IT in Manufacturing


New app for drive systems

June 2018 IT in Manufacturing

Siemens is launching a new app for drive systems in the field of motion control called Analyze MyDrives, and has also introduced Manage MyMachines/Remote, a new plug-in to upgrade its tried and tested Manage MyMachines MindApp for machine tools with the addition of a smart remote feature. Analyze MyDrives and Manage MyMachines/Remote are special MindApps designed specifically for MindSphere, the open IoT operating system from Siemens, which allow users to utilise the benefits of cloud-based services and create added value with machine operation. Digitalising drive systems or machine tools enables extensive data generated by the drive or machine to be analysed and put to use. By connecting to MindSphere, this process can be carried out simply by the machine manufacturer or user, significantly improving the efficiency of drive systems and machines and boosting productivity across the production network. In this way, these MindApps provide the starting point for totally new applications for drives or machine tools which enable innovative digital services such as predictive maintenance, energy data management or resource optimisation.

Using the Analyze MyDrives MindApp for the Sinamics V20 and V90 converters, Sinamics G modular and compact, and Sinamics S (up to 250 kW), machine operators are now able to also monitor the drive components of their machines. The app captures and analyses all the operating data, allowing the actual maintenance requirement to be detected by continuously monitoring power consumption, torque and frequency. The machine operator is kept informed about critical machine operating statuses, and machine builders are able to suggest preventive machine servicing as and when it’s needed. This eliminates the need for machine maintenance at fixed intervals, boosting machine capacity utilisation and productivity, extending maintenance intervals and minimising downtimes. The analysis of operating data also enables predictive maintenance which reduces the probability of unscheduled costs. The MindApp also allows the measurement of energy flows as the basis for determining energy-saving potential, allowing consistent energy-saving optimisation measures to be implemented.

Manage MyMachines/Remote is a plug-in offered by Siemens for its Manage MyMachines MindApp, which enables remote access to the CNC (Computerised Numerical Control). This allows complete remote control of the CNC by means of failsafe encrypted communication over the internet, which not only improves machine availability and simplifies maintenance but also cuts costs in the event of a fault. By graduating the supply stages for Single Access, Conferencing and Remote STEP 7, the scope of performance can be precisely adjusted to customer requirements. The ability to record the entire maintenance process in different video formats makes for enhanced transparency.

The Manage MyMachines MindApp quickly and simply connects CNCs such as the Sinumerik 840D sl to MindSphere, providing machine operators with a cloud-based overview of key data and operating statuses across all the connected machines. The app allows relevant machine data to be captured, analysed and visualised, lending users an outstanding level of transparency on the current machine status and its development.

For more information contact Jennifer Naidoo, Siemens Digital Factory and Process Industries and Drives, +27 (0)11 652 2795, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Looking into the future of machine vision
Omron Electronics IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a significant transformation in all areas of industrial automation, and machine vision is no exception. Omron’s AI-powered machine vision systems seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art algorithms, enabling machines to analyse and interpret visual data meticulously.

Read more...
Driving digital transformation in the truck industry
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.

Read more...
Opinion piece: Digital twins in manufacturing – design, optimise and expand
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Digital twin technology can help create better products, fast. It can also transform the work of product development. This strong statement from McKinsey reinforces how far digital twins have come in manufacturing.

Read more...
Asset tracking is key to driving operational excellence and sustainable growth
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Asset tracking plays a critical role in the success of industrial businesses. By effectively managing and monitoring assets, companies can optimise their operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently. This leads to improved productivity and reduced costs.

Read more...
Siemens democratises AI-driven PCB design for small and medium electronics teams
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses with PADS Pro Essentials software and Xpedition Standard software.

Read more...
Predicting and preventing cyber-attacks with AI and generative AI
IT in Manufacturing
The speed at which cyber threats are evolving is unprecedented. As a result, companies need to implement state-of-the-art technology to protect their data and systems.

Read more...
Real-world lessons in digital transformation
IT in Manufacturing
Synthesis has helped businesses across multiple industries with their digital transformation by solving their unique integration challenges.

Read more...
Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.

Read more...
Immersion cooling systems for data centres
IT in Manufacturing
The demand for data centres in Africa is growing. The related need for increasing rack densities brings with it escalating cooling requirements.

Read more...
Transforming pulp and paper with automation and digitalisation
ABB South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The pulp and paper industry in South Africa is undergoing a significant transformation from traditional manual processes to embracing automation technologies. Automation in pulp and paper mills aims to improve various production stages, from raw material preparation to final product creation.

Read more...