– Intelligent machines and networked production processes provide for greater production efficiency in plastics processing
– Tangible growth in interest in Asia and especially in China
(Munich/Shanghai, April 24, 2016) Industry 4.0, the fourth Industrial Revolution, the global networking of machines and production processes, represents enormous opportunities for plastics processors of all sizes – regardless of whether the aim is to increase output or to exploit energy savings potential. Under the umbrella name “Plastics 4.0”, the KraussMaffei Group with its three brands is developing solutions, and concentrating these under the three categories Intelligent Machines, Integrated Production and Interactive Services.Vision of complete networking
The term “Industry 4.0” is used to describe the vision of complete networking of all processes in production. One day, complete factories will be able to communicate with each other, production processes will react intelligently, machines will order replenishment themselves, and staff and customers will be involved in the process. “Our focus in implementing Industry 4.0 in plastics processing is on production efficiency, flexibility, automation, availability and quality,” explains Christian Blatt, CEO of the KraussMaffei Group in China. The KraussMaffei Group already has numerous products in its portfolio which support customers in terms of these requirements. And in the years ahead, the KraussMaffei Group is aiming to intensify this competence. “This is a great opportunity to position ourselves as a premium manufacturer, because Industry 4.0 requires both first-class machines and correspondingly high-performance control systems and interfaces. We have all that,” adds Blatt.
Under the umbrella name Plastics 4.0, the KraussMaffei Group is classifying solutions into three categories: Intelligent Machines, Integrated Production and Interactive Services. Intelligent Machines means self-optimizing machines for improved productivity and quality. This includes, for example, the APC function (Adaptive Process Control) developed by KraussMaffei. APC recognizes process fluctuations, which can be caused by changing environmental conditions or fluctuating viscosity, and independently adopts counteractive measures. Integrated Production symbolizes seamlessly networked production, in which the individual machines and components communicate with each other and autonomously control the processes accordingly. Interactive Services can, on the other hand, be compared to fast and global service using the example of remote maintenance tools.
Growing interest in China
There is great interest in Industry 4.0 solutions in China. “Customers ask us about it and want to know what specific solutions we can provide for networking production systems. One motivation for Industry 4.0 is increasing wages, but another is the automotive industry’s desire to store all process parameters for five to ten years to enable production to be traced in the event of a claim. The KraussMaffei Group helps its customers to make use of the potential offered by intelligent and flexible production with state-of-the-art information and communications technology, and supports them in their efforts to optimize the value chain and to strengthen their market position.
The KraussMaffei Group is among the world’s leading suppliers of machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. Its products and services cover the whole spectrum of injection and reaction molding and extrusion technology, giving the company a unique position in the industry. The KraussMaffei Group is innovation-powered, supplying its products, processes and services as standard or custom solutions which deliver sustained added value along the customer’s value-adding chain. The company markets it’s offering under the KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal brands to customers in the automotive, packaging, medical, construction, electrical, electronics and home appliance industries. Continuing a long tradition of engineering excellence, the international KraussMaffei Group currently employs around 4,500 people. With a global network of more than 30 subsidiaries and more than 10 production plants, supported by around 570 sales and service partners, the company is close to customers around the world. KraussMaffei has been headquartered in Munich since 1838. For more information: www.kraussmaffeigroup.com