Digitisation – the Makino way

This factory is designed for unmanned automated operation with automated machining lines for castings. Visitors to the factory can not only see robotics at work but also Makino’s parts loader robot, which is the largest robot of its kind in Singapore, and 3D scanner robots as well. Smart process automation solutions with a central coolant system and chip management system contribute to increasing productivity, sustainability, cost savings and cleanliness. The factory is also designed to improve energy management, increase efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint. It is powered by 5,300 solar panels that will cut CO₂ emissions by 1,000 tons annually, the equivalent of removing 200 cars from Singapore roads each year. Also, a chilled ceiling system and enclosed air system deliver efficient energy management that results in a constant ambient temperature of 24° C. (+/- 1.5° C.) and a 65% humidity level that is maintained throughout the year. Another feature of the factory is an AGF casting transport system, which transfers finished castings (i.e. up to 3,000 kg) from the Advanced Machining Factory to the Assembly Factory via automated guided forklifts (AGF).
 

An Internet of Things (IoT) Centre additionally permits Makino to track all of its machines in operation for Makino users around Asia and foresee which units need maintenance before a breakdown happens. It therefore plays an essential role in advancing Makino’s Customer Support Technology. The use of ProNetConneX, a Makino brand for IoT services, enables direct and real-time data communications between Makino Asia and Makino machines. This gives Makino Asia the ability to access the machines proactively rather than taking a traditional reactive approach. The IoT Centre remotely monitors the machines’ operating conditions and health in real-time. Apart from picking up critical errors, e.g. spindle crashes due to wrong input, Makino Asia aims to use predictive technology to eliminate unplanned downtime for Makino users.