Industry 4.0, IoT, networking - terms that have long since arrived in production. But what does this mean in concrete terms for the forming of hydraulic tubes? Until now, this area was characterised by machines, but had little digital influence. With the new networked generation of the STAUFF SFO-F-A-A-IOT tube forming machine, digitalisation is now within reach and offers real added value for users and operators.

For a long time, the SFO-F was a classic stand-alone machine: select the parameter set, insert the tube, press the start button - done. Today, the SFO-F-A-A-IOT is a fully networked unit that can do much more.

At a glance:

• Integrated communication module with SIM card

• STAUFF's own cloud for bidirectional communication

• Visualisation via cockpit as an intuitive human-machine interface

• Seamless process and tool history

Updates or new parameter sets no longer have to be laboriously installed on site. Software updates can be installed "on air" via the cloud as soon as the machine is online and not in use. New parameter sets, for example for other tube diameters or materials, can also be transferred directly from the STAUF Technology Centre in Werdohl to the machine.

For the user, this means faster response times, less downtime and significantly more flexible utilisation without the need to send the machine out for updates or send out a service technician.

Every forming process is documented and visualised in the cockpit - including pressures, cycles and tool history. This not only makes process monitoring easier, but also enables proactive optimisation.

Example: For example, if the actual assembly pressure during the mechanical assembly of cutting rings is regularly close to the threshold value, countermeasures can be taken immediately to maintain high quality in the long term. At the same time, the documented data can be exported as audit or customer proof - digitally or on paper.

The technical basis is a communication module with an integrated SIM card. However, the STAUFF Cloud, which ensures encrypted communication in both directions, is crucial. This protects the process data from unauthorised access, manipulation and misuse. Users do not have to worry about complex IT infrastructures - the connection runs entirely via the secure STAUFF environment.

Existing SFO-F machines can also be easily retrofitted with the IOT communication model. A comparable solution is also available for the SPR-PRC-POC series of cutting ring assembly machines. This allows digitalisation to be integrated into the existing infrastructure step by step - without great effort or high investment barriers.

In addition to the technical benefits, networking also opens up new business models. "Pay per use" is no longer just a conceivable scenario, but a reality: users no longer have to buy a machine, but only pay for forming processes that are actually carried out. This reduces capital commitment while increasing flexibility. At the same time, continuous access to the expertise of STAUFF technicians is possible - for example, for the parameterisation of new materials.

New materials often bring with them new challenges in production. With the expertise of the STAUFF Technology Centre, these are quickly mastered - for smooth processes right from the start.

• Initial situation: A customer wants to process tubes made from a new alloy that is not covered by the standard parameters.

• Solution: Specialists at the STAUFF Technology Centre in Werdohl determine the appropriate parameters and send them directly to the machine via the cloud.

• The result: immediate series production with stable processes - including seamless proof of quality via the online cockpit.

The networked generation of the SFO-F-A-A-IOT is available immediately and can also be retrofitted to existing machines if interested. Interested parties can request a live demo or gain a detailed insight at trade fairs.

Contact our team to find out more about the networking options for your machines.

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