Digitalization that improves performance.
Industrial processes can either be digital or sustainable, this is the widespread belief. Sustainability, according to some, cannot go hand in hand with technology.
Then there are those who have applied digitalization and can actually provide concrete data. At the VDMA Technology Forum di Hannover [1] some companies showed how their insight to invest in digital solutions for production proved to be a winning choice.
So yes, process technology can increase sustainability, as it dramatically improves production performance. Improving production performance not only means producing more, but also producing quality at the right price for the market.
Why should machining specialists consider computerization in production?
Apart from green companies and ecological economy enthusiasts, why should a manufacturing industry invest in the computerization of processes?
Because the most interesting aspect of smart devices in production lies in one possibility: monitoring both yourself and the connected processes.
Machines dialoguing with each other on the shopfloor.
Imagine your production process is in full swing. Three CNC machines are producing a series of turned elements and the operator performs the dimensional inspection by batch sampling. Queues in the metrology lab and waiting times are by now the norm for those involved.
Now let’s implement a digital industrial process. Let’s imagine installing an automatic measuring machine, whose price is about a tenth of the value of a CNC.
The measuring machine is installed in the center of the production area and is currently operating the three machines at full capacity. The tool loop function of the measuring system is enabled. This function allows the machine to exchange data with the 3 machines in production. In simple terms, every time the sample is measured, the optical machine, properly connected, dialogs with the lathe machine and provides data feedback.
This digital and computerized process consents the automatic correction of tool parameters. Human transcription error is eliminated and it accelerates tool correction operations.
There are multiple advantages: a major reduction in scrap pieces. Production sustainability is significant, material waste is eliminated and production stages are optimized.
Technology makes the product aware of its own conditions.
Thanks to the IT process, parts can be produced with the accuracy and repeatability characteristics requested by the customer. The parts produced are in tolerance, ready to be shipped.
In other words, digitalization has made the product aware of its own conditions.
Quality control operators, new players in industrial transformation.
The role of Quality Control operators is transformed, from simple performers they become players in industrial transformation. Their task will be to monitor the processes and program the machines correctly so that they work for the company. This example, along with dozens of others, explains how quality control has been overwhelmingly included in industrial digitalization.
The myth has been debunked: today, on this shopfloor, it is possible to reach production targets while maintaining high sustainability standards.
[1] For the complete article on examples of digitization: www.emo-hannover.de/en/press/press-information/press-releases/press-release_29376.xhtml
Author: Chiara Camarra
Copywriter, Content manager.
