Hydraulics & Pneumatics May 2022

www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2022 43 UPDATES change the production cycle, change the parameters or introduce a new product to the manufacturing process you had to reprogram a PLC. This might take days and involve very expensive reprogramming. Today, we can change the system parameters from a tablet PC using open protocol. So, we have many solutions for the factory of the future, solutions that fit the Industry 4.0 framework.” Smart factory control Continuing the theme of networks and connectivity within the context of the factory of the future, Martin Costin, Drives & Networks Specialist at SMC, spoke about pneumatics in terms of smart factory control. As well as outlining the different types of valve manifold systems SMC provides and their benefits to end users and OEMs, Costin also stated that there will continue to be a place for pneumatics in machine production. “There has been a lot of movement towards electrics, but for reliability and proven robustness I think pneumatics will always have a place in industry, and there are many technical advancements being made in pneumatic componentry – smaller, lighter valves, and new energy- efficient vacuum injection systems,” he said. Costin then explained how these pneumatic components are being integrated into fieldbus networks and what advantages this is going to bring in terms of Industry 4.0 and smart factories of the future. Modern intelligent hydraulics Martin Hoskins, Sales and Customer Development Manager at Bosch Rexroth, then spoke about connected hydraulics and their place within the factory of the future framework. “When we think about connected hydraulics and the factory the future, words such as permanent or fixed, or even phrases such as jobs for life, are old and not suitable for the new approach to business,” he said. Hoskins added that we have to start looking at words such as flexibility, modularity, quietness and efficiency. “These are all words that benefit the environment and benefit industries, and this is where we’ve got to go,” he said. “Through the years, we’ve worked very closely with various companies in production and have learnt that IOT has a very forward-thinking benefit to designers, solutions providers and also the end-users and OEMs. By working together, we can develop the digitalisation fight for the future. We need to grasp and develop this digitalisation age.” Topical themes The presenters then engaged in a lively debate with delegates, covering questions such as: are we adopting Industry 4.0 technology quickly enough?; when we compare the UK to nations such as China or the US are we behind or ahead of the curve in terms of adapting to automation?; and are we embracing the benefits that come from the modern use of the data? Cooke then rounded off the proceedings by thanking the presenters and delegates for their valuable input. The wider debate continues, of course, and the BFPA is available to address any questions members might have regarding the above themes. www.bfpa.co.uk Martin Costin: “There has been a lot of movement towards electrics, but for reliability and proven robustness I think pneumatics will always have a place in industry.” Martin Hoskins: “Flexibility, modularity, quietness and efficiency – these are all words that benefit the environment and benefit industries, and this is where we’ve got to go.”