Bimba Manufacturing will shortly launch IntelliSense, a technology platform that will enable users to be proactive about maintenance and system optimization. The platform combines sensors, cylinders, and software to deliver real-time performance data, enhancing productivity without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
"In today's competitive global market, manufacturers and OEMs are under intense pressure to meet their production targets," says Tom Wood, Director of Marketing at Bimba. "Machines running at maximum load are increasing wear on pneumatic components and are more likely to break down, compromising operational efficiency. Bimba created IntelliSense to deliver precise and accurate performance-related data with which users can make smarter decisions to ensure maximum uptime and component effectiveness."
IntelliSense is an example of the Internet of Things, the Industry 4.0 movement that is linking machines and their components to technology platforms. In helping to create intelligent production systems that communicate real-time information to evaluate the potential life cycle of pneumatic components, Bimba is showing that industry and technology can be combined to help manufacturing reach its full potential.
The intelligence is embedded inside the Sensor Interface Module (SIM), a remote monitoring device connected to sensors attached to Bimba cylinders using pneumatic fittings. Users receive operational insights about cylinder condition, cycle time, pressure (to one hundredth of a psi), and temperatures (down to a hundredth of a degree).
In addition, IntelliSense delivers predictive intelligence for pneumatics in the form of up-to-date condition information that predicts when a cylinder will fail. The platform can also identify when a component is achieving its desired performance specification. For example, users will be alerted if a cylinder that should be actuating in 1 second is taking 1.5 seconds. This is especially important in sequencing applications that depend on precise stroke rates.
Ultimately, this machine-to-machine technology enables users from a wide range of industries to move from emergency repair to proactive maintenance, thus optimizing production as a whole. The new product is compatible with Bimba cylinders in pneumatic systems but the company plans to extend its capabilities to other Bimba products in the future.
