and the System 1100
tonnage monitor. By using a simple to wire “daisy
chained” cable arrangement to attach these units to
an Intel based personal computer running Microsoft
Windows, a wealth of information can be gathered
automatically.
1.1 Features
@
Average tonnage, highest good tonnage, and
lowest good tonnage is collected (from
equipment with tonnage monitors) in 10
minute intervals. This gives a good view of
the consistency of the production process.
@
Production Rate is collected in 10 minute
intervals. The production rate is also
factored into summary information for press
utilization calculations versus standard rate.
@
Down time codes may be defined. A
description for each down time code can be
typed in once at the computer and the
descriptions are downloaded to all Link
equipment on the network. The user may
choose from the descriptions, not just the
numeric code, at the press. Down time code
information is collected and stored by shift,
day, week, month, year, since last rework,
and over all time.
@
“Events” are recorded. Events are
automatically logged in the same databases
as down time codes. Examples of events
include tonnage alarms, bypass changes to
tonnage monitor and die protection, die
protection faults, part counter limits, etc.
@
All data is stored in industry standard
Microsoft Access database files. These files
can be read from many common
spreadsheets, reporting tools, visual basic,
etc.
@
Jobs may be stored and recalled to and from
the host computer giving Link equipment
attached to the network essentially unlimited
job storage
@
Standard reports are provided by LinkNet to
make the information gathered by the system
more accessible and easier to interpret.
@
Reports are generated using Seagate
Software Crystal Reports. This allows the
end user to customize (with separate
purchase of Crystal Reports) LinkNet
reports for any special requirements, add a
company logo, etc.
@
Preventive Maintenance setpoints can be set
by elapsed time, press running time, and
strokes. OmniLink 5000 controls
additionally support setpoints by “Motor
On” time, Total feed length, and
Clutch/Brake engagements.
@
Tonnage signatures can be sent from
OmniLink 5000 and System 1100 tonnage
monitors to the network for analysis,
storage, or printing. Previous signatures can
be overlaid for direct comparison.
@
Notes for each machine and die can be
entered at the computer and viewed on
OmniLink 5000 operator terminals.
1.2 System Requirements
LinkNet has been designed to run on the
Windows 95 or Windows NT operating systems.
Minimum Hardware Requirements:
@
Pentium 166MHz CPU
@
16MB memory
@
1.2GB hard drive
@
VGA (640 by 480) display
@
Mouse