How are Smart Factories Helping the Manufacturing Industry?

We’re proud to be industry leaders in spring manufacturing, and being at the forefront of the current technological revolution is key to our success. 

The emergence of smart factories, machine learning and connectivity, has added a new dimension to manufacturing facilities worldwide. Here at European Springs & Pressings, we continue to invest and advance how we manufacture to prepare for the industry’s future. 

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, “Smart Factory” has quickly adapted from an initial concept to mainstream manufacturing. In this blog, we’ll look at the impact and benefits of Smart Factories, industrial IoT (Internet of Things) and tell you all about our recent Bruder press investment. 

What is a Smart Factory? 

Smart Factories are the driving force of digitalisation in modern-day manufacturing. A Smart Factory can refer to a digitalised shop or facility that operates by connected machines, production systems and devices.

You can use the data collected by these intelligent and automated machines to create reports on areas for improvements, ongoing issues and being proactive to live demands.

A combination of technologies connects Smart Factories, including Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, AI, and Industrial IoT. Each plays a part in combining physical and digital tasks so that the Smart Factory process can oversee and fully integrate every system to streamline performance and operations. Below we will look into more detail of some of the most common technologies:

• Industrial IoT – Connected machines, processes, or devices linked through data communication, allowing data to be exchanged by people and machines. 
• Sensors – Built into machines to collect unique data at the various stages of the manufacturing process. Sensors are beneficial for offering live visibility. 
• Cloud Computing – The processing, storage and sharing of data. Cloud computing gives a cost-effective and flexible solution that allows you to focus on key metrics and solve ongoing issues. 
• Big Data – Collecting data over time gives you insight into the bigger picture of processes and key metrics. In particular, big data helps identify recurring errors.

Our Bruderer Press Investment

Continuing our investment in manufacturing over the years, we recently installed a BSTA 410-110B2 and high precision servo feeder to help increase our press shop capacity and target more than £1m of new opportunities.

This automated press and tool monitoring technology give us production speeds of up to 1600 strokes per minute and a fully adjustable stroke between 16 and 47mm. The high-speed press is an ideal addition to our facility and is used for almost every product we manufacture.

Stuart McSheehy, Managing Director of European Springs & Pressings, commented saying “Our relationship with Bruderer UK goes back more than 15 years, and this will be the third new machine we’ve taken from Adrian Haller and his team.

“The Swiss stamping technology is the best in the world when it comes to precision, achieving tolerances and delivering flexibility, and this new BSTA 410-110B2 will be the real jewel in the crown of our new press shop.”

Our investment in automated machinery has undoubtedly streamlined our processes and allowed us to remain fully operational throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Installing this new equipment in the press shop is critical to our expansion and long-term investment in the latest machinery and technology. 

Adrian Haller, Managing Director at Bruderer UK, commented saying “The installation of the BSTA 410-110B2 is a clear indication of the precision markets the company is going after. In particular, the control technology added to the press provides automatic ram shut height adjustment while the machine is under acceleration and deceleration loads, giving it guaranteed process stability and pinpoint repeatability.”

Impact, Visibility and Access

By implementing the technologies required for a Smart Factory, you can better understand your overall processes throughout the production chain. You can combine various sets of data and use them to improve and boost your capacity.

Another benefit of data collection and analysis is that you can get the most from your resources, equipment and employees. Smart technology provides a high degree of efficiency and allows you to act immediately.

Here at European Springs and Pressings, we’re dedicated to investment and are in the final stages of a bespoke £700,000 project involving the construction of our 6000 sq ft press shop. We project that it will deliver approximately 20% efficiency gains, along with a more streamlined production process. 

As reputable spring manufacturers, we’ve seen the benefits of smart technologies and upskilling our employees, and we’re optimistic about our vision for the future.

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