A clever box - New igus module for predictive maintenance

The igus smart plastics i.Cee module ensures predictive maintenance of e-chain systems, chainflex cables, linear guides, and sliding bearings. (Source: igus GmbH)

With the i.Cee:local module, igus has now developed a new home for its smart plastics software. The module calculates the remaining service life of energy chains, cables, linear guides, and sliding bearings during operation. This allows for the optimization of the system's lifespan, early detection and correction of malfunctions, and proactive maintenance planning. Thanks to its multi-connectivity, i.Cee:local can be integrated either via the internet or, without IoT connectivity, over the local network according to customer requirements.

They monitor abrasion, measure tension/pressure force, and provide information about impending overload: the smart plastics sensors from igus. But how does the maintenance technician obtain concrete information about the condition of their system? The new solution from igus is the i.Cee:local. The intelligent module consolidates data from all deployed smart plastics systems and prepares it for the maintenance technician. To do this, i.Cee:local has two functions: it serves as the home for the open-source i.Cee software, the brain of the smart plastics. For the initial installation, the software is first configured and then optimized for the specific application using igus's lifespan algorithms. "The lifespan prognosis, which we determine based on millions of test data in our 3,800-square-meter laboratory, is compared and adjusted in operation with the actual measured values, so that a real-time statement about the durability of the machine and system can be made," explains Richard Habering, Head of the smart plastics business unit at igus GmbH. With i.Cee:local, maintenance can be planned proactively, malfunctions are detected in time, and system failures are thus avoided. The costs for early retrofitting through the maximum utilization of igus components can be reduced, and spare parts can be automatically ordered early. The use of i.Cee:local is suitable for all igus smart plastics products, from sliding bearings to e-chains.

Multi-connectivity for easy overview

The second key feature of i.Cee:local is its multi-connectivity. Through seamless integration into designated network environments, various Industry 4.0 use cases can be realized. The data from the i.Cee:local module can be accessed either via a display on the system, through a cloud solution or an IoT dashboard, as JSON/MQTT protocol, within the intranet, via the REST API interface, or directly via SMS or email. "Whether online or offline, depending on customer requirements, the data is quickly and easily accessible to the maintenance technician thanks to the i.Cee:local module," says Richard Habering.