September 18, 2024 • 33 mins
Shawn Tierney meets up with Chris Schultheis of Mettler Toledo to discuss their new Weigh Module SPE in this episode of The Automation Podcast.
Note: For more information check out the "Show Notes" located below.
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The Automation Podcast, Episode 219 Show Notes:
Huge thanks to Chris Schultheis of Mettler Toledo for coming on this show to discuss the new Weigh Module SPE, and to Mettler Toledo for sponsoring this episode to make it ad free!
To learn more about the Weigh Module SPE, check out the below links:
Weigh Module SPE
Until next time, Peace ✌️
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Shawn M TierneyTechnology Enthusiast & Content Creator
Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back to The Automation Podcast, the world's
number 1 industrial automation product and technology show.
Thanks to you, our audience
of highly skilled automation professionals. Thank you for
being a member of our audience, and thank
you for tuning back in this week. Now
for those new to the show, my name
is Sean Tierney of Insights and Automation.
And each week, I invite a vendor on
(00:21):
the show to tell us about their products
and technologies. And during their presentation,
I play the role of the audience asking
questions that I think you guys have and
questions I have as well. Now given that
over a quarter of our audience
listens to the show, I'll also try to
call attention to any details and the visuals
I think you guys may wanna know about.
With that said, I wanna welcome Chris on
(00:43):
the show for the first time from METTLATOLEDO.
And, Chris, I I know this is your
first time on the show. Before you jump
into your presentation, tell us all about the
product. Could you first give us, like, an
introduction? What's your role? Who do you work
with? And, and so on. So let me
turn it over to you.
Excellent. Thank you, Sean.
First off, very excited to be here. Thank
(01:04):
you so much for the opportunity to share
this lovely product, the Way Module SPE,
newest addition to our automated precision weighing portfolio.
So a little bit about me. I'm a
product manager
within our industrial division, supporting our OEM products,
load cells, weigh modules, and then all the
products that fall under the automated precision weighing
(01:24):
portfolio.
Been with Miller Toledo for about 6 years
now, in the product management role for about
4. So very excited to be here, and
I'm thrilled to to share this new product
with you.
So before we dive into the SPE, I
wanna give a quick overview of Mettler Toledo
as a whole.
Hey, we are a global leader,
(01:46):
manufacturer and marketer
for
precision
measurement technologies.
So we have production facilities
in Asia, in Europe, and in North America.
We also have market organizations in 40 countries
offering the full support and service,
of over 9,000
(02:07):
highly skilled local sales, marketing, and service specialists.
In those direct regions,
or in those regions where we do not
have direct support, we also have highly qualified
factory trained distributors
representing
approximately another 100 countries.
So, hey, we have global products with global
approvals that can provide global support,
(02:28):
throughout the entire,
product life cycle.
So so here are some of our high
level here are some of our comprehensive solutions
that could be, valuable to any any one
of these segments along the the customer's value
chain.
So whether you are, supporting
laboratory solutions or process analytics,
(02:49):
industrial weighing solutions,
product inspection,
and then retail and logistics solutions. We have
solutions that can accommodate your needs from,
every step along the way.
So diving a little deeper
into the industrial portfolio,
where the SPE
resides,
we have tailored weighing solutions
(03:11):
that take your weight data and send it
to your control system to manage that data
as well.
So weighing terminals and modules such as the
IND 360.
We have bench scales, floor scales,
and weigh modules, and load cells that fall
within the automated or the automated precision weighing
falls within
the, weigh modules and load cells segment.
(03:33):
So what is automated precision weighing?
So you'll hear me say APW. That's just
the acronym for automated precision weighing.
These scales are used as a quality check
for
highly critical components
along the production process.
So our our target market here are OEMs,
original equipment manufacturers.
(03:53):
We have machine builders, instrument manufacturers,
system integrators tying the solutions altogether,
as well as end users that have a
need for high precision weighing.
Like to emphasize that these are applications where
weighing is performed automatically.
And this weighing result is weighing data needs
to be transferred to a control system
directly.
(04:16):
We also have fast and precise weighing requirements.
So our customers see value when they can
achieve weight data very quickly,
in a very high
high precision and a reliable manner.
APW modules are built for applications
where normal balances are out of place,
Built for rugged industrial environments. As you can
(04:39):
see, we have a 316 stainless steel housing.
It's designed to, withstand
the harshness of an automated industrial
environment.
So quickly just about the technology itself.
Opposed to traditional strain gauge load cells,
this operates with a technology called electromagnetic
(05:00):
force restoration
technology. So a weight is applied at the
Wang pan level, where there is a lever
mechanism through the monoblock load cell. So at
one end,
connected to a coil maintained in a permanent
magnet.
As weight is applied,
this lever deflects,
raises up.
(05:20):
A photo eye monitors the position of the
coil, sends a current through the coil to
restore it to the equilibrium position.
That amount of current is directly proportional
to how much force is on the weighing
pan, and translated to a digital signal, which
is your weighing result.
So,
EMFR technology
(05:41):
is very critical for high precision applications.
So now let's talk about the APW portfolio
as a whole.
As you can see here, I've
grouped these into 2 different categories.
First, we have industrial Ethernet devices.
These devices
(06:01):
have embedded or integrated industrial Ethernet
transferred over a PoE
directly to your PLC.
In
the lower segment here, we have serial devices
that can communicate to your PLC or your
control system,
with connectivity to an IND 360 transmitter.
(06:25):
From a capacity standpoint, we operate from
11 grams all the way up to 3,000
kilograms
Readability,
we can go all the way down to
the microgram level.
Finally, here is the SPE way module,
released in April this year, replacing our way
(06:46):
module called the WMS.
The SPE way module
found it on these
three points here. It's robust, it's modular, it's
very fast,
Highlighting that it is
the most robust module in our portfolio, the
most modular
weigh module in our portfolio, and the fastest
weigh module that we have to offer.
(07:08):
We have 5
different
weigh modules in the SPD family.
From a 400 gram with 1 milligram readability,
up to a 7 kilograms capacity with a
10 milligram readability.
So overall, these SPD weigh modules combine
a forklift design with the high precision needed
for these automation environments.
(07:32):
So there are 4 pillars in which the
SPE was founded.
It's very durable
to ensure reliable long term operation.
It has high modularity to ensure full flexibility,
accustomed to the specific application at hand.
And it's optimized
for
extreme machine throughput for high speed processes.
(07:56):
And to tie it all together, we have
effortless engineering and installation
through our sample codes and engineering guides.
So first,
the reliable long term operation.
So the durable design and high overload protection
in all directions protect the weigh module during
installation and operation.
(08:18):
So accidents happen, when you're installing
a SPE, there's a chance that somebody could
contact the side, apply an excess force from
above
during operation. Sometimes robots get out of sync.
And then again, same contact from the side
or excess force from the top.
This is protected in all directions. The monobloc
(08:39):
inside
is reinforced to protect against those unexpected overloads.
And again, during service, you know, you're going
through, you're cleaning the weigh module, those unexpected
contacts can occur, and it provides
protection
throughout the entire monoblock.
So it's got a large lockable weighing pan.
So I'm pulling up on this with some
significant force, and it's staying in place.
(09:01):
It's also stainless steel to protect against those
harsh chemicals
and reagents used in clean in place operations.
So flexibility was a key point here in
designing that the SPE offers a lot of
value
to machine builders.
You know, no machine from one project to
another is exactly the same. So we want
(09:22):
to offer some flexibility
to be creative in how you incorporate and
integrate the SPE into the machine.
So first, we have a modular weighing interface.
We have 2 options.
We can use the standard weighing interface that
has no threads for an object to be
picked, and placed, or indexed onto the weighing
pan.
(09:43):
This is for
typical product sizes, something that would fit directly
on this weighing pan.
But we understand that there are some products
that have irregular shapes and sizes. So we
have threaded holes
that can also
be
replaced. So you can attach a custom weighing
adapter
(10:03):
to
hold whatever product you wish to achieve the
weigh on the weighing pan concentrically.
We also have a wash down accessory,
moving it from IP56
to IP66.
It is
a gasket that is automatically inflated
(10:24):
to create that seal.
So as you spray it down with those
reagents, protects the weigh module as a whole.
Additionally, we have a dual connector position. As
you can see here, I have connection from
the front. We also offer connection from the
bottom.
What that offers?
Integration to machines are always different, and we
(10:44):
want to allow that flexibility
to integrate
it in the best way
for our machine builders.
So you can see here,
easy to connect
from the side.
See the status LEDs
light up,
and then connection from the bottom.
So whatever is the most convenient way
(11:06):
to connect the device,
We want to allow that for
the way module,
all encompassed in one way module. So you
don't have to select
an option from the front or from the
bottom.
These also have integrated industrial Ethernet
in the device.
So we have PROFINET and Ethernet IP
(11:28):
in one device.
So you can select between those 2 protocols
based off of the PLC that you were
operating with.
Also,
since we have those 5 different capacities within
the same way module,
the footprint and the dimensions are the same
from the 400 gram all the way to
the 7 kilograms model. So the height is
(11:49):
the same. The mounting configuration is the same.
Everything is the same
from a dimensional aspect.
So if you have a project that has
weighing at 400 grams, it will also be
the same. If you have a project that
is 7 kilograms
Additionally, if there is issue with mounting from
the bottom of the SPE, we have an
optional base plate that would allow you to
(12:10):
mount from
the top.
So all of this, we have 5 to
5 products
with all the accessories. So this limits stop
keeping complexity
that you as a user might have to
maintain in your projects. And then us as
Mettler Toledo to
have short lead times to our customer base.
(12:35):
This is a very high speed device. It's
optimized for machine throughput. So
the standard configuration
is a
2 block standard automation interface
communication.
Standard automation interface is the Mettler Toledo communication
protocol
for all of our automation devices to connect
(12:56):
to third party
automation systems.
So if you have one device that has
automation connectivity,
it's also going to be the same for
another device within our portfolio. So for example,
the IND 360 connects
with a standard automation interface. So does the
SPE.
So drilling back into the 2 different weighing
(13:17):
channels, we have a 2 block weighing channel
that offers
122 updates per second.
To maximize the high speed applications,
where a fast update rate is requirement, such
as billing on board, we have an update
rate of 4 88 updates per second.
That is called the
(13:38):
8 block channel, where you get additional status
information,
increasing the amount of feedback.
So
all of this is tied together with effortless
engineering and installation.
So we wanna minimize the programming time
that our that our users spend integrating these
into their control systems.
(13:59):
We have,
we have device description files. We have sample
codes.
Again, this is this utilizes that standard automation
interface protocol.
Everything is documented and available
to to assist with those integration efforts.
And again, it is a POE cable, so
all of the data is transferred
over 1 the data and the power is
(14:20):
transferred over 1 cable to simplify your machine
design.
Here's an example of how to connect
the wave module.
So if you're connecting to a PLC, you
just take your PoE cable, M12 connector
to an RJ45 connector on the other end,
(14:41):
plug that into your PoE rated switch,
and take that to your PLC or an
HMI, or both.
For configuration and service,
you can connect to a PoE injector and
then bring that into your PC.
Limitation on the computer
or
PC based applications,
the update rate is cut in half.
(15:01):
At 244
updates per second, still pretty fast.
So one thing that Miller Toledo does exceptionally
well is, hey, we provide excellent automation support
with their availability of drivers and software.
So highlighting
Siemens and Rockwell Automation,
we have approved interfaces
(15:23):
for Profibus International and ODBA
for Siemens and Rockwell, respectively.
These are approved.
They're tested and documented online.
We also have those drivers,
such as EDS files and AOPs for Rockwell
Automation.
We have all the sample code, we have
the function blocks, we have everything that you
would need to get basic weighing data from
(15:45):
your device to your PLC
at the very quick time.
So here's a quick video of how simple
it is on the ODBA page. Type in
Mettler Toledo.
You see all of our devices
that are approved.
Scroll down to the SPE way module.
From here, you can find the declaration of
(16:06):
conformity and the EDS file.
From a sample code integration
perspective,
we
have our sample codes online. Once you install
the EDS file, and then download the sample
codes from
mt.com,
(16:26):
you can
connect an SPE
and get weighing data within 1 minute. It's
very fast. It's very simple. And it provides
you with the basic weighing data that you
need to get your project started.
So as we download, you'll see there are
5 add on instructions that are included with
(16:46):
the APW ApeBlock
sample code.
So,
we have a main
weighing channel for your basic weighing operations.
It's in the top right.
Send weight,
0, chair, a data okay bit, and status
information. Additionally, we have that fast weighing channel.
(17:09):
Then we have a heartbeat
add on instruction, and then 2 add on
instructions for
external and internal adjustment.
Internal adjustment, there is an internally there is
an internal calibration weight inside the weigh module.
We want to maintain the weighing performance when
it's installed on the machine. We want to
(17:30):
reduce that system wide measurement uncertainty.
So,
as you move
the weigh module from your factory acceptance
all the way to your site acceptance,
Relative gravity between those two areas
will likely differ.
You can run the internal adjustment weight to
make those corrections.
Another this is also valuable when the way
(17:51):
module is embedded into an automation system, and
it's very hard to reach. You can trigger
that internal adjustment weight to make any calibration
and adjustments.
Again, monitoring the performance of the SPE, we
have status LEDs.
You can see here on the right of
the slide. So we have system status at
the top, and then 2 connectivity status
(18:14):
LEDs on the bottom. So the system status
monitors the weighing performance monitors the environment, whereas
the 2 lower automation connectivity
LEDs monitor
if you're connected to your control system.
So if the temperature is exceeded
40
degrees Celsius,
then you will see that the status LED
(18:35):
is red, indicating that
you're weighing results should not be trusted.
Yes. That's just the visual representation, but what
happens if we want to monitor this in
our PLC code? We also include that heartbeat,
add on instruction, and the data okay bit.
So the heartbeat triggers between
10 every second,
ensuring that you are connected to your control
(18:58):
system.
The data okay bit, however,
takes it a step further,
and there are
a string of conditions that would render the
Wang result
not to be trusted.
So if you are running an adjustment, if
you're on your power up routine,
if you're in an overload or under load
condition,
(19:18):
that data okay bit would go low, and
you cannot trust your data.
This heartbeat and data okay is embedded into
all of our add on instructions. So you
can't send a 0 command, or you can't
send a weighing command if both of these
are not active
and
running. We also have onboard
(19:39):
filtering
of environmental influences.
So we have a configuration tool called APW
link, which you'll see here shortly,
that can, after you've mechanically isolated the device,
you can begin electronically filtering out some of
these environmental influences such as vibration and air
draft.
(19:59):
So I have a short demo here of
APW link. This is our free configuration tool
that's
recommended to be used with the purchase of
every every way module or every APW way
module.
So we have 3 options here. You can
connect to the device. You can upload a
file
and operate offline
just to see what those settings are, if
(20:21):
you're troubleshooting in a remote location.
So because I have this device, I'm going
to connect to it Because it is industrial
Ethernet, I'm going to connect to the Ethernet
port.
The default IP address
is listed here,
also on the data label on the back
of the device.
And I make sure my PC is on
the same network.
(20:42):
I can quickly connect.
Immediately I'm seeing wait data.
Up at the top here, this is where
you can write your settings and save your
settings
for mass deployment once you have all of
your configuration settings optimized.
So if you have one machine, you spend
the time configuring the device, and then you
(21:03):
have 20 more machines that you need to
roll out. You can save that configuration file
and mass deploy it for all of the
other SPEs.
So those are the leftmost options at the
top of the toolbar.
Here we have a terminal view to send
our MT 6 commands,
such as send wait,
0,
(21:25):
and a 100 other commands that could be
used for programming purposes.
We also have another display option, or you
can just click 0, and you can click
tare.
I'd like to emphasize that this tool should
be used for configuration
purposes only.
Not recommended that this is used as your
(21:46):
operating
tool.
So we also have this graphical view. So
as I mentioned, you get
122 updates or weight values per second.
This is showing that live weight data
(22:07):
and capturing every single one.
We have dynamic values, and we have
stable values. Dynamic values are indicated by those
little dots that you see, and
stable values are those large x's.
This tool can be used when optimizing
your stability criteria,
and
(22:28):
running repeatability
tests.
We also have integrated
adjustment test and adjustment features here.
So what I'm doing right here is running
an internal adjustment.
As I mentioned, there's an internal adjustment weight.
How quickly can you run an internal adjustment?
It takes about 30 seconds.
(22:48):
And you know that your device is operating
as it should under those environmental conditions.
So I've corrected that calibration deviation.
I can also
run this test
with an external weight.
Here I'll run an external adjustment.
(23:20):
Very quickly with step control, it's indicating, hey,
you're at your No K 0 point. And
then
once the weight is placed,
that is stable.
Remove the weight, find your 0 point again,
your calibration is complete.
(23:45):
So now as we drill into the settings
themselves, we have in the weighing tab,
I mentioned electronic filtering.
We have 2 different filter modes.
1 is a categorical filter, from very stable
to very unstable based on your mechanical isolation
isolation.
We also have sensor mode,
which looks at a limit frequency of your
(24:06):
environment
and filters out the frequencies above that, that
you have indicated here.
This is
recommended to be a trial and error process
during the initial configuration
to see what are the optimal settings for
your environment.
Down at the bottom here, we're going to
(24:27):
talk about the weighing range available.
So, it looks at what is the preload
on the device?
What is the remaining preload
available to perform
specific functions?
And how much weighing capacity do you have
available based off of what you currently have
on your scale?
(24:49):
For communication
to your automation devices,
you can change the IP address right here
to connect to your control system. You can
toggle between PROPINET and Ethernet IP. You can
toggle between the 8 block and 2 block
formats.
(25:09):
So now that you know a little bit
about the SPE,
where are we successful? What are our applications?
Where can we support you?
So from pharmafilling to integrated circuit board encapsulation,
and then all of these segments that you
see here, it's not limited to these segments,
but we are very successful in these segments
because
weighing is the most accurate and convenient repeatable
(25:30):
method to measure.
We can break these down into
essentially 3 different applications.
So we have 100% in process control.
We have onboard filling,
and we have device dispense
verification and calibration.
So 100% in process control, you have a
critical component
(25:51):
that everything needs to be weighed
as it's produced, as a vial is filled,
to ensure that the right amount of material
or liquid
is in the vial or the part was
produced within tolerance.
Every single part needs to be weighed and
it's rejected or accepted based off of the
criteria that you set.
We also offer onboard filling. This is where
(26:13):
the fast weighing channel, the 488
Hertz, is really valuable.
You are to place something on the SPE,
provide that feedback to your control system
to cut off your filling device
once it reaches a certain weight. We don't
want to underfill device. We don't want to
underfill. We don't want to overfill. So that
high update rate provides the necessary information to
(26:34):
cut off your filling head at the appropriate
time.
Device dispense calibration.
This is where
flowable materials are very expensive
and have very tight tolerances,
typically down in the milligram level.
So we don't want to again, we don't
want our valve, our jetting device, or filling
(26:55):
head
to overfill or underfill because of the resulting
impact of
products being recalled
due to underfills, or you're giving away very
expensive materials with overfill.
The last thing I would like to share
(27:16):
is,
hey, Miller Toledo does these things very well
in supporting our products worldwide.
We ensure site acceptance throughout all phases of
the product lifecycle.
It begins at the specification.
It's very important at the factory acceptance, but
it's paramount at the site acceptance and your
end user.
So
(27:36):
we can give you the confidence that you're
installing automation compliant products
through, as I mentioned, the ODVA certificates, the
declarations of conformity,
just to eliminate all those unexpected delays
from a product not connecting to a device
and not being able to integrate and communicate
effectively.
From the weighing perspective,
(27:57):
we know that the scales that are being
specified
for that specific application
are fit for purpose before you even spend
a cent. We provide a good weighing practice
recommendation that takes all of your weighing requirements,
your max loads,
preloads,
what you intend to weigh, and the process
tolerance associated to that. We give you a
recommendation
(28:17):
that
specifies a piece of equipment
and gives you routine testing, recommends test weights,
and gives you a calibration schedule to maintain
the scale and operation as it should be.
This routine testing can give you
a series of tests and standard operating procedures
of tests that you can run and control
limits associated to each test. So if you
(28:39):
run your tests at the defined intervals and
it's in the green, you're good to go.
You're gonna keep weighing.
If it's in the yellow, you might wanna
consider calling Miller Toledo and calling getting a
service technician dispatched. And if it's in the
red,
stop weighing immediately,
you need to service your scale.
All of this is maintained with 100% audit
(28:59):
group documentation
that is maintained at the factory and at
the site acceptance, preparing you for your audit.
So you're ready to go
should the audit arise.
So at MallersLito, we provide
compliant, fit for purpose, and robust globally certified
equipment
throughout the entire process.
(29:20):
So that's all that I that I have
today for the SPE module. Sean, thank you
so much for having me.
For the audience, if you really enjoyed learning
about the SPE,
I have 2 additional
episodes
that Sean has generously had us on for
For a single point load cell with IO
link connectivity, check out episode 172.
(29:40):
And for our IND 360 next gen weighing
indicator wind weighing indicator, check out episode 169.
Sean, thanks again for having me. It's been
a pleasure.
Well, I am impressed that you you do
the episode numbers there. That was some good
homework on your side.
And, I really enjoyed I think some of
the takeaways for me, and I know the
audio audience,
(30:01):
you can't see some of the screenshots and
the screen demos we were showing. But just
to go back,
I think the fact that you have the
add on instructions or function blocks depending which
platform you're using,
you have the EDS files and you have
the,
yes. Exactly. You have the GSD files. So
whether you're using Siemens or Rock, which we
(30:22):
all know are the 2 largest,
products that this audience is gonna be using,
it seems like you have everything people are
gonna need
to quickly deploy it. And we watched as
you added an add on instruction in. You
had those, instructions already in there. And I
think from you know, walking through what how
the product works,
(30:43):
it made a a lot of sense to
me how
these other instructions have
all those different pieces of information we would
need. And I think a lot of people
are gonna like this because
it's high speed. So in a lot of
automated applications that our audience is involved in,
they're higher speed. Right? They're not the lab
type environments. These are production lines. And so
(31:04):
I think that's that's big for them. I
guess I had did have one question, Chris.
I was hoping you could answer.
What was the what was the product that
came before this? Like, if somebody's been using
your products for a long time,
and what would be the product that probably
using today that this would really, you know,
take over that spot for? What would you
say that would be?
(31:25):
So that was our WMS
wave module. So it had the same footprint,
had the same interface. Oh, nice.
But it was a serial device. And, obviously,
the industry is trending. We need speed, like
you mentioned,
and we need more robustness.
So in developing this product, we highlight both
of those key features,
making it the fastest product that we have
(31:46):
in our portfolio and also the most robust.
Yeah. And directly connected to either PROFINET
or Ethernet IP, which is great. So
that's excellent. So I don't have any other
questions. I think you covered everything in your
presentation that I was asking about. I would
I would ask the audience if you have
any questions.
Post them as a as a, a comment.
(32:07):
If it's one of the sites that I
monitor regularly, I'll I'll forward it on to
Chris with your information. But, with that said,
Chris, I just wanna thank you for coming
on the show.
Awesome, John. Thank you so much.
A lot of
fun. Well, I hope you enjoyed that episode.
I wanna thank Chris for coming on the
show to bring us up to speed on
the white module SPE.
And I also wanna thank METALA Toledo for
(32:30):
sponsoring another episode with us. Wasn't it nice
not to have any commercials
and covering our production cost? Really appreciate that.
Now if you did enjoy this episode, please
give us a like, a sub, and a
share. It's the only
proven way to expand our audience and find
new vendors to come on the show.
And, of course, if you wanna connect with
me, if you're not already connected with me,
(32:50):
please feel free to do so upon LinkedIn.
I'm mister Sean Tierney up there. And, of
course, you guys know I teach over at
theautomationschool.com.
I'm doing a lot of in person classes
now along with,
online courses. And I also do morning shows.
So, typically, I'm doing what's doing automation or
automation news headlines and other shows. And I've
also extended that podcast to include all those
(33:13):
public shows I'm doing throughout the week. So
it's not just the news headlines anymore. It
includes all those other shows like what's new
in automation, question of the week, and so
on. So please check out my other podcast.
And if you have any questions on what
platforms we're on, you'll find them over at
the automation block.comforward/follow.
With that said, I wanna thank you again
for tuning in. I wanna wish you good
(33:35):
health and happiness. And until next time, my
friends.
Peace.
Welcome back to The Automation Podcast, the world's
number 1 industrial automation product and technology show.
Thanks to you, our audience
of highly skilled automation professionals. Thank you for
being a member of our audience, and thank
you for tuning back in this week. Now
for those new to the show, my name
is Sean Tierney of Insights and Automation.
And each week, I invite a vendor on
(00:21):
the show to tell us about their products
and technologies. And during their presentation,
I play the role of the audience asking
questions that I think you guys have and
questions I have as well. Now given that
over a quarter of our audience
listens to the show, I'll also try to
call attention to any details and the visuals
I think you guys may wanna know about.
With that said, I wanna welcome Chris on
(00:43):
the show for the first time from METTLATOLEDO.
And, Chris, I I know this is your
first time on the show. Before you jump
into your presentation, tell us all about the
product. Could you first give us, like, an
introduction? What's your role? Who do you work
with? And, and so on. So let me
turn it over to you.
Excellent. Thank you, Sean.
First off, very excited to be here. Thank
(01:04):
you so much for the opportunity to share
this lovely product, the Way Module SPE,
newest addition to our automated precision weighing portfolio.
So a little bit about me. I'm a
product manager
within our industrial division, supporting our OEM products,
load cells, weigh modules, and then all the
products that fall under the automated precision weighing
(01:24):
portfolio.
Been with Miller Toledo for about 6 years
now, in the product management role for about
4. So very excited to be here, and
I'm thrilled to to share this new product
with you.
So before we dive into the SPE, I
wanna give a quick overview of Mettler Toledo
as a whole.
Hey, we are a global leader,
(01:46):
manufacturer and marketer
for
precision
measurement technologies.
So we have production facilities
in Asia, in Europe, and in North America.
We also have market organizations in 40 countries
offering the full support and service,
of over 9,000
(02:07):
highly skilled local sales, marketing, and service specialists.
In those direct regions,
or in those regions where we do not
have direct support, we also have highly qualified
factory trained distributors
representing
approximately another 100 countries.
So, hey, we have global products with global
approvals that can provide global support,
(02:28):
throughout the entire,
product life cycle.
So so here are some of our high
level here are some of our comprehensive solutions
that could be, valuable to any any one
of these segments along the the customer's value
chain.
So whether you are, supporting
laboratory solutions or process analytics,
(02:49):
industrial weighing solutions,
product inspection,
and then retail and logistics solutions. We have
solutions that can accommodate your needs from,
every step along the way.
So diving a little deeper
into the industrial portfolio,
where the SPE
resides,
we have tailored weighing solutions
(03:11):
that take your weight data and send it
to your control system to manage that data
as well.
So weighing terminals and modules such as the
IND 360.
We have bench scales, floor scales,
and weigh modules, and load cells that fall
within the automated or the automated precision weighing
falls within
the, weigh modules and load cells segment.
(03:33):
So what is automated precision weighing?
So you'll hear me say APW. That's just
the acronym for automated precision weighing.
These scales are used as a quality check
for
highly critical components
along the production process.
So our our target market here are OEMs,
original equipment manufacturers.
(03:53):
We have machine builders, instrument manufacturers,
system integrators tying the solutions altogether,
as well as end users that have a
need for high precision weighing.
Like to emphasize that these are applications where
weighing is performed automatically.
And this weighing result is weighing data needs
to be transferred to a control system
directly.
(04:16):
We also have fast and precise weighing requirements.
So our customers see value when they can
achieve weight data very quickly,
in a very high
high precision and a reliable manner.
APW modules are built for applications
where normal balances are out of place,
Built for rugged industrial environments. As you can
(04:39):
see, we have a 316 stainless steel housing.
It's designed to, withstand
the harshness of an automated industrial
environment.
So quickly just about the technology itself.
Opposed to traditional strain gauge load cells,
this operates with a technology called electromagnetic
(05:00):
force restoration
technology. So a weight is applied at the
Wang pan level, where there is a lever
mechanism through the monoblock load cell. So at
one end,
connected to a coil maintained in a permanent
magnet.
As weight is applied,
this lever deflects,
raises up.
(05:20):
A photo eye monitors the position of the
coil, sends a current through the coil to
restore it to the equilibrium position.
That amount of current is directly proportional
to how much force is on the weighing
pan, and translated to a digital signal, which
is your weighing result.
So,
EMFR technology
(05:41):
is very critical for high precision applications.
So now let's talk about the APW portfolio
as a whole.
As you can see here, I've
grouped these into 2 different categories.
First, we have industrial Ethernet devices.
These devices
(06:01):
have embedded or integrated industrial Ethernet
transferred over a PoE
directly to your PLC.
In
the lower segment here, we have serial devices
that can communicate to your PLC or your
control system,
with connectivity to an IND 360 transmitter.
(06:25):
From a capacity standpoint, we operate from
11 grams all the way up to 3,000
kilograms
Readability,
we can go all the way down to
the microgram level.
Finally, here is the SPE way module,
released in April this year, replacing our way
(06:46):
module called the WMS.
The SPE way module
found it on these
three points here. It's robust, it's modular, it's
very fast,
Highlighting that it is
the most robust module in our portfolio, the
most modular
weigh module in our portfolio, and the fastest
weigh module that we have to offer.
(07:08):
We have 5
different
weigh modules in the SPD family.
From a 400 gram with 1 milligram readability,
up to a 7 kilograms capacity with a
10 milligram readability.
So overall, these SPD weigh modules combine
a forklift design with the high precision needed
for these automation environments.
(07:32):
So there are 4 pillars in which the
SPE was founded.
It's very durable
to ensure reliable long term operation.
It has high modularity to ensure full flexibility,
accustomed to the specific application at hand.
And it's optimized
for
extreme machine throughput for high speed processes.
(07:56):
And to tie it all together, we have
effortless engineering and installation
through our sample codes and engineering guides.
So first,
the reliable long term operation.
So the durable design and high overload protection
in all directions protect the weigh module during
installation and operation.
(08:18):
So accidents happen, when you're installing
a SPE, there's a chance that somebody could
contact the side, apply an excess force from
above
during operation. Sometimes robots get out of sync.
And then again, same contact from the side
or excess force from the top.
This is protected in all directions. The monobloc
(08:39):
inside
is reinforced to protect against those unexpected overloads.
And again, during service, you know, you're going
through, you're cleaning the weigh module, those unexpected
contacts can occur, and it provides
protection
throughout the entire monoblock.
So it's got a large lockable weighing pan.
So I'm pulling up on this with some
significant force, and it's staying in place.
(09:01):
It's also stainless steel to protect against those
harsh chemicals
and reagents used in clean in place operations.
So flexibility was a key point here in
designing that the SPE offers a lot of
value
to machine builders.
You know, no machine from one project to
another is exactly the same. So we want
(09:22):
to offer some flexibility
to be creative in how you incorporate and
integrate the SPE into the machine.
So first, we have a modular weighing interface.
We have 2 options.
We can use the standard weighing interface that
has no threads for an object to be
picked, and placed, or indexed onto the weighing
pan.
(09:43):
This is for
typical product sizes, something that would fit directly
on this weighing pan.
But we understand that there are some products
that have irregular shapes and sizes. So we
have threaded holes
that can also
be
replaced. So you can attach a custom weighing
adapter
(10:03):
to
hold whatever product you wish to achieve the
weigh on the weighing pan concentrically.
We also have a wash down accessory,
moving it from IP56
to IP66.
It is
a gasket that is automatically inflated
(10:24):
to create that seal.
So as you spray it down with those
reagents, protects the weigh module as a whole.
Additionally, we have a dual connector position. As
you can see here, I have connection from
the front. We also offer connection from the
bottom.
What that offers?
Integration to machines are always different, and we
(10:44):
want to allow that flexibility
to integrate
it in the best way
for our machine builders.
So you can see here,
easy to connect
from the side.
See the status LEDs
light up,
and then connection from the bottom.
So whatever is the most convenient way
(11:06):
to connect the device,
We want to allow that for
the way module,
all encompassed in one way module. So you
don't have to select
an option from the front or from the
bottom.
These also have integrated industrial Ethernet
in the device.
So we have PROFINET and Ethernet IP
(11:28):
in one device.
So you can select between those 2 protocols
based off of the PLC that you were
operating with.
Also,
since we have those 5 different capacities within
the same way module,
the footprint and the dimensions are the same
from the 400 gram all the way to
the 7 kilograms model. So the height is
(11:49):
the same. The mounting configuration is the same.
Everything is the same
from a dimensional aspect.
So if you have a project that has
weighing at 400 grams, it will also be
the same. If you have a project that
is 7 kilograms
Additionally, if there is issue with mounting from
the bottom of the SPE, we have an
optional base plate that would allow you to
(12:10):
mount from
the top.
So all of this, we have 5 to
5 products
with all the accessories. So this limits stop
keeping complexity
that you as a user might have to
maintain in your projects. And then us as
Mettler Toledo to
have short lead times to our customer base.
(12:35):
This is a very high speed device. It's
optimized for machine throughput. So
the standard configuration
is a
2 block standard automation interface
communication.
Standard automation interface is the Mettler Toledo communication
protocol
for all of our automation devices to connect
(12:56):
to third party
automation systems.
So if you have one device that has
automation connectivity,
it's also going to be the same for
another device within our portfolio. So for example,
the IND 360 connects
with a standard automation interface. So does the
SPE.
So drilling back into the 2 different weighing
(13:17):
channels, we have a 2 block weighing channel
that offers
122 updates per second.
To maximize the high speed applications,
where a fast update rate is requirement, such
as billing on board, we have an update
rate of 4 88 updates per second.
That is called the
(13:38):
8 block channel, where you get additional status
information,
increasing the amount of feedback.
So
all of this is tied together with effortless
engineering and installation.
So we wanna minimize the programming time
that our that our users spend integrating these
into their control systems.
(13:59):
We have,
we have device description files. We have sample
codes.
Again, this is this utilizes that standard automation
interface protocol.
Everything is documented and available
to to assist with those integration efforts.
And again, it is a POE cable, so
all of the data is transferred
over 1 the data and the power is
(14:20):
transferred over 1 cable to simplify your machine
design.
Here's an example of how to connect
the wave module.
So if you're connecting to a PLC, you
just take your PoE cable, M12 connector
to an RJ45 connector on the other end,
(14:41):
plug that into your PoE rated switch,
and take that to your PLC or an
HMI, or both.
For configuration and service,
you can connect to a PoE injector and
then bring that into your PC.
Limitation on the computer
or
PC based applications,
the update rate is cut in half.
(15:01):
At 244
updates per second, still pretty fast.
So one thing that Miller Toledo does exceptionally
well is, hey, we provide excellent automation support
with their availability of drivers and software.
So highlighting
Siemens and Rockwell Automation,
we have approved interfaces
(15:23):
for Profibus International and ODBA
for Siemens and Rockwell, respectively.
These are approved.
They're tested and documented online.
We also have those drivers,
such as EDS files and AOPs for Rockwell
Automation.
We have all the sample code, we have
the function blocks, we have everything that you
would need to get basic weighing data from
(15:45):
your device to your PLC
at the very quick time.
So here's a quick video of how simple
it is on the ODBA page. Type in
Mettler Toledo.
You see all of our devices
that are approved.
Scroll down to the SPE way module.
From here, you can find the declaration of
(16:06):
conformity and the EDS file.
From a sample code integration
perspective,
we
have our sample codes online. Once you install
the EDS file, and then download the sample
codes from
mt.com,
(16:26):
you can
connect an SPE
and get weighing data within 1 minute. It's
very fast. It's very simple. And it provides
you with the basic weighing data that you
need to get your project started.
So as we download, you'll see there are
5 add on instructions that are included with
(16:46):
the APW ApeBlock
sample code.
So,
we have a main
weighing channel for your basic weighing operations.
It's in the top right.
Send weight,
0, chair, a data okay bit, and status
information. Additionally, we have that fast weighing channel.
(17:09):
Then we have a heartbeat
add on instruction, and then 2 add on
instructions for
external and internal adjustment.
Internal adjustment, there is an internally there is
an internal calibration weight inside the weigh module.
We want to maintain the weighing performance when
it's installed on the machine. We want to
(17:30):
reduce that system wide measurement uncertainty.
So,
as you move
the weigh module from your factory acceptance
all the way to your site acceptance,
Relative gravity between those two areas
will likely differ.
You can run the internal adjustment weight to
make those corrections.
Another this is also valuable when the way
(17:51):
module is embedded into an automation system, and
it's very hard to reach. You can trigger
that internal adjustment weight to make any calibration
and adjustments.
Again, monitoring the performance of the SPE, we
have status LEDs.
You can see here on the right of
the slide. So we have system status at
the top, and then 2 connectivity status
(18:14):
LEDs on the bottom. So the system status
monitors the weighing performance monitors the environment, whereas
the 2 lower automation connectivity
LEDs monitor
if you're connected to your control system.
So if the temperature is exceeded
40
degrees Celsius,
then you will see that the status LED
(18:35):
is red, indicating that
you're weighing results should not be trusted.
Yes. That's just the visual representation, but what
happens if we want to monitor this in
our PLC code? We also include that heartbeat,
add on instruction, and the data okay bit.
So the heartbeat triggers between
10 every second,
ensuring that you are connected to your control
(18:58):
system.
The data okay bit, however,
takes it a step further,
and there are
a string of conditions that would render the
Wang result
not to be trusted.
So if you are running an adjustment, if
you're on your power up routine,
if you're in an overload or under load
condition,
(19:18):
that data okay bit would go low, and
you cannot trust your data.
This heartbeat and data okay is embedded into
all of our add on instructions. So you
can't send a 0 command, or you can't
send a weighing command if both of these
are not active
and
running. We also have onboard
(19:39):
filtering
of environmental influences.
So we have a configuration tool called APW
link, which you'll see here shortly,
that can, after you've mechanically isolated the device,
you can begin electronically filtering out some of
these environmental influences such as vibration and air
draft.
(19:59):
So I have a short demo here of
APW link. This is our free configuration tool
that's
recommended to be used with the purchase of
every every way module or every APW way
module.
So we have 3 options here. You can
connect to the device. You can upload a
file
and operate offline
just to see what those settings are, if
(20:21):
you're troubleshooting in a remote location.
So because I have this device, I'm going
to connect to it Because it is industrial
Ethernet, I'm going to connect to the Ethernet
port.
The default IP address
is listed here,
also on the data label on the back
of the device.
And I make sure my PC is on
the same network.
(20:42):
I can quickly connect.
Immediately I'm seeing wait data.
Up at the top here, this is where
you can write your settings and save your
settings
for mass deployment once you have all of
your configuration settings optimized.
So if you have one machine, you spend
the time configuring the device, and then you
(21:03):
have 20 more machines that you need to
roll out. You can save that configuration file
and mass deploy it for all of the
other SPEs.
So those are the leftmost options at the
top of the toolbar.
Here we have a terminal view to send
our MT 6 commands,
such as send wait,
0,
(21:25):
and a 100 other commands that could be
used for programming purposes.
We also have another display option, or you
can just click 0, and you can click
tare.
I'd like to emphasize that this tool should
be used for configuration
purposes only.
Not recommended that this is used as your
(21:46):
operating
tool.
So we also have this graphical view. So
as I mentioned, you get
122 updates or weight values per second.
This is showing that live weight data
(22:07):
and capturing every single one.
We have dynamic values, and we have
stable values. Dynamic values are indicated by those
little dots that you see, and
stable values are those large x's.
This tool can be used when optimizing
your stability criteria,
and
(22:28):
running repeatability
tests.
We also have integrated
adjustment test and adjustment features here.
So what I'm doing right here is running
an internal adjustment.
As I mentioned, there's an internal adjustment weight.
How quickly can you run an internal adjustment?
It takes about 30 seconds.
(22:48):
And you know that your device is operating
as it should under those environmental conditions.
So I've corrected that calibration deviation.
I can also
run this test
with an external weight.
Here I'll run an external adjustment.
(23:20):
Very quickly with step control, it's indicating, hey,
you're at your No K 0 point. And
then
once the weight is placed,
that is stable.
Remove the weight, find your 0 point again,
your calibration is complete.
(23:45):
So now as we drill into the settings
themselves, we have in the weighing tab,
I mentioned electronic filtering.
We have 2 different filter modes.
1 is a categorical filter, from very stable
to very unstable based on your mechanical isolation
isolation.
We also have sensor mode,
which looks at a limit frequency of your
(24:06):
environment
and filters out the frequencies above that, that
you have indicated here.
This is
recommended to be a trial and error process
during the initial configuration
to see what are the optimal settings for
your environment.
Down at the bottom here, we're going to
(24:27):
talk about the weighing range available.
So, it looks at what is the preload
on the device?
What is the remaining preload
available to perform
specific functions?
And how much weighing capacity do you have
available based off of what you currently have
on your scale?
(24:49):
For communication
to your automation devices,
you can change the IP address right here
to connect to your control system. You can
toggle between PROPINET and Ethernet IP. You can
toggle between the 8 block and 2 block
formats.
(25:09):
So now that you know a little bit
about the SPE,
where are we successful? What are our applications?
Where can we support you?
So from pharmafilling to integrated circuit board encapsulation,
and then all of these segments that you
see here, it's not limited to these segments,
but we are very successful in these segments
because
weighing is the most accurate and convenient repeatable
(25:30):
method to measure.
We can break these down into
essentially 3 different applications.
So we have 100% in process control.
We have onboard filling,
and we have device dispense
verification and calibration.
So 100% in process control, you have a
critical component
(25:51):
that everything needs to be weighed
as it's produced, as a vial is filled,
to ensure that the right amount of material
or liquid
is in the vial or the part was
produced within tolerance.
Every single part needs to be weighed and
it's rejected or accepted based off of the
criteria that you set.
We also offer onboard filling. This is where
(26:13):
the fast weighing channel, the 488
Hertz, is really valuable.
You are to place something on the SPE,
provide that feedback to your control system
to cut off your filling device
once it reaches a certain weight. We don't
want to underfill device. We don't want to
underfill. We don't want to overfill. So that
high update rate provides the necessary information to
(26:34):
cut off your filling head at the appropriate
time.
Device dispense calibration.
This is where
flowable materials are very expensive
and have very tight tolerances,
typically down in the milligram level.
So we don't want to again, we don't
want our valve, our jetting device, or filling
(26:55):
head
to overfill or underfill because of the resulting
impact of
products being recalled
due to underfills, or you're giving away very
expensive materials with overfill.
The last thing I would like to share
(27:16):
is,
hey, Miller Toledo does these things very well
in supporting our products worldwide.
We ensure site acceptance throughout all phases of
the product lifecycle.
It begins at the specification.
It's very important at the factory acceptance, but
it's paramount at the site acceptance and your
end user.
So
(27:36):
we can give you the confidence that you're
installing automation compliant products
through, as I mentioned, the ODVA certificates, the
declarations of conformity,
just to eliminate all those unexpected delays
from a product not connecting to a device
and not being able to integrate and communicate
effectively.
From the weighing perspective,
(27:57):
we know that the scales that are being
specified
for that specific application
are fit for purpose before you even spend
a cent. We provide a good weighing practice
recommendation that takes all of your weighing requirements,
your max loads,
preloads,
what you intend to weigh, and the process
tolerance associated to that. We give you a
recommendation
(28:17):
that
specifies a piece of equipment
and gives you routine testing, recommends test weights,
and gives you a calibration schedule to maintain
the scale and operation as it should be.
This routine testing can give you
a series of tests and standard operating procedures
of tests that you can run and control
limits associated to each test. So if you
(28:39):
run your tests at the defined intervals and
it's in the green, you're good to go.
You're gonna keep weighing.
If it's in the yellow, you might wanna
consider calling Miller Toledo and calling getting a
service technician dispatched. And if it's in the
red,
stop weighing immediately,
you need to service your scale.
All of this is maintained with 100% audit
(28:59):
group documentation
that is maintained at the factory and at
the site acceptance, preparing you for your audit.
So you're ready to go
should the audit arise.
So at MallersLito, we provide
compliant, fit for purpose, and robust globally certified
equipment
throughout the entire process.
(29:20):
So that's all that I that I have
today for the SPE module. Sean, thank you
so much for having me.
For the audience, if you really enjoyed learning
about the SPE,
I have 2 additional
episodes
that Sean has generously had us on for
For a single point load cell with IO
link connectivity, check out episode 172.
(29:40):
And for our IND 360 next gen weighing
indicator wind weighing indicator, check out episode 169.
Sean, thanks again for having me. It's been
a pleasure.
Well, I am impressed that you you do
the episode numbers there. That was some good
homework on your side.
And, I really enjoyed I think some of
the takeaways for me, and I know the
audio audience,
(30:01):
you can't see some of the screenshots and
the screen demos we were showing. But just
to go back,
I think the fact that you have the
add on instructions or function blocks depending which
platform you're using,
you have the EDS files and you have
the,
yes. Exactly. You have the GSD files. So
whether you're using Siemens or Rock, which we
(30:22):
all know are the 2 largest,
products that this audience is gonna be using,
it seems like you have everything people are
gonna need
to quickly deploy it. And we watched as
you added an add on instruction in. You
had those, instructions already in there. And I
think from you know, walking through what how
the product works,
(30:43):
it made a a lot of sense to
me how
these other instructions have
all those different pieces of information we would
need. And I think a lot of people
are gonna like this because
it's high speed. So in a lot of
automated applications that our audience is involved in,
they're higher speed. Right? They're not the lab
type environments. These are production lines. And so
(31:04):
I think that's that's big for them. I
guess I had did have one question, Chris.
I was hoping you could answer.
What was the what was the product that
came before this? Like, if somebody's been using
your products for a long time,
and what would be the product that probably
using today that this would really, you know,
take over that spot for? What would you
say that would be?
(31:25):
So that was our WMS
wave module. So it had the same footprint,
had the same interface. Oh, nice.
But it was a serial device. And, obviously,
the industry is trending. We need speed, like
you mentioned,
and we need more robustness.
So in developing this product, we highlight both
of those key features,
making it the fastest product that we have
(31:46):
in our portfolio and also the most robust.
Yeah. And directly connected to either PROFINET
or Ethernet IP, which is great. So
that's excellent. So I don't have any other
questions. I think you covered everything in your
presentation that I was asking about. I would
I would ask the audience if you have
any questions.
Post them as a as a, a comment.
(32:07):
If it's one of the sites that I
monitor regularly, I'll I'll forward it on to
Chris with your information. But, with that said,
Chris, I just wanna thank you for coming
on the show.
Awesome, John. Thank you so much.
A lot of
fun. Well, I hope you enjoyed that episode.
I wanna thank Chris for coming on the
show to bring us up to speed on
the white module SPE.
And I also wanna thank METALA Toledo for
(32:30):
sponsoring another episode with us. Wasn't it nice
not to have any commercials
and covering our production cost? Really appreciate that.
Now if you did enjoy this episode, please
give us a like, a sub, and a
share. It's the only
proven way to expand our audience and find
new vendors to come on the show.
And, of course, if you wanna connect with
me, if you're not already connected with me,
(32:50):
please feel free to do so upon LinkedIn.
I'm mister Sean Tierney up there. And, of
course, you guys know I teach over at
theautomationschool.com.
I'm doing a lot of in person classes
now along with,
online courses. And I also do morning shows.
So, typically, I'm doing what's doing automation or
automation news headlines and other shows. And I've
also extended that podcast to include all those
(33:13):
public shows I'm doing throughout the week. So
it's not just the news headlines anymore. It
includes all those other shows like what's new
in automation, question of the week, and so
on. So please check out my other podcast.
And if you have any questions on what
platforms we're on, you'll find them over at
the automation block.comforward/follow.
With that said, I wanna thank you again
for tuning in. I wanna wish you good
(33:35):
health and happiness. And until next time, my
friends.
Peace.
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