Training instrumental in technology solutions advancement

Based in Norwich, FDA Packaging has provided flow wrapping machines worldwide since 1994. As a small to medium-sized machine builder, the firm’s decision to partner with Mitsubishi Electric represented a key area of growth in its developmental strategy. The aim of the training was to support FDA in transitioning from older programming formats to the new, more intuitive system offered by Mitsubishi Electric.

The two-day iQ-F PLC Intermediate training course focussed on Mitsubishi Electric’s FX5 PLC series with MELSOFT GX Works3 as a software tool. It provided the opportunity to learn how to program using the latest GX Works3 software, which is crucial for PLCs, such as the MELSEC iQ-F series, into machine builds.

Craig Hodkinson, a director at FDA Packaging, attended the training to upgrade his skills in line with evolving industry needs, and to find out more about the GX Works3 feature built into the FX5 PLCs, which he felt could benefit FDA Packaging’s operations. The training was tailored to demonstrate this feature, highlighting  how it can support manufacturers.

“I prefer face-to-face learning like this for complicated tasks,” he explained. “You can learn in a way that just isn't possible remotely.”

Prior to the training, FDA Packaging had used the tried and tested method of dedicated hardwired connections, managing product flow via digitally connected machines that exchange important information. However, the Simple CPU Communications feature – the data communication method between the FX5 PLC series – offered a more effective technique in terms of wiring, allowing for easier future expansion.

The hands-on approach of the training also enabled FDA and other attendees to use features of GX Works3 to speed up the process of creating programs, including making any size modifications, either for design changes or errors.

“The training has been instrumental in the advancement of our technology solutions,” Craig continues. “Through it, I was able to update my old program to the new format and efficiently run the FX5 PLC on my machines. The new software’s design has significantly enhanced my programming capabilities by improving operational efficiency. It has helped tremendously, and the new software is a lot more intuitive.”

The collaboration has also helped Mitsubishi Electric to identify opportunities for a more solution-based learning pathway, aligning with its vision of expanding its curriculum to address future solutions, rather than just product-based learning.

Paul Proctor, training manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation Systems Division, said: “At Mitsubishi Electric, we are committed to supporting customers using our technology to unlock the true potential of their own machines. I’m delighted to hear how the training has helped Craig and his team to advance the capabilities of FDA’s packaging machines, and it shows the real value that can be achieved through a collaborative and in-person approach to problem solving.”

The iQ-F PLC Intermediate training course is part of Mitsubishi Electric’s wider curriculum, designed to offer learning and training needs for its entire product range and across a variety of automation and product experiences.

gb.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/support/training