Microlink    
Specnow has developed a state of the art control system for today's furnace processing and data collection.

Microlink has been designed especially for vacuum furnaces and can be supplied for use with new equipment or as part of a refurbishment.

The system is operated via a powerful HMI. Our software solutions are based on DataManager, a proprietary SCADA type package found throughout industry in critical production tasks. The controller hardware incorporates a standard desktop computer with touch screen, and a choice of PLC's from the industry leaders. Microlink has inherently high reliability and is supported by the ease of replacement of constituent items from local suppliers.

    

In production applications Microlink disciplines the execution of the work according to prescribed routines and processes; the program storage is virtually infinite. Furnace operators, supervisors and managers are given appropriate levels of coded access. For development applications there is freedom to drive the furnace and process with a manual override.


The HMI comprises a series of user-friendly screens developed from the experiences of many customers as well as our own engineers. Specnow offers to customize the displays for the application. The system can be networked for enhanced QA and data handling.
   
     
   
Microlink— Installed as part of a major refurbishment at an aerospace contractor facility
Datasheet Microlink

A modem link facility can be fitted to enable remote access to the plan so that Specnow may assist the customer with troubleshooting. In many cases corrective action can be taken without a service visit and software updates can be made.

Full training is given to the operators and managers.

   Microlink’s 15” touch screen gives high visibility of the process and furnace status

The display is divided into easily understood sections

  • Vacuum display
  • Temperature control
  • Thermocouples
  • Element power
  • Process points
  • Machine status
  The active Main screen provides a digital readout from all four job thermocouples,

The same information can be viewed in bar chart or graph form

The furnace has been set to control from the average temperature of all four thermocouples.

Alternatively control can be switched to the highest, lowest or any single thermocouple. Faulty sensors are deselected. Also shown is the temperature spread between the selected thermocouples.

  
Microlink's machine and process control software contain a number of maintenance support features. Leak detection and pump performance monitoring ensure ongoing vacuum integrity. Thermocouple calibration tools provide solutions to Nadcap and other standard or conformity requirements. Comprehensive safety features include furnace protection in the event of water loss.
Benefits of the software approach
  • Microlink obviates the need for temperature controllers, chart recorders and similar ancillary items.
  • Less hardware means increased reliability and lower cost.
  • Fewer instruments means reduced complexity.
  • The operator has only one user friendly HMI to understand and quickly becomes proficient.
  • Intelligent management of all types/mixes of thermocouples, vacuum and gases.
  • Hot zone uniformity and thermocouple calibration routines.
  • Fast response allows manual interaction for process .
  • cycles development.
  • Production engineers can optimize the process, minimizing cycle times and reject rates.
  • Knowledge management and help screens provided.
  • Bar code program and work-piece recognition options.
  • Alarm and warning reports maximize safety.
  • Modem link to real time troubleshooting support.
  • Links for offline data handling and QA.
  • The controller is easily reconfigured on site to meet the needs of new applications and processes.
Charts may be viewed at any time with zoom to critical areas.

Print at any stage during or after the process

Charts can be filtered to display vacuum or temperature or both
PLC status and pump run times aids maintenance and troubles shooting
Furnace status mimic
This Microlink controller is coupled with a Residual Gas Analyzer to optimize the ceramic brazing process
 
Microlink units are installed throughout Europe in high technology production and development environments. Major markets are in aerospace, instrumentation, electrical switchgear, engineering tools and contract heat treatment.
Process recipes are generated and selected at the touch screen. The number of programs is virtually unlimited.

Pop-up edit boxes facilitate loading and editing of parameters: ramps, dwells, fast cooling etc.