Maintaining the trajectory for innovation and growth

20 February, 2023

Digital transformation

Are digitally transformative methodologies gaining traction within the UK marketplace? Butcher believes they are because the fluid power industry is the hidden force in manufacturing. “The integration of electronics is well established, however, and this will continue,” he says, adding that mechatronics and robotics are also becoming much more integrated into the fluid power industry. “Energy efficient systems will always drive technology as well as the ROI, and overall machine performance will drive a greater level of integration,” says Butcher.

Whether it comes to the use of time, energy, materials or processes, Rubinstein believes the smart factory of the future will be much more efficient than it is today. “A large part of the efficiency will come from automation,” he says. “All types of different machines from different manufacturers will be able to ‘communicate’ with each other. And, using central control and artificial intelligence, they will know what to do based on that information. For example, the compressed air system, as a connected part of the smart factory of the future, will be aware of any increase or decrease in production demand and will adapt its performance accordingly, without a human being involved.”

Wright considers that digital transformation is a slow burn, but his gut feel is that more and more of what Thorite sells is less focused on purely mechanical solutions and is more electropneumatic or has some form of advanced monitoring in it.

Jones points out that with the advent of smart technology, equipment performance monitoring is now an active part of many BCAS’s members’ service routines. “The monitoring systems are sophisticated enough to not only advise on when maintenance is due, but also to look at the usage of a compressor,” she explains. “For example, when these systems are operational, it is possible to measure the running time of a compressor vs the load time. At a recent member visit we were able to evidence that its compressors were running continuously, 24 hours a day, but with only 15% load. This presents another opportunity for the end user to work with its supplier to ensure that the equipment is not only functioning correctly, but that it is being used in the most efficient way.

“With the current unprecedented cost of energy, this is yet another important benefit of system monitoring and of course, we are all aware that planned maintenance is far more efficient and less expensive that an unplanned outage. Speaking to equipment suppliers will enable customers to understand what features are available from their current compressor units and also what can be retrofitted.”

Loeffler points out that Jubilee Clips continues to automate much of its production machinery so that the high quality of its products is standardised. “If a part is screwed together by a machine in an automated fashion and if the process is more controllable digitally, then the standardisation of quality and consistency is going to be better than if something is done semiautomatically,” he says. “Because of this, our machines are now largely computer-controlled using more sensor technology.”

Monitoring

Cuthbert reiterates that preventative and predictive maintenance has become increasingly important to customers. “To meet this demand, we introduced the CTA flow monitor, which focuses on cost of ownership, and you can draw parallels with other industries such as the automotive market. A few years ago, buying or leasing were the only options, now people are looking at subscribing to cars, just use it,