In today's increasingly competitive, quality-driven manufacturing world, correct assembly, traceability and testing is playing a continuously growing part in allowing manufacturers to deliver a quality assured product, on time and on budget.
Sextans - is
Sorion’s shopfloor process control and testing application. Sextans runs on a
Windows XP PC and connects to the range of Sorion peripherals (including, Pyxis
PSC - Power supply, Pyxis P16IO - Digital I/O, Rigel VCi3 - Vehicle/ECU
communications, Rigel USBIO - rack based analogue and digital I/O), to provide
connectivity.
The assembly serial number and specification are entered into Sextans (RFID,
Barcode, Network) to initialise the process. The operator is guided through the
assembly process via plain text and pictures. If a DC Tool is used to perform a
fastening, Sextans can automatically select the appropriate job on the DC tool
controller and will store the fastening results against the assembly serial
number.
Communications with Electronic Control Units (ECUs) found in many automotive
sub-assemblies is readily achieved using a Rigel VCi3 for CAN , LIN and K. These
ECU’s can have their installation tested or can be configured to suit the
application prior to testing.
Data is seamlessly transferred to our traceability database OrionTM.
Once in Orion, data can be queried (via a web browser interface from anywhere
within your organisation) in a number of ways to provide quality assurance and
performance statistics geared to manufacturing requirements.
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Process Guidance |
tRACEABILITY |
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Critical fastenings |
Storage |
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electrical test |
Your process |
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Sextans - Test
Sequences
The Sextans engine processes a series of steps to perform the overall operation.
These steps can be either a simple step type (e.g. screen prompt, DC Tool
fastening, etc.) or a script based step that is a complex process (e.g. ECU
diagnostics, machine control, etc.).
As the sequence is executed the current step (and it outcome OK/NOK) is
displayed in the step window of the main operator display. Script steps are
shown in the step window as a single entry, however if the script needs to be
monitored in operation a second script debug window is available that shows in
detail the current execution of the script.
The Sextans system takes input information (i.e. RFID built ticket) to configure
the exact sequence. The format and applicability of the this data input is fully
configurable by means of masks and filters. From this data Sextans sets up a
series of flags that can be used within the step list to ensure correct process
for a given assembly derivative.
All results generated by Sextans are made available for storage with Orion.
Subsequent stations have access to these results and they can be used to
interlock rework functionality and control product release.
Any exception events that occur are logged by Sextans and are stored, and again
these are available through the Orion reporting system.
Sextans - Management
Sextans systems are managed centrally. An editor is available that supports the
“view” of the entire manufacturing process (i.e. many stations). Steps that are
generated can be moved between stations, when line re-balancing operations are
required.
Any changes to the
sequences doe not require a application restart, charges are picked up
automatically between assemblies.
All of the sequence data and configuration can be held on a server, therefore
should station PC require replacing / rebuilding all that it requires is a
standard Sextans installation and then the configuration is automatically
downloaded from the server.
Key benefits
Process - with assemblies being manufactured with a very high level of
specification variability, it is vitally important to ensure that the assembly
is manufactured to match the specification.
Test - performs the test schedules required to carry out end-of-line functional
inspections on built up assemblies.
Traceability - provides traceability of all processes and test on the finished
assemblies.
Re-work - data from previous stations is available at re-work stations (either
in-line or off-line) to quickly allow rectification and assembly retesting.
Integration - to factory assembly tracks, assembly equipment and facilities.
Feeds are available from production control systems and assembly OK/NOK status
sent to buy-off systems.
Management - provides the editors and tools for distribution and storage of test
sequences required across the system. Process steps and tests can be easily
moved between stations.
Support - inbuilt tools to monitor and control all I/O points and log or graph
data. Also a centralised view of the whole system’s current status is available.
Orion - Quality, Traceability & Reporting Database
In server based solutions Sorion has developed its OrionTM database system that is fully web based. For further information on OrionTM click here.
Hardware
Sorion use a range of hardware including Pyxis PSC - Power supply, Pyxis P16IO - Digital I/O, Rigel VCi3 - Vehicle/ECU communications, Rigel USBIO - rack based analogue and digital I/O to ensure reliable and cost effective connectivity.
The Sextans application runs on a Windows XP PC, Sorion has developed a complete enclosure system for the Advantech panel PC range. This enclosure contains all of the common element required in placing a PC out onto the factory floor. See SEL0041 for further information.
Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Sorion can offer a comprehensive range of support services including remote access links can be setup and supported to provide a greater level of support at reduced costs (reducing the need for expensive dedicated site engineers).
Sorion
Magreal Industrial Estate
Freeth Street
Ladywood
Birmingham
B16 0QZ