Wittmann Battenfeld Inc., a global manufacturer of injection molding machines, robots and peripheral equipment for the plastics processing industry, recently conducted a course for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) titled “IIoT and Implementing Industry 4.0 for Plastics and Beyond.” The course was presented as part of the university’s Center for Sustainability & Continuing Engineering Education.
David Preusse, President of Wittmann Battenfeld Inc., taught the one-day course, which was held at Wittmann Battenfeld’s Midwest Technical Center in South Elgin, Illinois. The morning session focused on classroom learning where students were introduced to the IIoT and Industry 4.0. The afternoon session provided students with injection molding demonstrations and hands-on learning of how 4.0 works in real-world plastics applications.
Marcia Gabriel, program director at UWM, said: “We are grateful to Wittmann Battenfeld for inviting us in to their Midwest Tech Center for this course. It provided students with an invaluable opportunity to see first-hand how IIoT and Industry 4.0 are being applied today to improve productivity in the plastics industry.”
Students learned the methods and strategies behind technology that allows injection molders to gain new efficiencies of machine utilization, preventative maintenance and improved uptime. Specifically, they were shown the advantages of remote web servicing, faster mold and color changeovers, better production monitoring and quality controls.
“It was a pleasure to teach this course and to introduce the students to these exciting new technologies,” Preusse said. “IIoT and Industry 4.0 are here to stay, and it’s important that we educate the next generation of manufacturers on how to implement the changes that combine people, processes and technology.”
For more information, visit www.wittmann-group.com.