27.03.2019
c-Connect – Die Fertigung in kleinen Schritten digitalisieren
Wie schaffen es Zerspanungsunternehmen, ihre Fertigung zu digitalisieren, ohne eine hohe Investition zu tätigen? Wie lassen sich die Vorteile der Vernetzung nutzen, ohne den vorhandenen Maschinenpark komplett zu modernisieren? Und wie lässt sich eine prozesssichere Datenübertragung realisieren, ohne die laufende Fertigung allzu lange zu unterbrechen? Mit c-Connect liefert c-Com darauf die Antwort – seit April 2019 ist das Modul inklusive gleichnamiger Box verfügbar.
So oder ähnlich sieht das Idealszenario einer vernetzten Fertigung aus: Mit der Open-Cloud-Plattform c-Com wird die gesamte Lieferkette vernetzt. Daten stehen für alle Beteiligten in Echtzeit zur Verfügung. Über RFID-Chips und DNC-Server gelangen Daten zu Werkzeugen und Maschinen automatisch in die Cloud. Manuelle Übertragungen kommen nicht vor.
Dieses Szenario entspricht nur selten der Realität. Denn mit einer durchgängig vernetzten Prduktion sind meist große Investitionen verbunden. Für Unternehmen, die ohne hohe Kosten in die Digitalisierung einsteigen möchten, hat c-Com das Modul „c-Connect“ inklusive gleichnamiger Box entwickelt.
Dieses Szenario entspricht nur selten der Realität. Denn mit einer durchgängig vernetzten Prduktion sind meist große Investitionen verbunden. Für Unternehmen, die ohne hohe Kosten in die Digitalisierung einsteigen möchten, hat c-Com das Modul „c-Connect“ inklusive gleichnamiger Box entwickelt.
Schnelle und einfache Montage
Customers will find that using c-Connect will pay for itself many times over. “Using c-Connect, tool measuring data can be transferred digitally from the setting fixture to the machine, including registration of stock movements. In addition, thanks to various sensors, the c-Connect box can be used to monitor aspects such as machine status,” says Giari Fiorucci, Managing Director of c-Com GmbH.
This involves mounting a c-Connect box on every machine and linking the two via USB – a quick and easy process. “Machine parks with very different machinery can be connected rapidly and without any fuss,” says Fiorucci. After all, c-Connect is compatible with all common machine controllers and thus represents an affordable entry model for digitalisation in the field of machining. And it also has plenty of potential for expansion, as Giari Fiorucci explains: “c-Connect leaves all options open. The level of digitalisation can be increased gradually. For example, all the benefits offered by other c-Com modules can be integrated.”
This involves mounting a c-Connect box on every machine and linking the two via USB – a quick and easy process. “Machine parks with very different machinery can be connected rapidly and without any fuss,” says Fiorucci. After all, c-Connect is compatible with all common machine controllers and thus represents an affordable entry model for digitalisation in the field of machining. And it also has plenty of potential for expansion, as Giari Fiorucci explains: “c-Connect leaves all options open. The level of digitalisation can be increased gradually. For example, all the benefits offered by other c-Com modules can be integrated.”
Directly transferring measuring data
While RFID chips and DNC servers are normally used in large-scale series production, at smaller companies, relevant measuring data are often transferred via manual input from the setting fixture to the machine tool. This process is not only time-consuming but also prone to error and can, in the worst case, result in damage to tools, machinery or parts. c-Connect eliminates such errors entirely. The setting fixture measures the tool, and, from there, the measuring data are automatically transferred to the c-Com platform. After scanning the tool at the machine, the c-Connect box takes the measuring data from c-Com and
transfers them to the machine tool at the touch of a button. Not only does this eliminate errors, but it also saves on unnecessary non-productive time. “Another benefit is that stock movements are registered on the c-Com platform. It is also possible to obtain data such as tool life or reason for replacement in c-Com when a tool is taken out of service; in other words, to digitalise the tool operation card,” adds Fiorucci.
transfers them to the machine tool at the touch of a button. Not only does this eliminate errors, but it also saves on unnecessary non-productive time. “Another benefit is that stock movements are registered on the c-Com platform. It is also possible to obtain data such as tool life or reason for replacement in c-Com when a tool is taken out of service; in other words, to digitalise the tool operation card,” adds Fiorucci.
Monitoring the machine
Furthermore, the c-Connect box makes it possible to monitor all data that can be recorded by sensors. For example, the c-Connect box can check and measure temperature, humidity or the status of a machine’s indicator light. If a value is above or below a defined range, a push notification will immediately be sent to the operator or person responsible via text message, tweet or e-mail. The same goes for malfunctions. As soon as a machine’s indicator light turns red, for instance, a notification is issued immediately and the error can be rectified. This makes it possible to prevent long downtimes during unattended operation, such as overnight.
