Pultrusion Machine Integration & Automation Upgrade

Gracol Composites | Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

EIS assessed the existing manual control systems, conducted a requirements analysis and developed a solution to digitalise an existing Pultrusion Machine.

Recognising the need for a comprehensive technology upgrade, Gracol Composites turned to EIS, a trusted partner with a proven track record in delivering innovative solutions.

EIS embarked on the project by conducting a thorough assessment of the existing control system, which dated back around 30 years. A pivotal aspect of the upgrade was the automation of older physical controls, such as pushbuttons and dials, with a modern touch screen Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and a PLC.

EIS incorporated open standard communication protocols to support interoperability on the shop floor. Additionally, a comprehensive machine safety validation and risk assessment were produced to assess risks and propose effective mitigation measures. Using data that was made available at the equipment level, Gracol Composites harnessed the power of data analytics using Python and custom software routines.

Throughout the project EIS collaborated with Gracol Composites to not only upgrade the current Pultrusion Machine but to add the benefits of improved quality, enhanced operator efficiencies, increased productivity and granular data visibility.

Contract value: $115k