Communication and Automation
EUROMAP is the family of technical standards published by the European association of plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers; it defines the mechanical and electrical interfaces between the injection molding machine and robots, auxiliary equipment and plant systems. EUROMAP 63 covers file-based data exchange, EUROMAP 77 OPC UA-based machine-to-MES communication, 67 the machine-to-robot interface, and the 82 series the connection of auxiliary equipment such as temperature control units and hot runners.
The ability of machines, robots and auxiliary equipment of different brands to work together in the same plant is owed to these standards. Writing "EUROMAP 67 compliant robot interface" or "OPC 40077 (EUROMAP 77) support" into the purchase specification prevents integration problems later.
EUROMAP 63 is still widespread, but because it relies on file sharing, its support for real-time data, security and multiple clients is limited; 77 removes these limits with OPC UA.
63 works with files that the machine writes to a specific folder; 77 works live through an OPC UA server, with certificate protection and a standard data model. When buying a new machine, 77 should be specified.