Siempelkamp’s new intelligent digital network unveiled in LIGNA.Innovation Network

“Factory of the future” – Siempelkamp’s digital concepts use the options of artificial intelligence

In the “Factory of the Future”, digital concepts where design production processes intelligently and efficiently are needed. In a live-streaming session at the LIGNA.Innovation Network (LIGNA.IN), Siempelkamp presented another feature of “Factory of the Future” with their new, intelligent 24/7 steel belt monitoring, which detects steel belt damage in the early stages and reduces downtime.

Elias Sabaghi, sales manager of Siempelkamp Logistics & Service, and Tobias Aretz, software engineer at Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau, illustrated the tools and concepts Siempelkamp uses to think ahead in digital, intelligent network that integrates all components of a plant. A central element is the modular control technology system Prod-IQ which provides reliable key figures in real time across the entire value chain of the wood-based panel plant – from production and quality management to maintenance and repair. The Siempelkamp Condition Monitoring System (SCMS) also stands for smart data management which enables predictive maintenance, optimises the scope and timing of maintenance work, and avoids unplanned downtime.

Optimally running steel belts are a central prerequisite for the maximum performance, plant efficiency and productivity of a wood-based panel plant. Until now, time-consuming manual inspections were necessary when signs of wear or malfunctions occurred – or changes in the steel belt sometimes remained unnoticed for too long.

In order to tap into a reliable solution for this, Siempelkamp developed a digital monitoring process which tracks the functionality of the steel belt around the clock, to be able to react immediately if necessary. Damage and material buildup are detected at full production speed. In real time, the steel belt monitoring system provides information on damage and material buildup and shows the exact position, size and time of occurrence.

The advantages for the plant operator: downtime is reduced, planning reliability and product quality are increased. Detected early, minor damage to the belt can be repaired quickly and easily, even before more extensive damage develops. The spread of build-up and the associated maintenance effort are also significantly reduced with earlier detection.