What is ISO 21919-1 - Interfaces for automated machine tending about?
ISO 21919-1 describes interfaces for automated machine tending of at least one Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine by using a machine tending device. These interfaces are the link between automated machine tending devices and machines used for production. The automated machine tending is initiated by either the machine tending system or by the machine.
ISO 21919-1 gives an overview and defines the fundamental principles on how the interfaces are set up. ISO 21919-1 defines the necessary vocabulary and sets the syntax for the structure of signals. ISO 21919-1 distinguishes between the safety interface, the control interface, and project-specific extensions. ISO 21919-1 defines three conformance classes and dedicated conformance options. Classes and options consist of a number of signals to simultaneously:
- Allow a flexible adaptation of the interface(s) to a project-specific scope of functions
- Tie sets of signals tight enough to avoid unnecessary coordination efforts between suppliers of the machine tending devices and machines
ISO 21919-1 concentrates on the control-related and safety-related connections. ISO 21919-1 does not describe the mechanical connections.
Note: ISO 21919-1 does not determine the transfer physics, a pin assignment, the hardware of the interfaces or measure of communication, e.g., protocol, and it is not intended to be used for communication to a MES (Manufacturing Execution System).
Who is ISO 21919-1 - Interfaces for automated machine tending for?
ISO 21919-1 on Interfaces for automated machine tending is useful for:
- The automation industry
- Automated machine suppliers
- Mechanical and robotic engineers
- The automobile industry
Why should you use ISO 21919-1 - Interfaces for automated machine tending?
Automated machine tending is a substantial element in highly productive industrial environments. Necessary devices are complex systems in themselves, are often provided by different suppliers and they encounter each other for the first time at the production site. ISO 21919-1 gives you a clear definition of the interfaces for a trouble-free collaboration of all units. For manufacturing systems, such standardized interfaces at an international level have not yet been defined. The definition of the interfaces is often project-specific from the start or each supplier tries to establish its in-house standards. These procedures cause great efforts, are prone to failure, and take a lot of time and manpower. As each interface is built individually and testing beforehand is often not possible, commissioning times to exceed the planned ones. Machine builders, system integrators and production plant operators report these issues being substantial obstacles for such automation projects. ISO 21919-1 lead to lean coordination processes, gives higher planning reliability, shortens times for commissioning, and are less error-prone. Automated machine tending systems can be very complex systems and ISO 21919-1 is flexible enough to allow an adaption to the requirements of individual projects. Applications range from simple parts removal to material flow dedicated complex production lines. The processing technologies of the machines are independent of the interface and a majority of machine technologies can be integrated with the same standard.
