[space] Denca Logo [space]
white space white space white space white space
clear space clear space case studies -Jaguar
white space white space white space white space
clear space clear space
clear space case studies - Jaguar clear space clear space clear space
clear space

Introduction

Denca Controls is well experienced in the unique requirements of the automotive sector having provided integrated automated control systems for vehicle assembly lines.

Denca's commitment to imaginative software engineering enhances their ability to provide technically complex process control systems which improve production. This is particularly relevant to the needs of car manufacturers, as the following case study demonstrates:

Problem

Jaguar Cars needed to introduce several different derivatives to their single-derivative X400 body construction line at Halewood without affecting production.

Solution

Denca tackled this technically complex machine control problem by implementing a full scheduled build system which included the following elements:

  • Design of a scheduled build system which will receive and manage the client's build data for all body types on the X400 body construction line and ensure that the required build information is communicated to all point-of-fit build stations, including 'build ahead' lists, where required
  • Design and manufacture of scheduling panels and point-of-fit panels, all connected on the ethernet communication network
  • Coding the control programs for the programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and the human machine interface (HMI) touch screens

Benefits

The machine control system delivered the following main benefits to Jaguar Cars:

  • Technically complex machine control problem translated into a reliable and expandable solution
  • Addition of 4 new body types (light, heavy, saloon, diesel) achieved on the same line with maximum level of control and flexibility, but without affecting production
  • System hardware and software design philosophy was based on modularity, hence providing high levels of reliability and maintainability
  • Fully networked and interacting system communicates with the client's other bespoke systems and allows control and intervention by management.

Technical

The complex scheduling system project was put out to tender to several companies and Denca was subsequently awarded the contract to:

  • provide a detailed electrical & instrumentation design package
  • software engineering - configure automation software for PLCs, HMIs and client system interface
  • manufacture and assemble machine control panels & control equipment
  • install and commission the full system.

The scheduling system consisted of the following main elements:

  • Scheduling PLCs - Modicon Momentum PLCs
  • Point-of-Fit and Build List Control Panels and HMIs
  • Barcode readers.

The above installation provided Jaguar Cars with a multi-derivative body construction line which is reliable, interacts fully with existing managements systems, is easily maintained, and is also expandable to include future derivatives.

For further details, please contact Artoosh Petrossian on 0151 257 9010

 

[back to case studies]

clear space