FIELD (FANUC Intelligent Edge Link and Drive system) networks production machines with one another. The platform can work ‘on premises’ or, in future, with a cloud link. Machine operating and sensor data is gathered centrally via one server and can be viewed whenever required.
As the platform is ‘open’, any machine can be connected to the system, regardless of manufacturer. Once the Igus smart plastics app has been integrated, users can monitor the condition of their energy chains and moving cables at any time, and can plan maintenance work well in advance. In the future, the condition of slewing rings, linear and plain bearings will also be monitored with the app.
Under the name isense, Igus offers a variety of sensors that detect the condition of Igus components. These sensors measure wear during operation and alert the user early enough to plan repair or replacement. The icom.plus communication module provides the Igus data via an integrated OPC-UA server. This data is then fed into the FIELD platform by means of the FANUC Converter.
“Due to the open nature of the FIELD system, the customer can now use the data and service life statements of all Igus products in a protected local network environment,” explains Justin Leonard, e-chain director, Igus. “The Igus smart plastics app tells maintenance technicians when they should carry out the next maintenance. In this way, unscheduled machine downtime can be avoided.”
FIELD system apps, including the Igus smart plastics app, can be downloaded from the FIELD system app store, here.
