Schuler upgrades servo presses for Industry 4.0

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Schuler now offers a package for its MSD series of servo presses that can also be used to upgrade existing machines for Industry 4.0. The package consists of an IoT connector, which uploads the required data from the control system of the servo press in encrypted form to the internet, and provides access to the ‘mySchuler’ portal. This processed information can be accessed from anywhere and at any time with a smartphone, for example, and the correct password. Visitors to the Schuler stand at the forthcoming Blechexpo trade fair (Stuttgart, 5-8 November) can see the innovation for themselves.

As with smartphones, the information is available in the form of various mini-programs. For example, ‘Production Monitor’ displays the operating status, the running die and the current stroke rate, while ‘Press Force Monitor’ provides information about the load on the machine and die. ‘Drive Analytics’ enables operators to monitor the main drives, and ‘Cooling Analytics’ facilitates the monitoring of cooling circuits. Additionally, ‘Lubrication Analytics’ makes it possible to control the lubrication circuit, including lubrication cycles, system pressure or oil temperature, depending on the stroke rate.

In this way, possible deviations can be detected early and corrected quickly. Schuler is working intensively on additional applications to expand the system. The IoT connector on site at the servo press allows the system control to communicate with Schuler's protected computer centre, which manages, evaluates and graphically prepares the machine and process data. In addition, the ‘mySchuler’ portal provides users with operating and maintenance instructions for their machine, technical data and dimensions, current contacts in sales and service, as well as news about Schuler and its products.

"When used correctly, the Internet of Things has a positive influence on the growth, competitiveness and sustainability of companies," says Tobias Schwarz, head of technology at Schuler. "Our package for the MSD series, with its various applications and associated hardware, enables the identification and exploitation of improvement potential in production."