NPE2018 Highlights: Industry 4.0 Innovations Powering the Future

Industry 4.0, the “smart factory” movement, dominated NPE2018’s exhibition floor. Manufacturers of core machinery, robots, and auxiliaries showcased how they are becoming “4.0‑ready,” illustrating the three pillars of Industry 4.0: self‑regulating “smart machines,” networked “smart production,” and web‑enabled “smart service.”

At Booth W403, KraussMaffei highlighted its APC+ adaptive process‑control software alongside DataXplorer, offering operators a near‑microscopic view of production parameters.

Engel’s Booth W3303 presented the next generation of iQ controls—iQ weight, iQ clamp, iQ flow (U.S. debut), and iQ vibration—to mitigate robot shake and optimize throughput.

Engel also introduced its e‑connect customer portal, enabling 24/7 support, and the new e‑connect.monitor for predictive maintenance.

Netstal’s Booth S16088 unveiled an e‑service platform granting access to machine‑specific documents and spare‑parts ordering, complemented by the AnalytiX cloud‑based production‑monitoring system, viewable on smartphones and tablets.

Wittmann Battenfeld (Booth W3742) showcased HiQ‑Melt, HighQ‑Flow, and HiQ‑Cushion smart‑machine technologies as part of its Wittmann 4.0 program. The company linked injection machines, robots, dryers, chillers, TCUs, and blenders through a secure Wittmann 4.0 router, storing and recalling job parameters on the Unilog B8 controller. Six work cells at NPE demonstrated the system, including a Condition Monitoring System for predictive maintenance.

Milacron (Booth W2703) named its Industry 4.0 initiative “M‑Powered.” Its cloud‑based suite features remote tech support via augmented reality, 24/7 monitoring, predictive‑maintenance analytics, real‑time OEE reporting, interactive technical manuals, a parts catalog, and an e‑STORE.

Arburg (Booth W1325) demonstrated individualized manufacturing by molding and laser‑marking business‑card holders with a barcode that links to production data, then custom‑decorating them with its freeformer 3D printer.

Nissei (Booth W923) presented its “Visualization of Factory” program, allowing an injection machine to pull information from connected devices such as auxiliary equipment. The PQ Manager quality‑and‑production‑management system can monitor multiple machines simultaneously.

Sumitomo SHI Demag (Booth W3045) rolled out myConnect, an internet‑access platform that delivers online support, machine documentation, spare‑parts ordering, and service‑maintenance management to customers.

Boy Machines (Booth W2503) introduced the Procan Alpha 4 controller, featuring enhanced MES functionality and the OPC‑UA communication protocol that is becoming an Industry 4.0 standard.

In blow‑molding, Nissei ASB (Booth S19045) showcased its ASB‑12M v2 one‑stage stretch‑blow machine, whose new control system meets Industry 4.0 standards and enables factory integration via the Internet of Things.

Jomar Corp. (Booth S12077) exhibited IntelliDrive injection‑blow molders, whose controllers capture machine‑performance data for remote monitoring. The company is moving toward predictive maintenance next.

Yushin America (Booth W2173) highlighted its FRA line of linear robots equipped with the E‑Touch V controller, enabling remote troubleshooting and predictive maintenance. Its Intu Line cloud‑based service delivers production statistics and live camera feeds to smartphones and tablets, while FRA robots also act as cell managers for post‑mold activities.

Sepro America (Booth W8571) showcased its Open 4.0 program, integrating robot controls with injection‑press makers, and introduced new apps for remote service (Live Support) and cycle optimization (OptiCycle).

Stäubli (Booth W4003) demonstrated an Industry 4.0 workflow that fully automates injection‑mold changes.

Software exhibitors included CyFrame (Booth W393), Intouch Monitoring (Booth S33188), IQMS (Booth S20023), Oden Technologies (Booth W8681), QT9 Software (Booth S31124), SG Systems (Booth W9413), ShopFloorConnect (Booth S35057), Smart Attend (Booth S10029), Syscon International (Booth W4844), Syspro ERP Software (Booth S30114), and T.I.G. (Engel subsidiary, Booth W3303).