The order, which was placed with ABB through the press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer, covers the replacement of the control systems on two printing towers and the turner bar units associated with two folders.

The project sees the use of ABB’s footprint-compatible adapters that have exactly the same form, dimensions and connections as the original KT94 CPUs and CS31 I/O devices. The adapters mean that modern ABB AC500 PLCs and I/Os can be installed easily whilst retaining the original wiring. In addition, the compatibility of the new and old systems means that the original controls can be replaced on a step-by-step basis.

The additional processing power provided by the AC500 PLC also means that the number of CPUs required for the tower control systems can be halved.

Thomas Troendle, ABB Printing’s sales manager for Germany, explains “This project helps to ensure the reliability of the press at the Rheinische Bergische Druckerei and at the same time eliminates any difficulties with the availability of spare parts. The modular retrofit on two towers frees up parts that can be used as spares for other press units.”

The commissioning of the new systems will begin in Duesseldorf at the end of August of this year.

ABB is a leading automation supplier to the newspaper industry. ABB Printing delivers solutions that provide unique and totally integrated end-to-end control, protect existing investments and provide management information essential to improving profitability.
(https://www.abb.com/printing)

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees.
(https://www.abb.com)