Software provider, Keyprod, a subsidiary of JPB Système, has introduced new efficiency-enhancing features to its production monitoring solution, which enables manufacturers of all sizes and from any sector to reduce machine downtime.

The user-friendly, cloud-based Keyprod system connects, tracks and measures the effectiveness of all manufacturing process elements, including existing software, machinery and associated applications. This capability provides a consolidated, real-time vision of production operations to analyse different quality and performance indicators, such as overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Feedback from customers indicates that the use of Keyprod can deliver an increase in OEE of up to 15%.

The new Keyprod features include a global loss analysis dashboard that offers manufacturers a comprehensive breakdown of inefficiencies and production losses. By analysing performance data, Keyprod identifies various sources of losses, such as machine failures, micro-stoppages and defects. This targeted insight enables corrective action to optimise OEE, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs.

Keyprod also offers a new alert systemthat allows operators to respond instantly to production anomalies. Real-time notifications enable swift intervention to prevent minor issues from escalating, ensuring production continuity and enhancing team responsiveness to unforeseen events.

Furthermore, an advanced planning feature transforms factory operations to analyse historical and current data. Use of this featureleads to more accurate and adaptive production scheduling, optimised workflows, reduced production lead times and improved on-time delivery.

Keyprod’s plug-and-play Keynetic and Keyvibe devices can be magnetised to production machines and installed in less than 10 minutes without necessitating machine downtime or cable connections. The scalable web platform also adapts to changing industry needs by incorporating new technologies over time.

More information www.keyprod.com

Flexxbotics, which delivers work cell digitalisation for robot-driven manufacturing, is
announcing robotic machine tending in-line inspection connectivity compatible with the full
line-up of Hexagon solutions. Now, companies can enable robot-driven manufacturing with
Flexxbotics using Hexagon to achieve precision quality with six sigma consistency and faster
cycle times. Flexxbotics says its capabilities enable higher yields and greater throughput on
complex parts for increased profit per part. 
 
With Flexxbotics, robots receive closed-loop feedback based on automated inspection
results enabling real-time adjustments to CNC machine programs for autonomous process
control. With in-line inspection, Flexxbotics orchestrates the fleets of robots in the smart
factory to achieve continuous unattended operations.
 
Hexagon offers a wide range of CMMs, laser scanners, laser tool setters, infrared probing
systems, radio wave probing systems and production probe systems. Flexxbotics
compatibility includes Hexagon’s PC-DMIS CMM for bridge and gantry CMMs, the Tempo
robotic-enabled CMM system, NC measuring software, the full Q-DAS product line for SPS,
and Intelligent Machine Control (IMC).
 
“We believe in-line inspection technologies make autonomy in the smart factory possible,
providing the closed-loop co-ordination necessary for autonomous process control,” says
Tyler Modelski, CTO and co-founder of Flexxbotics. “That’s why we’ve focused on making
inspection equipment interoperable with CNC machines and the production robots which
control and co-ordinate robot-driven manufacturing.”
 
Flexxbotics’ SaaS/hybrid architecture runs both online and offline so that production
continues with or without internet access. Moreover, Flexxbotics works with existing
business systems such as CADCAM, DNC, SCADA/HMI, IIoT, MES, ERP, PLM and others for
comprehensive process integration.
More information www.flexxbotics.com

A UK-first took place at MACH 2024 in Birmingham last week when Bruderer ran its BSTL
350-88 live at the event. The leading high-speed press manufacturer set-up a full production
line to showcase the machine’s capability in the volume production of small and miniature
components.
According to Bruderer, the BSTL comes into its own for precision and continuity and uses up
to 30% less energy when compared with older machine models. The turnkey line at the
MACH exhibition featured a state-of-the-art pallet decoiler and winder, with purpose-built
‘MACH’ tooling producing commemorative giveaways for visitors to the stand. Experts from
Bruderer UK were also on hand to talk about the company’s growing range of machines and
associated partner technology that is helping its customer base in automotive, aerospace,
building products and electrification.
“MACH 2024 was a massive moment for our UK business and was the first time anyone saw
the BSTL 350-88 produce products at a major manufacturing event,” explains Adrian Haller,
managing director at Bruderer UK. “It was one of the main attractions of the rapidly growing
Metalworking Village at the show, showing customers how they can remain competitive
when tendering for mass production projects.”
He continues: “This latest press also utilised our latest control system, which is accessible
using different devices via a web browser, with remote state-of-the-art maintenance and
the highest cyber security. The BSTL 350-88 is a fantastic new addition and I believe will be
one of our best-ever sellers.”
Bruderer also used MACH to introduce the BSTA 710-220 to the UK market. The company
says this press is all about delivering more space for complex stamping tools with the
longest bed length (2.2 m) of its type in the world.
For further information www.bruderer.co.uk

Andrew Hunter is now VP global sales at Seco Tools. He will report to Stefan Steenstrup, president Seco, and become a member of the Seco Management Group. Hunter has 23 years of experience from various customer-facing roles at Dormer Pramet, most recently as VP of sales & marketing where he headed an organisation consisting of 450 full-time employees in 26 countries. He will be responsible for securing growth at Seco, along with developing and implementing sales strategies to gain market share. Hunter will also be responsible for global sales activities and set the scene for the sales organisation.
For further information www.secotools.com