The VEC System is Your Choice for Precision.

Solution Center

The entire VEC process is monitored by our team of engineers at our VEC Solution Center. During the VEC process, our computer systems monitor hundreds of variables including temperature, dynamic pressures, humidity, gel times and peak exotherms. These systems automatically adjust the components to produce a composite part that is cured in consistently optimal conditions. By monitoring these variables, we can diagnose problems before they occur.

Data Capturing

Historical trend data, similar to an airplane flight recorder, records all process aspects of the machine in real time. VEC has implemented an OPC (Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control) system to collect its historical data. The system communicates directly to the Programmable Logic Controllers operating the VEC Cell, logging critical process points once a second. The data resides in a SQL Server database and is accessed by true thin client graphing software. Examples of this type of data would be various temperatures, pressures, flow rates, operator inputs, machine outputs and machine cycle steps. This data is very useful in determining the reasons for a cycle stoppage, trends in the process, or problems in parts being manufactured.

The other type of data collected is serialized part information. Each part produced in a VEC Cell has data relating to it by model and serial number. This data is collected at specific points of the automation sequence, either automatically or by operator input. Examples of this data would be time stamps, usages, peak temperatures, peak pressures, batch quantities, and cell/lift location, etc. This data is then utilized in the development of reports. An example is production reporting listed by hyperlinked serial numbers. Technicians can view historical trend data for the given part by clicking on any serial number displayed in the production report.