Munich — Connectivity comes standard with every new injection molding machine built by KraussMaffei Group with the launch of a mobile app and web application called socialProduction.
The apps can be used to monitor production anytime and anywhere for timely detection of changes. The machines report to the users live in secure chat rooms.
KraussMaffei says its innovation combines the advantages of social media with cutting-edge production monitoring technologies. SocialProduction detects deviations in the production process at an earlier stage and elevates machine monitoring into a new era, according to a company press release.
Information about the press can be viewed in real time on a mobile device using the smartphone app or on a computer using the web application. Users can get intelligent production metrics, such as a quick view of the machine pool, the history of the machine status and progress of ongoing production orders, which are made transparent and easy to track.
The production process is monitored by a patented, self-learning process. The release says each connected machine becomes an active team member. In chat messages, the machines provide information about important events, such as parameter changes and alarms.
The chat also helps the employees communicate with each other and facilitates collaboration between different production shifts and locations.
KraussMaffei says the data's journey starts right in the machine because it has made its smartCube technology standard equipment with every injection molding machine since Jan.1. The hardware future-proofs and standardizes operation of KraussMaffei digital products, which are 5G wireless and Smart Factory ready.
All data streams are captured, analyzed and stored right at the machine in real time. Regular over-the-air updates ensure the security of the globally distributed devices over the entire lifecycle, according to KraussMaffei.
To give users of socialProduction a uniform live experience regardless of where they are in the world, the Internet of Things cloud structure is based on Amazon Web Services.
KraussMaffei also gives its customers the ability to retrofit machines with network capabilities to make them ready for further digital advances. The company says smartCube brand technology features numerous interfaces that give it enough flexibility to be used with almost any existing machine.
These interfaces will eventually provide a uniform view of the entire production facility, the release says.
Soon, socialProduction will be available for machines from third-party suppliers, too, KraussMaffei says.
The company is offering socialProduction free through May 31 for customers whose machines have corresponding connectivity. For those with an older machine that does not yet meet the necessary prerequisites, the company says the smartCube is available at a discounted price when bundled with a purchase of socialProduction during this period.