smart plastics knowledge base

The term "Internet of Things" describes networked machines that communicate independently with each other without human intervention. An illustrative example is a refrigerator that uses sensors to detect when there is no milk left or a specified minimum quantity has been reached, and orders fresh supplies from the connected supermarket via a network. In contrast to the normal internet, where a user makes an input on an end device, the systems here act independently, machine-to-machine (M2M).

It is not always possible to foresee and prevent defects in systems. A broken energy chain, for example, the entire system - and not just the energy supply itself - can suffer damage and shut down for a long time. If, however, an EC.B breakage detection sensor is installed in the e-chain, it detects a defect such as a breakage at an early stage and either triggers a signal or shuts down the entire machine via an NC contact. The sensor thus prevents further damage and total machine failure, i.e. a "crash". Our crash prevention sensors protect machinery against major defects, failures and downtimes, ultimately avoiding unplanned costs.

Industry 4.0 is a project of the German Federal Government for the digitalisation of industrial production. The idea behind 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. 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 popular term for anyone involved in digitising their business, from order entry to machine monitoring.

Predictive maintenance means that the ideal time for maintenance measures can be determined. This is possible when systems are equipped with sensors that report wear and use of components. Ideally, predefined operating data and real use data are compared via an IoT online connection so that the ideal time for efficient maintenance can be calculated for an operation that saves costs and conserves resources.