The newly developed sequence controller AST12 will replace the predecessor controllers in future and offers a consistent, flexible concept with regard to the interfaces for system communication and the Industry 4.0 interfaces. It can be controlled via I/O standard, Profibus or Industrial Ethernet (Profinet, EtherCat, EtherNet/IP). OPC UA, MQTT, REST and FTP are available as Industry 4.0 interfaces. They are a prerequisite for machine-to-machine communication and smooth data exchange - the plus in connectivity.

The AST Manager provides a central user interface for the control system, which can be used to create screwdriving programs, activate software or simply manage general settings. The web-based user interface has a responsive design and, according to the manufacturer, is suitable for any end device.

Organize screwdriving programs
The AST Manager can also be used to organize screwdriving programs and create program groups for the first time. This allows the customer to easily structure the screwdriving processes according to component variants or products. A quick change and easy retrieval of the screwdriving programs in relation to a product means considerable time savings in the assembly process and a reduction in idle time.

System settings and tightening parameters can be saved as a backup or transferred to other sequence controllers. In addition, a conventional WLAN client enables wireless communication between the PC and sequence controller, for example in the case of poorly accessible sequence controllers in the machine or where space is limited. The https hypertext transmission protocol also ensures secure transmission of information.

The Deprag Plus screwdriving system is available as a central platform for both manual and built-in screwdrivers. The system can therefore be used in a variety of ways as assembly requirements change, training costs are reduced and the AST Manager provides intuitive user guidance. Additional software solutions and updates are available with the Deprag apps. Various interfaces and fastening methods can be activated as required.

Another new feature is the option to store customer-specific logic functions: Various assembly sequences, such as scanning, component clamping, screw plate locking or position checking, can now be logically linked with each other. Five inputs and eight outputs are available for this purpose. By connecting manual or built-in screwdrivers to the control system, it is now also possible to offer manual and stationary screwdrivers with the same torque with the screwdriving system.

The screwdrivers are driven by a robust, brushless high-performance motor. The signal transmission is completely digital via a single screwdriver cable and the connector plug on the screwdriver is suitable for the harsh industrial environment - potential malfunctions are thus reduced to a minimum.

Monitoring and analysis of assembly tasks
The networking of the screwdriving systems is supported by the new Deprag Cockpit: The software enables the monitoring and analysis of assembly tasks and provides the analysis tools for continuous process optimization and trend detection. The data from several company plants, including their production lines and connected devices, converge centrally in one place, the cockpit. The production plants can also be distributed worldwide. The cockpit can be configured decentrally via the "Internet of Things" and current operating data can be retrieved.

This enables the user to identify potential at an early stage and react to changes quickly. The rapid optimization of screwdriving processes means less reworking is required, production time is improved and the quality of production and products can be ensured or even increased. as

Hall 5, Stand 5302