Smart Box: the new igus module for predictive maintenance

The i.Cee:local module, a new module developed by igus for its Smart Plastics software. It will calculate the remaining service life of drag chains, cables, linear guides and plain bearings during operation. This helps to predict the service life of the system, helping it to detect and resolve faults as early as possible and to plan maintenance in advance. The i.Cee:local with multiple connectivity can be integrated into the device via the internet or without IoT connectivity via a local website, depending on user requirements.

The intelligent plastic i.Cee module from igus enables predictive maintenance of drag chain systems, chainflex highly flexible cables, linear guides and plain bearings. (Source: igus GmbH)

Smart plastic sensors from igus monitor wear, measure pull-thrust forces, and provide early warning of impending overloads. So how can maintenance personnel get specific information about the state of the system? i.Cee:local is the new solution offered by igus. This intelligent module packages and analyses data from all other smart plastic sensors for maintenance personnel. i.Cee:local has two functions: the database of the i.Cee open source software and the brain of the smart plastic sensor. On first installation, the software parameters are set, and then precisely matched to the specified application by igus' lifetime algorithm. ‘The prediction of service life is calculated based on test data, of which we carry out millions in our 3.800 square metre in-house laboratory. Predicted values based on this test data are compared and adjusted with actual values obtained by running in real working conditions, resulting in real-time service life reports on the durability of machines and systems.’ Richard Habering, Head of Smart Plastics Business at igus Germany, explains. With i.Cee:local, maintenance can be planned in advance, faults can be detected in time and machine downtime can be avoided. Maximising the use of igus components both reduces the costs of early retrofitting and enables the automatic ordering of spare parts. i.Cee:local is available for all igus Smart Plastics products, ranging from plain bearings to drag chains.

Multiple connections for easy monitoring

The second important feature of i.Cee:local is its multiple connectivity. It integrates seamlessly into the specified network environment and can therefore be used in a variety of Industry 4.0 application scenarios. i.Cee:local module data can not only be viewed via the system monitor, a cloud solution, or in an IoT database with the JSON/MQTT protocol, but it can also be accessed on the Intranet, via the REST API interface or directly via SMS and email. Richard Habering says: ‘Users can choose to be online or offline, but whether online or offline, with the i.Cee:local module, maintenance staff can monitor operational data quickly and easily.’