I4.0 BOX: the industry 4.0 device

I4.0BOX was born from the need to adapt machine tools and machining centers to company management systems and/or MES, in compliance with Industry 4.0 specifications.

Generally, company management systems are not set up for connection and data exchange with the different numerical controls present in the machines, for this reason it is necessary, on a case-by-case basis, to develop something specific suitable for the purpose.

I4.0BOX is a flexible tool that allows machine tools to be integrated into the company infrastructure, allowing dialogue between the management level and the components of the workshop without excessively affecting costs.

I4.0BOX, interposing itself between the numerical control of the machine and the outside world, allows us to:

• Read the production information coming from the company management system in neutral format (file or web services), transform them and send them to the machine in the specific format accepted by the numerical control installed;
• Read the information returned from the machine and transform it into a neutral format in order to make it usable by the company management system;

Among the main features of I4.0BOX we have:

• Data exchange configurable according to the numerical control;
• Recovery of the part programs and sending to the numerical control;
• Automatic activation when sending the part program. The CNC will only need the operator start;
• Configuration for the recovery of different data from the machine tool;
• Possible configuration of the parameters for the management of the standard machine states and customized states necessary for the management;
• Remote connection with technical assistance to minimize intervention times;

Furthermore, I4.0BOX does not require any intervention at the machine automation level, therefore it does not interfere with the functions provided by the manufacturer and does not introduce potential problems related to assistance and warranty clauses.