smart plastics knowledge base

Current news in the igus® blog
Manuals/operating instructions
3D CAD models of smart components
i.Sense installation instructions
EPLAN data for CAE software

i.Sense EC.W

Optimum installation of the new EC.W service life sensor in just a few steps.

i.Sense EC.P

Just a few steps needed for correct installation of the pull/push force monitoring system.

i.Sense EC.B

Just a few steps needed for correct installation of the system for breakage monitoring of e-chains.

i.Sense CF.P

Just a few steps needed for correct installation of the cable pull-force monitoring system.

What does "Internet of Things/IoT" mean?
Networked machines that communicate independently with each other without the influence of humans are described by the term "Internet of Things". An illustrative example: A refrigerator, which, via sensors, detects that there is no milk left or a predetermined minimum quantity has been reached, and orders a replenishment at the connected supermarket using a network. In contrast to the normal Internet, where a user makes an input at the terminal, the systems in this case act independently, machine-to-machine (M2M).

 
What does Industry 4.0 mean?
Industry 4.0 is a project of the German Federal Government for the digitisation of industrial production. The underlying idea of this is that production processes do not run side by side as individual processes, but are digitally networked with modern communication technology. All components such as machines, products, logistics and, of course, people communicate with each other in this way. The goal of this digital networking is a well-integrated and efficient self-organisation of production that uses resources economically. Industry 4.0 has now become a familiar term for anyone involved in digitising their business, from order entry to machine monitoring.

What do you mean by crash avoidance?
Defects in equipment cannot always be foreseen and avoided. If, for example, an energy chain breaks, the entire machine - and not just the energy supply system itself - can quickly become damaged and shut down for a long time. In contrast, if an EC.B breakage detection sensor is installed in the e-chain, for example, it detects a defect such as a breakage in the initial stages and either triggers a signal or directly causes shutdown of the entire machine via an NC contact. The sensor thus prevents further damage and total failure of the machine, namely a "crash". Our crash avoidance sensors protect machinery against major defects, failures and downtimes, ultimately avoiding unplanned costs.


What is predictive maintenance?
Predictive maintenance means that the ideal time for a maintenance measure can be determined. This is possible when systems are equipped with sensors that report wear and utilisation of the components. Ideally, an IoT online connection compares specified runtime data and real usage data to determine the ideal time for efficient maintenance for cost- and resource-efficient operation.