March 2020

Focus on: Drives, Motors & Controls Energy, the Environment & Water March 2020 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 39 machines without the need for time-consuming PLC coding on each individual machine, open core helps to bridge the skills gap by opening systems up to a range of programming languages. The result is increased flexibility and a quicker time to market - saving time and money in the process. Additional efficiencies can also be realised out-of-the-box. Using a series of pre-defined commands stored in a function library, users can easily achieve a range of common functions - from positioning axis, master and slave axes couplings, synchronous axis operation, cam profile applications and sequential movements. With no need for an external motion control system, hardware costs are reduced and system integration is simplified. The result is a far faster turnaround and an increase in ROI. Reduce downtime using machine diagnostics. Another hot topic - and one anyone in manufacturing is aware of - predictive maintenance. While there has been a definite shift in recent years, many facilities are still trying to reduce the impact of downtime by repairing equipment before strictly necessary. Paul Streatfield at Bosch Rexroth says his company’s cabinet free drive technology can collect and record data such as vibration, temperature, torque, position and speed via the motor and the decentrally-wired sensors. This data is collected, stored and analysed in order to detect issues before they result in failure. In doing so, manufacturing facilities can avoid unplanned downtime, or even complete shutdown of equipment, all of which can have a catastrophic impact on the company’s bottom line. Reduce initial outlay with simple installation Intelligent system design can reduce both the cost of the initial components and the installation time itself. For example Streatfield highlights that Rexroth’s IndraDrive Mi technology allows machinery manufacturers to relocate their complete drive technology - including mains connectivity - from the control cabinet directly into the machine itself. As a result of this clever design, the system uses 90% less wiring - reducing hardware costs and installation time. By using cabinet free drive technology- which essentially combines drive electronics and motor technology into a single unit - the system uses less hardware and takes up less space on the shop floor. In conclusion: Outlay vs ROI While ROI can be a way of building a solid business case for investment in technology - including the cost savings associated with faster turnaround, easier programming and reduction in downtime - it focuses purely on what happens after an investment has taken place. What it fails to take into account is the business impact of not making the investment at all. Changes in consumer demand, a requirement for a fast turnaround and increased personalisation have resulted in a huge shift in the way companies operate. Businesses that fail to invest are running the risk of being unable to meet demand and falling behind competitors. When it comes to ROI, there can’t be a much stronger argument for investment. For more information please visit: https://www.boschrexroth.com/en/gb/tren ds-and-topics/drive-technology/drive- technology Email: sales@dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk Website: www.dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk Tel: 01142 889464 REGULATION COMPLIANT OIL STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR DRUMS & IBC OIL IS STILL THE BIGGEST POLLUTER, BUT IT NEEDN’T BE EMPTEEZY, WHY ASK ANYONE ELSE! WWW.EMPTEEZY.CO.UK 01506 430309 advice@empteezy.co.uk Tel: Email: ENQUIRE TODAY