DIGITAL PRODUCTION | TECHNOLOGY


IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK


Smart connectivity helps machine productivity


An increasing number of injection moulding machinery companies have created software platforms and tools to provide smart assistance to customers.Mikell Knights finds out what’s new


Injection moulding OEMs continue to develop cloud-based, AI-driven or augmented reality software platforms and systems that network data from a machine, machine cell or factory floor while providing remote access to system monitoring, support technicians, spare parts and more. An influx of “smart” digital production tools for real-time monitoring, production analysis, down- time management, process set-up optimisation and automatic adjustment to moulding parameters aim to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and productivity. Added control of machine functions have also been addressed with new software programs. A new cloud-based Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) platform launched in April by the North


www.injectionworld.com


American division of Tokyo-based Shibaura Machine, is designed for use not only with its all-electric and servo hydraulic injection moulding presses, die cast machines and machine tool products but also for use without them. Its new MachineNetCloud platform can connect to and pull data from a wide range of machinery, equipment and components without the presence of a company machine on the shop floor. “We wanted a system that is not limited to use on our equipment,” says Chuck Gorman, national Sales Manager for the injection moulding machine division. Data and analytics appear on a dashboard on a monitor rather than integrated into the display of a machine controller. The new IIoT platform utilises cloud computing


September 2022 | INJECTION WORLD 23


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