Enhancing Machines in the Packaging Industry

The integration of Ethernet with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) serves as the backbone of machine communications. © WS Studio 1985 – stock.adobe.com

The Benefits of Ethernet with TSN

By Roy Kok, Senior Partnerships and Alliance Specialist for CC Link Partner Association (CLPA) and Partnership and Alliance Manager for Mitsubishi Electric eF@ctory Alliance

The packaging industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, playing a critical role in the distribution of goods across various sectors. As consumer demands evolve and the push for more efficient, sustainable, and customized packaging grows, manufacturers are seeking advanced technologies to optimize their operations. One such technological advancement is the integration of Ethernet with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), as the backbone of machine communications.

This combination offers a robust communication framework that addresses the complex needs of modern packaging systems. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Ethernet with TSN in enabling smarter machines and digital transformation.

Ethernet has been a fundamental networking technology in industrial automation due to its reliability, scalability, and widespread adoption. However, traditional Ethernet lacks the deterministic capabilities required for real-time industrial applications. TSN enhances Ethernet by improving upon the set of IEEE 802.1 standards.  The additions enable precise time synchronization and deterministic data transmission. This ensures that critical control data is delivered on time, which is essential for the synchronized operations of machinery in the packaging industry.

In the packaging industry, the synchronization of processes in a machine, and the coordination of various machines — such as fillers, labelers, palletizers, and conveyors — is crucial for maintaining high throughput and product quality. Real-time communication ensures that each machine operates in harmony with others, minimizing delays and preventing bottlenecks. Ethernet with TSN provides the necessary infrastructure for this level of coordination, enabling faster and more reliable data exchange between devices.

Benefits of Ethernet with TSN in the Packaging Industry

Ethernet with TSN offers deterministic networking capabilities, ensuring that data packets are transmitted and received within defined time constraints. This predictability is vital for coordinating the actions of multiple machines on a packaging line. By guaranteeing timely data delivery, manufacturers can achieve higher operational efficiency, reduce cycle times, and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Traditional packaging systems often rely on multiple communication networks to handle different types of data — real-time control data, non-critical information, and safety signals. Ethernet with TSN allows these disparate networks to converge into a single, unified network infrastructure. This simplification reduces hardware costs, eases network management, and minimizes potential points of failure, leading to improved system reliability.

As packaging demands change, manufacturers need the flexibility to modify and expand their production lines quickly. Ethernet with TSN provides a scalable network solution that can easily accommodate additional machines, sensors, and controllers without significant reconfiguration. This adaptability is essential for meeting the needs of customized packaging and shorter product life cycles.

The integration of Ethernet with TSN facilitates seamless data flow between devices and higher-level enterprise systems. This connectivity enables supervisory monitoring and diagnostics, allowing operators to identify and address issues promptly. Enhanced data transparency leads to better decision-making, predictive maintenance, and reduced downtime.

The packaging industry is increasingly adopting advanced automation technologies such as robotics, machine vision, and artificial intelligence. Ethernet with TSN provides the high-bandwidth, low-latency communication required to support these layered technologies. For example, real-time data exchange is crucial for robotic systems performing intricate tasks like precise product placement or adaptive packaging based on product variations.

Safety is paramount in packaging operations, especially when dealing with high-speed machinery. Ethernet with TSN supports the integration of safety protocols alongside standard control communication. This integration ensures that safety messages are prioritized and delivered without delay, helping manufacturers comply with industry safety standards and protect their workforce.

By improving synchronization and reducing communication delays, Ethernet with TSN helps eliminate inefficiencies in the packaging process. Optimized operations lead to lower energy consumption, reduced material waste, and decreased maintenance costs. Over time, these savings can significantly impact the bottom line, providing a competitive advantage in a cost-sensitive industry.

The move towards Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) requires a communication network capable of handling vast amounts of data from connected devices. Ethernet with TSN serves as a foundational technology for digital transformation initiatives by providing reliable, real-time data exchange. This capability enables advanced analytics, remote monitoring, and cloud-based services that drive innovation and continuous improvement.

The Role of CLPA in Advancing Ethernet with TSN

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is a key organization promoting the adoption of Ethernet with TSN in industrial automation. The CLPA manages the CC-Link family of open automation networks, including CC-Link IE TSN, the first open industrial Ethernet that combines gigabit Ethernet performance with TSN technology.

Device manufacturers partner with CLPA for a variety of reasons, among them:

Access to a Global Network of Experts: The CLPA comprises over 3,800 member companies worldwide, including leading automation vendors, machine builders, and end-users. This network facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration on the latest advancements in Ethernet with TSN technology.

Comprehensive Support and Resources: The CLPA provides extensive technical support, development tools, and certification services to help companies implement CC-Link IE TSN in their products and systems. This support accelerates time-to-market and ensures interoperability across devices.

Driving Standards and Interoperability: By adhering to open standards, the CLPA promotes interoperability among devices from different manufacturers. This openness allows packaging companies to build flexible systems with components that best suit their specific needs, without being locked into proprietary solutions.

CLPA Partners Delivering Advantages for Machine Builders

Machine builders in the packaging industry benefit significantly from products that leverage TSN-based protocols:

Enhanced Machine Performance: Implementing CC-Link IE TSN enables machine builders to deliver high-performance equipment capable of real-time communication and synchronization, meeting the demanding requirements of modern packaging lines.

Competitive Differentiation: By offering machines equipped with the latest Ethernet with TSN technology, builders can differentiate their products in the market, providing customers with advanced features and improved operational efficiency.

Facilitating Digital Transformation: Machine builders can position themselves as enablers of digital transformation by incorporating CC-Link IE TSN. This alignment with Industry 4.0 trends appeals to customers seeking to modernize their facilities.

Conclusion

The integration of Ethernet with TSN is revolutionizing the packaging industry by providing a robust, deterministic communication network that meets the demands of modern packaging. The benefits are many — from enhanced efficiency and scalability to support for advanced automation technologies and digital transformation initiatives.

By leveraging Ethernet with TSN, packaging companies can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market. Machine builders, in turn, can deliver smarter machines that meet the evolving needs of their customers.

About the Author

Roy Kok is a Senior Partnerships and Alliance Specialist for CC Link Partner Association (CLPA) and Partnership and Alliance Manager for Mitsubishi Electric eF@ctory Alliance.