Loading
Rockwell Automation Home
  • Industries
    • Industries Chevron RightChevron Right
      • Automotive & Tire
      • Cement
      • Chemical
      • Entertainment
      • Fibers & Textiles
      • Food & Beverage
      • Household & Personal Care
      • Infrastructure
      • Life Sciences
      • Marine
      • Metals
      • Mining
      • Oil & Gas
      • Power Generation
      • Print & Publishing
      • Pulp & Paper
      • Semiconductor
      • Water Wastewater
      • View All
    Industries
    Case StudyRockwell Automation's case studies Case Studies DistributorDistributor How to Buy EventEvent Events
  • Capabilities
    • Capabilities Chevron RightChevron Right
      • The Connected Enterprise®
      • Consulting & Integration Services
      • Cybersecurity
      • Digital Transformation
      • Industrial Analytics
      • Industrial Automation & Control
      • Industrial Maintenance & Support
      • Industrial Networks
      • Lifecycle Services
      • Machine & Equipment Builders
      • MES Solutions
      • Process Solutions
      • Safety Solutions
      • View All
    Capabilities
    Blogs DistributorDistributor How to Buy EventEvent Events
  • Products
    • Hardware Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Software Chevron RightChevron Right
      • Circuit & Load Protection
      • Condition Monitoring
      • Connection Devices
      • Distributed Control Systems
      • Drives & Motors
      • Energy Monitoring
      • Human Machine Interface
      • Independent Cart Technology
      • Industrial Computers & Monitors
      • Input/Output Modules
      • Industrial Control Products
      • Lighting Control
      • Motion Control
      • Motor Control
      • Networks Security & Infrastructure
      • Packaged Solutions
      • Power Supplies
      • Programmable Controllers
      • Push Buttons & Signaling Devices
      • Relays & Timers
      • Safety Instrumented Systems
      • Safety Products
      • Sensors & Switches
      • Signal Interface
      • View All Hardware Products
    • DesignSuite
      • Dynamic Digital Twin Software
      • Studio 5000 Design Software
    • OperationSuite
      • FactoryTalk Edge Gateway
      • FactoryTalk Batch
      • FactoryTalk Historian
      • FactoryTalk View - HMI Software
      • FactoryTalk Metrics
    • MaintenanceSuite
      • FactoryTalk Analytics for Devices
      • FactoryTalk AssetCentre
      • FactoryTalk Emonitor
      • FactoryTalk Network Manager
      • FactoryTalk TeamONE
      • Fiix CMMS
    • InnovationSuite
      • Augmented Reality
      • FactoryTalk Analytics
      • MES
      • ThingWorx IIoT Platform
    Products
    Find Products by Our Brands: Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk
  • Support
    • Product Support Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Documentation Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Knowledgebase Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Training Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Downloads
      • 2D & 3D Drawings
      • Activations
      • Add-on Profiles
      • Application Code Libraries
      • Compatibility & Downloads
      • Drivers & Firmware
      • Electronic Datasheets
      • EPLAN Macros
      • Sample Code Library
      • Software Patches
      • View All
    • Selection & Configuration
      • Control Systems Configuration Tools
      • Procurement Specifications
      • ProposalWorks Proposal Builder
      • Global Short-circuit Current Ratings Tool
      • Integrated Architecture Builder
      • View All
    • Compatibility & Migration
      • Migration & Modernization
      • Lifecycle Status
      • Product Replacement Lookup
      • View All
      • Technical Documentation Center
      • Technical Specifications
      • Product Certifications
      • Product Drawings
      • Release Notes
      • Literature Library
    • Support Center
      • Support Options
      • Search for Answers
      • Chat Online
      • Call Us
      • View All
    • Online Forum
      • My Inbox
      • My Favorites
      • My Subscriptions
      • View All
    • My TechConnect
      • Chat History
      • Service Ticket History
      • Manage Your Favorite Answers
      • Field Service Request
      • View All
      • E-Learning Courses
      • Training Workstations
      • Training Calendar
      • Training Centre
      • Training Instructors
      • View All
    Support
    Contact Us HelpHelp Get Support LaunchpadTools and applications View All Tools
  • Company
    • Events Chevron RightChevron Right
    • News Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Careers Chevron RightChevron Right
    • PartnerNetwork Chevron RightChevron Right
    • About Us Chevron RightChevron Right
    • Featured Events
      • Automation Fair
      • Process Solutions User Group
      • Smart Machine Workshops
      • VirtualConnect: Smart Manufacturing
      • View All
    • Webinars
      • Live
      • On-Demand
      • View All
      • Blogs
      • Case Studies
      • Automation Today
      • Podcasts
      • Press Releases
      • Media Contacts
      • View All
      • View Jobs
      • Teams & People
      • Hackathon
      • Employee Video Spotlight
      • Authorized Distributors
      • Encompass Product Partners
      • Licensed Developers
      • OEM Partners
      • Strategic Alliance Partners
      • System Integrator Partners
      • PartnerNetwork Portal
      • View All
      • Our Brands
      • Our Community
      • Our History
      • Integrity & Sustainability
      • Investor Relations
      • Customer Demo Centre
      • View All
    Company
    ProductivityProductivity Investor Relations
  • Sales
  • Sales
  • View All Industries
  • View All
  • View All
  • View All
  • View All
  • Automotive & Tire
  • Cement
  • Chemical
  • Entertainment
  • Fibers & Textiles
  • Food & Beverage
  • Household & Personal Care
  • Infrastructure
  • Life Sciences
  • Marine
  • Metals
  • Mining
  • Oil & Gas
  • Power Generation
  • Print & Publishing
  • Pulp & Paper
  • Semiconductor
  • Water Wastewater
  • View All
  • The Connected Enterprise®
  • Consulting & Integration Services
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital Transformation
  • Industrial Analytics
  • Industrial Automation & Control
  • Industrial Maintenance & Support
  • Industrial Networks
  • Lifecycle Services
  • Machine & Equipment Builders
  • MES Solutions
  • Process Solutions
  • Safety Solutions
  • View All
  • Circuit & Load Protection
  • Condition Monitoring
  • Connection Devices
  • Distributed Control Systems
  • Drives & Motors
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Human Machine Interface
  • Industrial Computers & Monitors
  • Input/Output Modules
  • Industrial Control Products
  • Lighting Control
  • Motion Control
  • Motor Control
  • Networks Security & Infrastructure
  • Packaged Solutions
  • Power Supplies
  • Programmable Controllers
  • Push Buttons & Signaling Devices
  • Relays & Timers
  • Safety Instrumented Systems
  • Safety Products
  • Sensors & Switches
  • Signal Interface
  • View All Hardware Products
  • View All
  • View All
  • Technical Documentation Center
  • Technical Specifications
  • Product Certifications
  • Product Drawings
  • Release Notes
  • Literature Library
  • View All
  • Training Workstations
  • Training Centre
  • Training Instructors
  • View All
  • View All
  • Blogs
  • Automation Today
  • Podcasts
  • Media Contacts
  • View All
  • View Jobs
  • View All
  • Authorized Distributors
  • Encompass Product Partners
  • Licensed Developers
  • OEM Partners
  • System Integrator Partners
  • PartnerNetwork Portal
  • View All
  • Our Brands
  • Our History
  • Investor Relations
  • Customer Demo Centre
  • View All
  • iTRAK Intelligent Track Systems
  • MagneMover Lite Intelligent Conveyor System
  • QuickStick Intelligent Conveyor System
  • View All
  • Dynamic Digital Twin Software
  • Studio 5000 Design Software
  • FactoryTalk Edge Gateway
  • FactoryTalk Batch
  • FactoryTalk Historian
  • FactoryTalk View - HMI Software
  • FactoryTalk Metrics
  • FactoryTalk Analytics for Devices
  • FactoryTalk AssetCentre
  • FactoryTalk Emonitor
  • FactoryTalk Network Manager
  • FactoryTalk TeamONE
  • Fiix CMMS
  • Augmented Reality
  • FactoryTalk Analytics
  • MES
  • ThingWorx IIoT Platform
  • 2D & 3D Drawings
  • Activations
  • Add-on Profiles
  • Application Code Libraries
  • Compatibility & Downloads
  • Drivers & Firmware
  • Electronic Datasheets
  • EPLAN Macros
  • Sample Code Library
  • Software Patches
  • View All
  • Control Systems Configuration Tools
  • Procurement Specifications
  • ProposalWorks Proposal Builder
  • Global Short-circuit Current Ratings Tool
  • Integrated Architecture Builder
  • View All
  • Migration & Modernization
  • Lifecycle Status
  • Product Replacement Lookup
  • View All
  • Support Options
  • Search for Answers
  • Chat Online
  • Call Us
  • View All
  • My Inbox
  • My Favorites
  • My Subscriptions
  • View All
  • Chat History
  • Service Ticket History
  • Manage Your Favorite Answers
  • Field Service Request
  • View All
  • My Training
  • View All
  • [CCA101] AC/DC Motors and Drives Fundamentals
  • [CCA182] PowerFlex 750-Series Configuration & Startup
  • [CCA183] PowerFlex 750-Series Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • [CCCL21] Studio 5000 Basic Ladder Logic Interpretation
  • [CCN130] Motion Control Fundamentals
  • [CCN145] Studio 5000 Logix Designer Kinetix 6000
  • [CCP143] Studio 5000 Project Development
  • [CCP146] Studio 5000 ControlLogix System Fundamentals
  • [CCP151] Studio 5000 Basic Ladder Logic Programming
  • [CCP152] Studio 5000 Function Block Programming
  • [CCP153] Studio 5000 Maintenance & Troubleshooting
  • [CCP154] Studio 5000 Structured Text
  • [CCP182] Industrial Ethernet Networks for OT Professionals
  • [CCP183] EtherNet/IP Configuration and Troubleshooting
  • [CCP298] Studio 5000 CompactLogix Fundamentals
  • [CCP299] Studio 5000 ControlLogix Fundamentals
  • [CCV204] FactoryTalk View ME & PanelView Plus Programming
  • [CCV207] FactoryTalk View SE Programming
  • [CCV209] FactoryTalk View ME & PanelView Plus
  • [EK-ICM201] Vibration Analysis – Level 1
  • FactoryTalk Asset Centre Design & Implementation
  • [FTVP] FactoryTalk VantagePoint Configuration & Reporting
  • [SAF-TUV1] Functional Safety for Machinery Engineer
  • [SAF-TUV2T] Functional Safety for Machinery Engineer Cert
  • [SI101] FactoryTalk View SE Configuration
  • [GBR8602] PUWER 98 Acquisition & the Safe Use of Machinery
  • [OEM100] OEM: Fundamentals & Troubleshooting
  • [PRS013] PlantPAx Process System Configuration
  • [RS-FTHSEC] FactoryTalk Historian SE Configuration
  • [SAF-TUV0T] Functional Safety for Machinery Technician Cert
  • [SI100] Logix5000 Project Development & Ladder Programming
  • [UK1003] SLC-500 Maintenance Part 1 with RSLogix500
  • [UK1203] SLC-500 Maintenance Part 2 with RSLogix500
  • View All
  • Automation Fair
  • Process Solutions User Group
  • Smart Machine Workshops
  • VirtualConnect: Smart Manufacturing
  • View All
  • Live
  • On-Demand
  • View All
  • Digital Transformation at Norbord
  • View All
  • Brighter, More Flexible Tower Light Now Available from Rockwell Automation
  • Delphi Award Received For Asset Management
  • Internal Bypass Expands Smart Motor Functionality
  • New IaaS Bundle Eases Industrial Networking
  • Rockwell Automation Names Sebastien Grau as Regional Sales Director for Middle East, Turkey and Sub Saharan Africa
  • Expanded Power Range for PowerFlex 6000 MV Drives
  • Studio 5000 Software Update Optimizes Productivity
  • FLEX 5000 I/O Modules Bring Greater Productivity and Flexibility to a Connected Enterprise
  • New Cable-Pull Switch Enhances Industrial Safety
  • Instant Industrial Device Analytics
  • Rockwell Automation to name Al Ghandi Electrical & Automation as Authorised Distributor in the UAE
  • Rockwell Automation to Broaden Connected Enterprise Consulting Expertise with Acquisition of Kalypso
  • Single-Control Multi-Well Pad Solution Cuts Costs
  • Advanced Light Curtain System Improves Flexibility and Safety
  • Automation University
  • Rockwell Automation to Showcase the ConnectedProduction Solutions and Premieres its ThinManager Software at ADIPEC 2018
  • Safe Torque Off Option Simplifies Machine Design
  • Machine Performance Analytics Bring OEM Expertise Into Producer’s Digital Environment
  • Software-Powered Connected Services
  • New Managing Director of Rockwell Automation for Sub-Saharan Africa announced
  • Rockwell Automation Simplifies Analytics for Industrial Productivity
  • New Managing Director of Rockwell Automation for Sub-Saharan Africa announced
  • Securely Deploy Cloud and Mobile Technologies with New Network Guidance
  • Rockwell Automation drive system selected for Sumitomo Rubber’s rubber mixers
  • PlantPAx DCS Roadmap
  • View All
  • Students & New Grads
  • View All
  • Hackathon Use Case for Manufacturing Optimization
  • Hackathon Use Case for Sustainability
  • Hackathon Use Case for Visual System Modernization
  • Hackathon Use Case for Dynamic Filtering
  • View All
  • 24toCode Event Recap - Winter 2019
  • 24toCode Event Recap // IT Internal Hackathon
  • Meet the 2019 IT Summer Interns
  • 24toCode Promo Video
  • Harbor View Plaza Ribbon Cutting
  • Check Your Blind Spots Mobile Tour at Rockwell Automation
  • Mechanic & Tool Apprenticeship at Rockwell Automation
  • Working at Rockwell Automation in Karlsruhe
  • Summer Internships at Rockwell Automation
  • The Intrapreneurial Skills Accelerator at Rockwell Automation
  • Makers Wanted
  • #LifeatROK w Katowicach
  • IT Summer Internship Program
  • #LifeatROK with Diogo
  • View All
  • Cisco
  • Endress+Hauser
  • FANUC
  • Microsoft
  • Panduit
  • View All
  • Our Focused Giving
  • STEM Education
  • Lifelong Learning
  • View All
  • Sustainability Report
  • Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Environmental, Health, & Safety
  • Ethics & Compliance
  • Global Supply Chain & Sourcing
  • Product Environmental Compliance
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Trust & Security
  • Workforce of Tomorrow
  • View All
Case StudyRockwell Automation's case studies Case Studies DistributorDistributor How to Buy EventEvent Events
Blogs DistributorDistributor How to Buy EventEvent Events
Find Products by Our Brands:
Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk
Contact Us HelpHelp Get Support LaunchpadTools and applications View All Tools
ProductivityProductivity Investor Relations
  • Literature LibraryLiterature Library
    Literature Library

    Access technical and commercial publications for hardware and software products, applications, services and solutions.

    PCDCProduct Compatibility and Download Center
    Compatibility & Downloads

    Find downloads including firmware, release notes, associated software, drivers, tools and utilities.

    KnowledgebaseKnowledgebase Support Center
    Knowledgebase

    Browse the database of questions and answers on a variety of products and technologies.

    Product ConfiguratorProduct Configurator
    Product Configurator

    Configure and select products rapidly.

    Software SubscriptionsSoftware Subscriptions
    Software Subscriptions

    One stop shopping for software and subscription services.

    2D & 3D Drawings Bill of Materials CrossWorks Electronic Datasheets Motion Analyzer My Equipment My Training E-Learning Portal Product Lifecycle Status Product Registration Product Selection Toolbox Repairs Sample Code Library Software Activations View All
    Tools
    UserUser Sign In/Create an Account
  • User Account User
Tools
Literature LibraryLiterature Library
Literature Library
PCDCProduct Compatibility and Download Center
Compatibility & Downloads
KnowledgebaseKnowledgebase Support Center
Knowledgebase
Product ConfiguratorProduct Configurator
Product Configurator
Software SubscriptionsSoftware Subscriptions
Software Subscriptions
2D & 3D Drawings Bill of Materials CrossWorks Electronic Datasheets Motion Analyzer My Equipment My Training E-Learning Portal Product Lifecycle Status Product Registration Product Selection Toolbox Repairs Sample Code Library Software Activations View All
Case Study
Recent ActivityRecent Activity

Metalquimia Deploys Integrated Architecture for Process Automation

Food industry machine builder commissions Automatismes Girona, S.L. (AUGI) to implement advanced control and information system to control and supervise its most innovative project, the QDS (Quick-Dry-Slice) System

Share This:

LinkedInLinkedIn
TwitterTwitter
FacebookFacebook
PrintPrint
EmailEmail
Main Image

Challenge

  • Metalquimia required an advanced control solution for a patented dry curing technology for sliced meat. It turned to Automatismes Girona, S.L. (AUGI), a Rockwell Automation Solution Partner

Solutions

  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix (PAC), Allen-Bradley PanelView HMI, and Allen-Bradley PowerFlex AC Drives
  • Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6500 Servo Drives with CIP Motion
  • Allen-Bradley POINT I/O
  • EtherNet/IP Networks
  • FactoryTalk® View Site edition (SE)

Results

  • Reduced total processing times
  • Eliminated time spent in chambers
  • Simplified production
  • Optimised energy efficiency

Background

Metalquimia is a world leader in the technology and manufacturing of turn-key lines for the production of meat products. From the early 1980s, the company, located in Girona, Spain, has focused on innovation and high quality.

This innovative approach is evident through a number of different patents the company has achieved, such as the first automated hydraulic injector with spray effect or, more recently, the QDS (Quick-Dry-Slice) System, a technology for accelerated dry-curing of sliced meat products. All of this has undoubtedly helped Metalquimia to become a leading company in the meat industry for process innovation.

In order to automate its products, the company works with Automatismes Girona, S.L. (AUGI), an engineering company specialising in the development and implementation of comprehensive solutions in the field of industrial automation for the upgrade of many kinds of machinery and processes. Thanks to its diversification, AUGI covers a wide variety of industries such food and feed, paper, textile, machinery construction or renewable energies.

A few years ago, AUGI also achieved the Rockwell Automation Solution Partner status. Solution Partners are system integrators that make a commitment to deliver high quality technical solution and customer service, leading with Rockwell Automation technologies. They are often specialised, with application or industry experience complementary to Rockwell Automation and have the ability to deliver across a broad area.

Challenge

Metalquimia’s QDS System is a production process in which, after a prior heating cycle, frozen meat slices undergo a quick tempering drying phase at controlled temperature and humidity. According to Pere Canadell, Automation Manager at Metalquimia: “It comprises an automated line starting from the frozen product in bar form, which are then sliced, passed through a drier and then placed in packets perfectly stacked and ready for sale.” This innovative process drastically reduces the total processing times, simplifies production and achieves a significant improvement in energy efficiency.

The system integrates several components, such as a slicer, transport conveyors, tray loaders, drying tunnels with climate control and packaging machines. AUGI was commissioned to develop automated and integrated control of the whole machine. “The process involved several complex considerations. On one hand we had to control the drying process very precisely, which requires optimal climate control management,” explains Canadell.

“On the other hand,” he continues, “product overlapping was also relevant in order to obtain attractive-looking trays and provide traceability, since all trays are identified by an RFID tag.” This results in a reduction of time and costs, since a large number of items can be read at once and a view line is not required between the tags and the reader.

Multiple axes were also involved via shafts, motors, drives, synchronisms, cams and servo drives for the placement of slices in mosaic patterns. And of course,” adds Xavier Mir, Process Automation Manager at AUGI, “all this had to be integrated in order to work seamlessly.”

Solution

In order to address all these considerations, both Metalquimia and AUGI decided to work with Rockwell Automation. The system, using an EtherNet/IP™ network architecture, includes Allen-Bradley® ControlLogix® programmable automation controllers (PAC) and Allen-Bradley Kinetix® 6500 servo drives for motion control, as well as Allen-Bradley PowerFlex® AC drives, distributed Allen-Bradley POINT I/O™ and, for operating interfaces, Allen-Bradley PanelView™ HMIs and FactoryTalk® View Site edition (SE). “We know these  products very well,” states Mir, “to integrate communication networks, motion control with shafts, remote peripheries, all with the proper synchronization, it’s better to use solutions provided by one recognized company such as Rockwell Automation.”

All these solutions work much better in combination, because they enable end users to experience a significant improvement in productivity with higher speeds and flexibility. And with a standardized platform, the system is designed to optimize and improve reliability. Thanks to the implementation of these combined elements, controlling and managing production lines becomes easier and more efficient, with reporting and responding to real-time data contributing to an improved process that helps to avoid failures.

Results

Rockwell Automation solutions have contributed to create an innovative process, unique in the world, whose patent is owned exclusively by Metalquimia. With the added advantage that, thanks to the versatility of the installed components, it can be seamlessly fitted to the production needs. “I think that we made a good job of implementing the automation solutions into the QDS System,” states Mir, who expressed satisfaction with the technology support of Rockwell Automation products and the results obtained.

What’s more, Rockwell Automation solutions and automated equipment help to reduce the overall process time and simplify the production, since a unique line undertakes the distribution of meat slices, automatic ultrafast drying and packaging in trays. The result is a consistent final product for the consumers.This process provides an additional advantage because it removes the necessity for cold storage of meat slices, thus accelerating the meat curing process and freeing space at the plant. The lower process time allows the energy efficiency to be improved as well; in fact, the energy consumption decreases around 30% if compared to conventional drying.

The results mentioned above are specific to this customer's use of Rockwell Automation products and services in conjunction with other products. Specific results may vary for other customers.

Published 27 July 2015

Subscribe

Subscribe to Rockwell Automation and receive the latest news, thought leadership and information directly to your inbox.

Subscribe

Recommended For You

Loading
  • Technical Question
  • Chat Technical Support
  • Phone Support
  • Contact Sales
  • General Questions
  1. Chevron LeftChevron Left United Kingdom Chevron RightChevron Right
  2. Chevron LeftChevron Left Company Chevron RightChevron Right
  3. Chevron LeftChevron Left News Chevron RightChevron Right
  4. Chevron LeftChevron Left Case Studies Chevron RightChevron Right
Discover
  • The Connected Enterprise®
  • Create Your Account
  • Case Studies
  • Events
Information for...
  • Distributors
  • OEM
  • System Integrators
  • Encompass Partners
  • Investors
  • Career Seekers
Contact Us
  • General Questions
  • Technical Questions
  • Local Sales & Service
  • Pricing & Availability
  • Report Ethical Concerns
Site Information
  • Legal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Preferences
  • Terms of Use
  • Trademarks
Change Country Site SelectionChange RockwellAutomation.com site selection to a different country, region or language Change Country
United Kingdom/English

Keep Updated With Us

Sign up to receive our latest headlines for free.

Stay Informed Now
Follow Us
BlogRockwell Automation's Blog
Copyright ©2021 Rockwell Automation, Inc.
United Kingdom