In ski manufacturing, the bonding stage - known as “baking” - determines the durability and handling characteristics of the finished product. This is when the layers of material are permanently bonded together at high temperature and pressure. Any deviation from the set parameters can lead to weakened structure and quality problems. In this case study, we'll show you how you can automate temperature and pressure monitoring in your bonding process. You will learn how to implement a system that records data in real time and provides precise control - without unnecessary complications. The result? Repeatable quality, fewer rejects and greater confidence that each pair of skis will meet the expectations of even the most demanding users.
Our client is an established manufacturer of premium skis, specializing in both alpine and off-piste models - for variable and demanding terrain. One of the most demanding stages of production is the so-called “baking” - that is, the process of pressing and hardening the ski under the right pressure and at a controlled temperature.
To guarantee the durability of the connections between material layers, the company needed a solution that would enable precise measurement and ongoing control of process parameters. They expected high accuracy, easy integration with their existing control system, and intuitive configuration - preferably without the need for time-consuming infrastructure modifications.
They wanted not only stable quality of the final product, but also full control over the process and the ability to react quickly to any irregularities.
To ensure precise supervision of the ski gluing process (known as “baking”), the client implemented an automation system based on the JUMO PLC variTRON 500. This system is responsible for collecting and processing data from temperature and pressure sensors and transmitting them to a master SCADA system.
The pressing temperature is monitored using resistance temperature sensors, while the pressure is monitored using a high-precision JUMO transducer DELOS S02. The device offers high measurement accuracy and state-of-the-art data transmission options - including IO-Link and Single Pair Ethernet - as well as Bluetooth configuration for easy commissioning and operation.
By connecting to a SCADA platform, measurement data is available continuously and remotely, increasing process transparency and enabling quick decision-making. Such a solution allows the customer to better control pressing conditions, which has a direct impact on the quality of material binding and production repeatability.
Resistance temperature sensors were used to measure temperature, pressure was measured by a high-precision pressure transmitter with display JUMO DELOS S02 (405056) , and data from the sensors was collected and transmitted to the master SCADA system by a PLC JUMO variTRON 500 (705002)
The ability to configure devices via Bluetooth and view data in SCADA has allowed the system to be up and running quickly and reduced deployment time. Operators now have constant access to current data and can immediately catch deviations from set parameters before they affect the final product.
The entire system has been designed with future growth in mind - the system can be easily expanded with additional measurement points or applied to other production lines, without interfering with the existing infrastructure. This gives greater flexibility and real savings in production planning.
My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been involved in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I express my creativity by creating collages from newspaper clippings. I like to spend my free time actively, walking my dog or running.
We encourage you to leave comments via the form below. They will be published online after they have been approved by our review process.
