The company now has the benefit of Siemens control technology for its new range of Dunkable coating machines.
P2i has now teamed up with Siemens Industry to further enhance the security, operational efficiency and scalability of its latest generation Dunkable nano-coating - a ground-breaking ultra-thin barrier coating designed to protect smartphones and other consumer electronic devices from immersion damage, without impacting the look, feel or functionality of the device.
P2i has already experienced commercial success with its Splash-proof nano-coating and has a geographically diverse customer base with equipment in sites across Europe, China, USA, Latin America and Australasia.
Various electronic devices currently benefiting from the protection of P2i’s technology include Siemens’ hearing aids, various smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth headsets and earphones. Later this year, P2i will be launching the new Dunkable technology for smartphones with a partner brand.
Both the Splash-proof and Dunkable technology use pulsed-plasma enhanced deposition processing to permeate the coating throughout the device, attaching the coating to all surfaces. As such, P2i has developed a range of bespoke machines designed to apply the coatings within a controlled, vacuum environment.
Chris Palmer, Supply Chain Manager, P2i, says his company is not only driving further development for the nano-coating systems, but also ensuring it can offer the very best customer service once the special coating machines are out in the field.
“For instance, we were looking to enrich our diagnostic capability, boosting remote monitoring, and enabling the flexibility to add more functionality to the machines at a later stage, in an easier way," he says. "With such an innovative technology it was also important for Siemens to be able to guarantee a high level of security for our intellectual property.
"We wanted to find these solutions with a partner that could also offer worldwide support and Siemens was able to fulfil all these elements with a cost effective and proven technology answer and a true global presence we could tap into if required.”
With integrated Siemens control technology, the Dunkable machines will deliver increased reliability and repeatability benefits, as well as laying a standardised foundation for future scalability potential as the technology and machines evolve.
Simon Aldridge, Principal Software Engineer, P2i, says Siemens fieldbus technology based on Profibus and Profinet, as well as the S7 1500 PLCs and HMIs is showing great success in customer trials.
"By providing increased functionality, enhanced security and enabling remote diagnostic reviews to be undertaken, P2i can provide advanced service and support for our Dunkable customers," he says.
“In many ways, by introducing the Siemens technology we have set a standardised approach to the future core control package on the machines, meaning we can add further functionality with little disruption and minimal time and expenditure.
"This potential for scalability will underpin our growth ambitions as our market-leading technology drives our expansion. We know the technology from Siemens Industry will be an enabling factor behind us.”