In collaboration with Werthenbach GmbH, Eaton has developed an electro hydraulic precision control machine. Demonstrating decentralised intelligence in an autonomous closed loop operation system, the machine can take care of the control itself, thus reducing manpower requirements. This combined with lower energy consumption capabilities can reduce total cost of ownership. The machine is IoT ready. This means it helps to reduce downtime through intelligent maintenance which covers predictive maintenance not only for problem identification, but for pattern detection. The machine demonstrates a solution that can be used in applications like metal forming, connecting several synchronized industrial presses.
The new machine shows how SmartWire-DT, the wiring and communication system from Eaton, can integrate smart and low level components into a common control architecture allowing digitalization of data from simple push-buttons or motor-starters inside the control-cabinet to hydraulic valves on the machine.
The machine demonstrates the ability to de-centralise control to the device level, reducing overall dataflow, whilst at the same time allowing collection of data from all integrated system components and delivering it to the cloud. The data analytics allow users to create additional value for the machine application in regards to production capacity, quality, uptime, and maintenance.
