Page 21 - AutomationNOTEBOOK volume 41

Cover Story continued
• provide components sized for continuous 24/7 duty cycle with a service factor of safety
• design guarding for easy removal and installation
A good design is often quick to repair. "Providing a modular design enables sub-assemblies already
assembled or aligned to be swapped out to minimize machine downtime for repair," says Optimation’s Beam. "To help achieve this, have a design review with the customer, including maintenance personnel, of the machine's 3D conceptual model prior to detailed design or fabrication for the feedback
and acceptance."
AI on the Horizon
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the technology of the future for quite some time and continues
to be just out of reach for many applications, including machine maintenance. "Artificial intelligence (AI)
is a very cutting-edge technology, especially for an industry that is slow to adapt new technologies," says Putnam-Pite of Owens Design in the cover story. "At this time, I would image that most of the AI initiatives for machine tools will take place on the production-floor side of the world. We have not had customers asking us to implement AI platforms to improve machine maintenance and reliability. I would also think, given the expense of these implementations, that the cost would be prohibitive except for a few key industries."
But when implemented correctly, AI can help unearth value from data. "Perfection of AI reliability scenarios requires machinery in a wide variety of applications, so as not to make incorrect assumptions," says Matrix’s Krummey in the cover story. "Our machinery has a very large installed operating base across every part of the packaging industry. This application experience has resulted in machinery that can perform at optimum levels with minimum cost and complication."
The answer to the AI implementation issues may be focusing on one area, such as predictive maintenance. "The systems and tools available now allow predictive maintenance programs to substantially reduce downtime," says Justin Olivier, product manager, Mobility, at Pepperl+Fuchs in the cover story. "However, it is important to make sure that workers in the field are equipped with tools that allow them to be connected to those Industry 4.0 systems. Not only does this allow them to monitor systems in real time, but it also makes sure that any maintenance performed is accurately recorded and helps to close the loop so that all parts of the system can work together for peak efficiency. Other related technologies, such as augmented reality, can also help to simplify and shorten training time for new employees."
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Editor's Note
New Product Focus
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PLC Speaking
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Student Spotlight
Copley High School Student Project and Update
Break Room
Brain Teasers
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