Addressing the Skills Shortage
Piercarlo Balducci, Head of Product Engineering&Head of Maintenance at Interroll SA, also sees technology as a key to solving personnel challenges. The company relies on the digital setup assistant, Engel setup assistant, which allows for short setup times even by less experienced operators. Machine downtime due to tool changes can be reduced by up to 80%. For contract manufacturers, this represents a clear competitive advantage. Additionally, the company managed to reduce energy costs by 15.38% through the use of iQ flow control. Therefore, Interroll described Engel's digital solutions in their presentation as a game changer.
AI in the Textile Industry
Florian Wurzel, Cluster Leader at KM.ON GmbH, presented an impressive example of production revolution through edge computing. His company uses the edge computing platform from DAIM, a joint venture between Engel Austria GmbH and uni software plus GmbH. Edge computing is a data processing concept where data is processed and analyzed directly at the "edge," or the source of the action, rather than centrally in the cloud. This allows large data volumes to be processed quickly and with minimal delay. DAIM's edge devices are also used in Engel injection molding machines' e-connect products.
Ready for Smart Operation - The New CC300 plus Controller
An advancement of the CC300 machine controller, the CC300 plus, was also a crowd-puller at the technology center in St. Valentin. It offers enhanced ergonomics, assistance, and personalization. The extended control concept, which is already successfully in use by customers, was presented here.
Efficiency Enhancement in the Service Process
How Engel is already using AI today was made clear in remote support and digital tools. AI is a key to service optimization and significantly reduces the time required for injection molding companies.
Paperless Manufacturing
Engel demonstrated how production can be optimized through data-based decisions. Manufacturing companies receive item- and order-related results and KPIs to significantly reduce scrap and machine downtime.
Creating Added Value Together with Engel - Partner Companies Presented Solutions
Dualis GmbH IT Solution: Production optimization with the digital factory.
Daim GmbH: Smart solutions for Industry 4.0 with a focus on industrial security.
Symate GmbH: Data management via AI, capturing interactions.
iQ user communites
On the first and last day of the event series, the iQ user communities took place. They specifically targeted the practical needs of process technicians and machine operators. Here, users were able to test and discuss Engel's iQ products at the technology center in Schwertberg.
In conclusion, Engel impressively demonstrated its innovative strength in plastics technology to an enthusiastic audience with the Digital Days. The developments and technologies presented highlighted the company's commitment to sustainably shaping the industry through digital transformation and advanced solutions focused on customer orientation. The event provided valuable insights and impulses, paving the way for future progress and cooperation.
