Modernizing production through digitalisation

Swiss company Autoneum operates five Dieffenbacher automotive component production lines at its Sevelen site. Together with Dieffenbacher, Autoneum has now extensively modernized one of the lines, a GMT/LFT-D line for glass-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. One highlight of the project was the introduction of the new Evoris digitalization platform.

The modernized GMT/LFT-D line introduces a new line control system, including the safety PLC and three 6-axis robots. In addition, various motion sequences of the loading and unloading robots were optimized. Reis robots were retired during the modernization; however, Autoneum was able to map its processes and comply with all safety requirements with the new robots despite the tight space conditions. “We can now use our GMT/LFT-D system in a cycle-time-optimized manner,” said Christoph Bless, Head Operational Maintenance & Repair at Autoneum. “The availability of the plant components is guaranteed.”

To further optimize production, Autoneum decided to implement the Evoris digitalization platform. Evoris uses artificial intelligence to make plants faster and more efficient. “Our goal is to operate our systems with high availability and as sustainably as possible while ensuring the right component quality. EVORIS gives us much better insights into our production and better possibilities to influence it,” emphasized Bless. “Digitalization with Evoris is a key to sustainability, energy savings and profitability at Autoneum,” added Autoneum Legal Unit Head and Plant Manager Mario-Martin Kolar.

Bless called Dieffenbacher’s expertise the decisive factor in moving forward with the digitalization project. “Dieffenbacher’s approach stands out from the crowd. They offer the complete package, everything from the platform to sensor technology and plant know-how to technologist knowledge for the entire production line. In addition, Dieffenbacher coordinated the entire integration, and we look forward to their further development of Evoris,” he concluded.

Autoneum uses Anomaly Detection, Curve Analysis and Component History apps on the Evoris platform, which collects all plant data at a central point. As a result, Autoneum gains deep insights into its production processes via powerful trending and condition monitoring tools and various reporting possibilities. The company uses this transparency across the entire plant to accelerate decision-making, improve processes, increase machine availability, boost energy efficiency and optimize maintenance. Autoneum achieves higher production capacity while manufacturing components of the highest quality.