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WORLD OF INDUSTRIES - MOTION, DRIVE & AUTOMATION 3/2017

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WORLD OF INDUSTRIES - MOTION, DRIVE & AUTOMATION 3/2017

Contitech eyes growth

Contitech eyes growth opportunities with increasing digitalization MACHINE ELEMENTS ContiTech, the industrial specialist division of Continental Corporation, is developing intelligent applications and customer-friendly solutions with an aim to reduce production losses and downtimes in factories. As an international technology company ContiTech is creating new possibilities by deploying advanced technologies and developing new applications for the industrial environment. For example, utilizing RFID technology in hydraulics. “RFID” stands for “Radio Frequency Identification” – i.e. location-independent, non-contact and non-visual. To permit identification, an object is fitted with a transponder, which responds when polled by a reader and then transmits data wirelessly. In the hydraulics industry, RFID can be deployed in preventing connection faults or enabling predictive maintenance, explains Mobile Fluid Systems’ Innovations Manager Markus Linzmaier. Using electromagnetic radiation, it prevents connection faults, ensures timely detection of abnormal patterns and enables predictive maintenance of connected machines, products and 01 Analyzing vibrations using a smartphone: ContiTech is exhibiting an updated ViProtect app for iOS and Android systems at Hanover Fair components. If a fault is identified, a warning is displayed or the unit shuts down. Correct connections can then be ensured in the event of multiple connectors. The transponder tells the controller what has to be connected to the respective port. If a fault is detected, the controller can generate an alert for the user or shut the device down. Media-carrying systems can in principle be equipped with a large number of different sensors measuring pressure, temperature, throughflow rate and media quality. The hoses and lines equipped in this way generate and transmit the data, which is then evaluated by, for instance, control units. Preventive maintenance of hydraulic systems using RFID-tech The RFID technology can be used to check whether a system is satisfying the operational requirements. It is also possible to determine whether a hydraulic circuit contains the right volume of the right medium in the desired condition. The operational controller settings or device usage can also be monitored. The condition of the overall system can be monitored by means of defined parameters, and preventive maintenance can be performed, if required. Intelligent data analysis enable machines to be maintained preventively. This requires the machines, products and components to be networked. Integrated sensors use these connections to capture condition data from machine components and combine it with information on maintenance planning or account management. Abnormal patterns, which are indicative of faults are then detected. Suitable preventive counter-measures can be initiated. Smart lines and connectors can also order new material as refill for the consumed media or replacement parts for damaged seals and leaking hoses. And since the reader can also write information to the transponder, usage and maintenance data can be documented uninterruptedly and, for example, operating errors can be tracked subsequently. Smart and connected systems Increasing connectivity in the industrial sector is opening up huge growth potential for ContiTech. “Digitalization is a great opportunity for us to generate lasting added value together with our customers,” explains Hans-Jürgen Duensing, who is responsible for the ContiTech division on the Continental Board of Management. “As part of the overall value-added chain, we as a supplier and industrial partner can create the pre-requisites for this and make a significant contribution towards shaping the industrial infrastructure. Smart, connected systems, machines and production lines pave the way for this. That’s why we’re working flat out to make our products and systems smarter and offer holistic solutions. One of the characteristic features of the fourth industrial revolution is the smart connection of manufacturing and maintenance processes. The necessary data is available worldwide in real time. This real time data transmission yields completely new business opportunities. In the future, predictive maintenance of machines and systems will be a major driver of growth and efficiency in a large number of the industries in which we operate,” adds Duensing. WORLD OF INDUSTRIESMOTION, DRIVE & AUTOMATION 3/2017

App based vibration monitoring and analysis Another example of evolving business models is the ‘ViProtect’ app for iOS and Android systems, which ContiTech has now updated. Using a smartphone, it analyzes vibrations in engines, driver cabs and other industrial equipment. Excessively strong vibrations overload the components – which can result in expensive, time-intensive downtime and repairs. Targeted measurements help analyze the vibration properties of industrial vehicles and machines. The app uses this data to find the appropriate solution and suggests options for a suitable mounting system. In this way, it helps to extend product lifetimes and increase comfort. Photographs: teaser Fotolia, ContiTech AG and Continental AG www.contitech.de/en-GL About ContiTech AG Continental AG is known to be a reliable partner that provides solutions for transportation of goods. In 2016, the corporation generated sales of € 40.5 billion with its five divisions, Chassis & Safety, Interior, Powertrain, Tires, and ContiTech. Continental employs more than 227,000 people in 56 countries. As the industrial specialist division of Continental AG, ContiTech provides intelligent solutions to its customers in industries such as machine & plant engineering, mining, agricultural machinery and the automotive industry. With around 43,000 employees in 44 countries, the company generated revenues of around € 5.5 billion in 2016. 02Particularly when it comes to industrial applications, the more accurately the optimal maintenance time can be predicted, the more cost-effective the operation of the machine WORLD OF INDUSTRIESMOTION, DRIVE & AUTOMATION 3/2017

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