Fecken-Kirfel attended the 2016 international conference of the Association of Foam Plastics and Polyurethane (FSK) in Ludwigshafen in south-west Germany. Here, the company presented software solutions that allow firms that process foam to monitor and analyse their production processes, and make them more efficient. 

Software for cutting machines

Fecken-Kirfel's premium precision cutting machines feature smart controls and software modules. Alongside the user-friendly and web-enabled user interfaces, they also offer a range of solutions that help reduce material consumption, as well as simplifying and accelerating production processes. 

Collecting and evaluating production data

Together with technology partner IPF, Fecken-Kirfel developed a way to improve production processes. This involves collecting and evaluating thousands of items of production data from the machines. Using efficiency indicators such as time used for production, set-up, maintenance and interruptions, as well as spare capacity, it is possible to quickly identify how to fully exploit potential in production.

Process optimisation with MyFoamPlant

MyFoamPlant allows users to optimise processes on an even greater scale. The data collection and evaluation software enables monitoring of all cutting processes around the world and at any time of day, as well as production and raw material flows. In the event of any deviations, such as in the reject quota, the manufacturer can intervene early on and take required measures. This makes it possible to save costs and raw materials.

Fecken-Kirfel will continue to develop its software solutions in future. Together with its technology partners, it will pave the way for networked production for greater efficiency.

This is an edited version of the article "monitoring cutting processes to increase productivity" which first appeared in Urethanes Technology International in October 2016. Please view the original article.