I. Introduction The German SCHULER 6000KN large-scale automatic press line, introduced by Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd., is primarily used for producing medium-sized stamping parts such as the four doors and two covers of the PASSAT model. It operates at an average of 6.7 strokes per minute. The system consists of six press units and six mechanized units. The press units are responsible for sheet metal stamping, while the mechanized units use vacuum suction cups to handle and transfer materials between presses. The control system of the SCHULER press line employs advanced Siemens automation technology. The entire network is divided into two levels: the basic automation network and the server management network. The first level includes the SIMATIC H1 network, which connects programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and operator workstations using WINCC software. The second level manages the overall system through a centralized server. The industrial control network of the SCHULER press line is complex, integrating three topologies: ring, star, and bus. This structure ensures high reliability and efficient data exchange across the production line. II. Basic Automation Network 2.1 Field Layer Network The field layer control of the press line is managed by PLCs and the PROFIBUS fieldbus. Each press and mechanized unit is controlled by its own independent PLC, specifically the Siemens S5-115U model. A total of twelve PLCs are used throughout the system. 2.1.1 PLC H1 Network Communication between the server and the field-layer PLCs is facilitated through the SIMATIC H1 Ethernet network, utilizing the CSMA/CD protocol. Optical fiber is used as the transmission medium with a speed of 10 Mbps and a ring topology. Each PLC is equipped with a CP1430 communication module, connected via OLM optical conversion modules. The server uses a CP1413 module to communicate with the first unit’s OLM module. Data exchange is handled via DDF (Dynamic Data Exchange), enabling parameter uploads and downloads. Fiber optics not only support high-speed and large-volume data transfer but also improve resistance to electromagnetic interference. The ring topology ensures continuous communication even if a link fails, eliminating the need for costly equipotential bonding and enhancing network reliability. 2.1.2 PROFIBUS Bus The communication between PLCs and field devices is based on the Siemens PROFIBUS-DP fieldbus. This fully distributed network allows bidirectional communication between the ET200 distributed I/O system and field devices. Using a single bus, multiple field devices can be connected, forming a decentralized control system that reduces wiring costs and simplifies installation. The ET200 system follows a master-slave architecture, where the master stack sends and receives data from the slave stack. The master controls the communication process, ensuring orderly data exchange. In this system, the PLC with an IM308-C bus interface acts as the master, while the ET200 I/O modules serve as slaves. The communication medium is shielded twisted pair cable, and the PLC controls the field devices via PROFIBUS-DP. 2.2 Operator Workstation WinCC Network The operator workstation network uses 10BASE-T Ethernet with TCP/IP protocol, optical fiber, and a ring topology. Each press unit has two operator stations, totaling 12 workstations in the press line. Each workstation is equipped with a 3COM network card, connected through TPTR and OLM modules. The first unit's OLM is linked to a central hub (HUB), which connects the server and all operator stations. 2.2.1 WinCC Configuration Software The man-machine interface is configured using Siemens’ SIMATIC WinCC 4.0 software. This 32-bit automation configuration tool offers strong functionality and openness, allowing users to design efficient monitoring systems. WinCC integrates well with Windows, accelerating development time. Its core functions include data acquisition from the field and data management, processing information from PLCs and sending it to the server database. 2.2.2 WinCC Network The server acts as both the WinCC server and SQL database server, storing operational and engineering data. Field data is collected via the PLC and sent to the server for processing and storage. Mold and production data are stored in the SQL database and displayed graphically on the operator stations for real-time monitoring. When a mold job is selected, the WinCC station retrieves the necessary data from the SQL server to initiate production. The database can store up to 1000 sets of mold data, enabling quick retrieval. Operators can monitor the status and fault alarms of each press and mechanized unit through the 12 WinCC stations located along the press line. They can also perform mold data conversion and set production parameters. III. Control Management Network The press line server is connected to the management network through a 10BASE-T hub and router, linking to the operator stations and the PMS (Press Production Management System). 3.1 Network Operation Platform The server and operator stations communicate using a client-server architecture. The server runs on the WinNT Server 4.0 Chinese operating system, while the operator stations use WinNT Workstation 4.0. These platforms offer security, reliability, multitasking capabilities, and compatibility with most Windows applications, making them user-friendly and efficient. 3.2 Network Security Technology As the backbone of the SCHULER press control network, the server’s security is crucial. It employs hardware RAID (disk array) technology to ensure data integrity and system stability. IV. Conclusion The SCHULER automatic press line utilizes advanced industrial network technologies. The network operates stably, supporting efficient and reliable production. The automation and networking Solutions implemented in this system provide valuable references for the development of domestic industrial networks, demonstrating the potential for modernization and optimization in manufacturing environments. Fiber Optic Attenuator,Optical Attenuator,Fiber Attenuator,Attenuator Fiber Huizhou Fibercan Industrial Co.Ltd , https://www.fibercan-network.com