FLEXTIME TM software and control systems
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Leading PC-based solution for automation of wet-processes in the electroplating and finishing industries
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Dynamic or fixed-timeway scheduling of hoists
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Process control of tanks, rectifiers, auto chemical dosing
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Flexible, configurable, and powerful
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Client/Server architecture and network aware
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Improve part quality and cycle times
FLEXTIME is the Windows-based hardware and software solution designed for the wet-process industries. The software provides all of the control and scheduling power needed for complete control of an electro-plating or finishing line, including dynamic or fixed-timeway scheduling, tank temperature control, rectifier controls, auto dosing, and many other tightly integrated features.
FLEXTIME applications
FLEXTIME can be used for a wide variety of applications, including the following:
- Electroplating, anodizing, pickling,finishing automation and controls
- Dynamic scheduling of cranes and hoists in plating and anodizing lines
- Retrieval crane automation
- Stacker crane automation
FLEXTIME software features
The following paragraphs show some of the general features of the FLEXTIME product:
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Visualization
FLEXTIME
is a complete control and MMI system in one.
With FLEXTIME, there is no need to purchase a second
computer and software licence for MMI |
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Process
recipe generation
FLEXTIME offers an intuitive and easy-to-use management screen for recipe creation, deletion, and editing.
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Dynamic
Scheduling
FLEXTIME has the most flexible and powerful dynamic
scheduling engine available for multiple hoist control in
tanklines. |
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Fixed-timeway
schedule
FLEXTIME can also be used a flexible fixed-timeway
solution. With an integrated graphical timeway design
tool, writing and maintaining fixed timeways has never been
easier. |
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Hoist
and shuttle positioning FLEXTIME automatically controls
the position of cranes and shuttles. By
utilizing distributed positioning systems such as
ICS-5000 and Stahltronic, FLEXTIME becomes a powerful
controller. |
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Temperature
control and monitoring
FLEXTIME automatically controls and monitors tank
temperatures, including time/date scheduling of production
versus weekend setpoints, hi/low alarming, trend displays,
and other features. |
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Rectifier
and dosing control and monitoring
FLEXTIME automatically controls and monitors rectifiers,
including alarming, automatic activation, ramping, and
trickle settings. Automatic chemical dosing is also
supported. |
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Pump,
ventilation, agitation, and misc. controls FLEXTIME
can be configured to control all elements of your
tankline, including pumps, fans, ventilation,
agitation, ultrasonics, and any other discrete or
analog component. |
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Alarms
and Events FLEXTIME maintains an alarm and event
log that can be configured to provide detailed
accounts of specific alarms and override conditions.. |
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Part
database operations FLEXTIME can utilize a part
database for recipe selection and by-part settings for
rectifiers, temperatures, and other elements.. |
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Production
database operations FLEXTIME can generate
production databases to meet the most demanding
reporting requirements. |
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Object-oriented
Configuration
The FLEXTIME software incorporates the same
Object-oriented configuration structure as ASC's CPC
software packages. This provides unlimited customer
access to configurations and settings of the
system. |
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Soft-logic
scripting
The FLEXTIME software incorporates VB-like scripting for
all of the "logic" configurations of a system. This
capability allows for easy, "on the fly" changes
to system configurations and operations. |
PLC and I/O hardware solutions
Unlike other software suppliers, ASC is also an expert at many hardware solutions.
We are a UL-certified panel builder with expertise in many types of PLC and hardware platforms.Non-PLC systems
For a simplified and lower-cost alternative to PLCs, ASC's recommended hardware is Ethernet-IO by Opto22. We have utilized this hardware platform for many years, and find it to be a low-cost, high-speed, low-maintenance platform for most control applications.
PLC-based systems
ASC recommends and specializes in Allen Bradley PLCs,
including PLC-5, SLC, and Control Logix. We are also
experts are DeviceNet and Profibus interfaces.
With OPC interface capability, we can communicate to
virtually any PLC on the market.
Hardware expertise
ASC has extensive expertise in the following hardware platforms:
Positioning systems
For your automated tankline, ASC can offer the following options for position control of the hoists. Each of these options provide different levels of monitoring and control:
- Trimble ICS-5000 positioning systems, for highly accurate and reliable distributed control of position. These units are more reliable than the Stahltronic systems, but are more expensive.
- Stahltronic WCS positioning systems, for moderately accurate position control
In-house engineering support
Unlike our competitors, ASC has nearly 10 engineers that can provide assistance to you and your organization when it comes to hardware and software support of the FLEXTIME system. We guarantee that you will always find an ASC engineer available work with your technicians when time is critical.
Example documentation
Unlike some competitive products, ASC provides a customized manual for each Flextime implementation. These operator manuals typically include detailed chapters on each element of the system. ASC has provided for download two examples of typical Flextime operator manuals.
Click here to view examples of typical FLEXTIME Operations Manual
How can I get a system quote for my application?
Click here to access our FLEXTIME Quotation Request Form
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