“We are your temporary R&D developer and programmer,” says Oliver Sebastian, Head of Sales Automation Products at Eckelmann, who is well aware of the growing demand for flexible, professional, tailor-made software development outsourcing. At the SPS trade fair in Nuremberg (November 25-27), the team will be in Hall 7, Booth 158, promoting itself as a partner for start-ups and mediumsized companies. Where customers lack manpower and expertise, Eckelmann engineers are on board with a combination of hardware, software, and services for mechanical and plant engineering.
At Eckelmann, more than 250 engineers, computer scientists, and natural scientists work and conduct research every day to create a sustainable and connected world! Eckelmann takes “plug & play” one step further toward production intelligence: with ready-to-plug-in, customized automation solutions that are fully planned, programmed, parameterized, assembled, and tested.
At SPS live: Under the motto “Handmade Automation,” Eckelmann is presenting a plugand- play solution for automated milling, integrated into the control cabinet to save space. The E°MILL package enables the automation of machine tools and machining centers for applications such as milling, drilling, or 3D printing.
In addition, solutions are visualized using interactive presentations and hardware is displayed on exhibition stands.
The application- and technology-specific software applications include, for example, the E°CUT package for cutting applications, regardless of whether cutting is performed with a knife, plasma, laser, or water jet. The E°CUT HMI serves as the user interface for the machine operator, providing intuitive and simple guidance. The HMI is also an important argument in view of the shortage of skilled workers—anyone can operate this interface after a short training session.
AI trends for increasing efficiency and quality
The future of production will be shaped by smart sensor technology, AI-supported applications, and data-driven systems. The goal: greater efficiency, assured quality, shorter setup times, lower raw material consumption, and reduced energy costs.
The focus is on modular hardware: Whether CNC, motion, or PLC applications, compact systems, modular control kits, or customer-specific control electronics – Eckelmann controls help machines achieve fast commissioning, longevity, and exceptional performance.
Safe control: E°SLC 89
Increased productivity and process stability with safety: The more complex the machine, the more powerful the safety control system needs to be. The E°SLC 89 safety controller is a high-performance safety master certified to SIL3 and PL e that can map even complex and finely granular safety logic in the PLC, thanks in no small part to the close integration of the safety PLC and CNC. FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCAT) ensures secure communication with the drive level and all safe IO modules. This makes the E°SLC 89 the central point of contact for all safety technology in the machine.
Environmentally friendly: Efficient energy recovery
Stored braking energy helps achieve sustainable corporate goals! The E°Darc DCB energy storage system reduces energy consumption in applications with frequent braking processes. In addition, precharging the modules can significantly reduce load peaks during operation, which significantly reduces the dimensions of connected loads.
Innovation Unit Vision AI
Cost savings for customers, traceability, and 100 percent reliability: With its Vision AI Innovation Unit, Eckelmann has recently formed a development unit for intelligent image processing with AI at its headquarters in Wiesbaden. Its mission: to shape the production and processes of the future through image processing and machine vision— for example, for 24/7 quality control and error detection in visual inspection.
Digital processes – for the entire lifetime of a machine
As a development partner, Eckelmann offers forward-looking, automated solutions within the group, ranging from individual systems to complex lines:
- Control via Eckelmann FactoryWare® Solutions, control systems used in over 1,000 locations worldwide – from product creation to shipping. For example, for dosing, mixing, conveying, filling, and packaging processes.
- Evaluation and monitoring using Eckelmann FactoryWare® Analytics.
- Simulations on the digital twin using Eckelmann FactoryWare® Virtual Replica: for safe and efficient commissioning, diagnostics, and service.
- Seamless material tracking for all warehouse management via Eckelmann FactoryWare® Logistics.