EuroWire May 2021

Manufacturing Technology

Taking nail manufacturing to the next level

Changes in supply chain, increasing raw material prices, higher requirements for qualified labour and a focus on sustainability all demand new ways of gaining efficiency in wire nail production. Obvious targets are to minimise material waste and production downtime and to ensure optimum labour productivity. 4.0 methodology and digitalisation to bring intuitive efficiency tools to wire nail manufacturers with the new Enkonail+, which comes with Enkotec’s new software platform, Enkosmart. Enkonail+ with Enkosmart is equipped with sensor technology that provides real- time information to ensure output and reliability. This will reduce manual work and decrease the need for interaction with the machine. One of the key Enkosmart features is a continuous nail monitoring system. Supported by intuitive adjustment features and a tolerance software module, it provides the opportunity to optimise and control the production output. The target is optimum utilisation of wire rod and minimum scrap levels, resulting in a positive impact on the bottom line, and enabling sustainable production. The extended sensor technology of the new Enkonail+ allows instant troubleshooting, which brings downtime to a minimum. Sensor interconnectivity enabled by Enkosmart tracks and positions nails and tools visually. The Enkosmart software platform enables the operator to handle all aspects of the machine through the user interface. Extensive data is collected, processed and Enkotec has used Industry

▲ Enkonail+ with Enkosmart

presented in a way that allows the user to understand and operate themachine to its maximum. It is possible to track machine utilisation and operator performance, enabling a framework with continuous overview and optimisation. An optional Performance Module feature brings a simple but informative overview of themachine and operator performance. The system highlights the top five internal and external reasons for machine stops based on specific time intervals. An RFID-enabled login system makes it possible to view the data related to each operator. By tracking operator performance, wire nail manufacturers will be able to point out productivity enhancement initiatives by assigning suitable training and development needs for each employee.

The operator manuals are supplied in a digital format, with an intuitive interface and animations, on a tablet as well as on the Enkosmart user interface directly on the Enkonail+. This makes all of the neces- sary operation and maintenance infor- mation immediately available, instead of having to be searched for among hundreds of printed pages. Enkosmart provides remote access and control for fast-track and real-time support, which enables experts from the Enkotec headquarters to help with guidance, training and troubleshooting. Internet connectivity allows software updates for new features or to keep the machinery up to date. Enkotec A/S www.enkotec.com

▼ Real-time nail head and length monitoring

▼ The display of the optional Performance Module

EF 9 / 62

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May 2021