FACE TO FACE
Q 1500 and Q 3000 plus plasma power sources .
plasma-cutting process . Our customers want even more powerful machines to be equipped as flexibly as possible for future tasks , combined of course with digitisation . This creates completely new user requirements and expectations which we must meet with our technologies ,” the management team told ISMR .
“ On the other hand , digitisation provides us with new opportunities to further develop our products , especially for linking complete production chains and systems . We talk about the digitisation of production which goes beyond mere automation . Another aim for the future is to expand our marketing activities . We want to establish representative offices across the world and start using further digital tools for our marketing activities ,” added the team .
Digitisation has been a strong focus for Kjellberg ’ s product development . Process communication of the new power sources in the Q-Series takes place via EtherCAT to enable efficient communication of the power source with the guiding system and all other components in the production process . Updates and diagnostic tasks can be performed by the manufacturer as remote service via a secure VPN connection . All new features are aimed at the networking and automation of the production process as well as improving system availability .
“ Additionally , users are provided with tools for visualisation , operator support , preventive maintenance and troubleshooting tips which they can access worldwide on all devices ( i . e . smartphones or tablets ) in a protected area ,” added the German specialist .
As a member of the Industry Business Network 4.0 e . V . association , Kjellberg Finsterwalde also works on solutions for existing equipment , in addition to the development of new products . The aim is to enable users of existing power sources to also benefit from the advantages of digitisation , networking and operation .
Challenges and opportunities
Kjellberg Finsterwalde has successfully navigated global headwinds in worldwide manufacturing markets and an increasingly challenging business climate .
“ As is the case with all companies worldwide , we have been severely tested by the COVID pandemic which is not over yet . The war in Ukraine , as well as the current COVID situation in China , poses new challenges . International markets are very important in our industry . It is a daily challenge to ensure the activities and success of our own products , regardless of political changes . Other great challenges are to tackle supplychain issues and maintain delivery capability . This is one of our most important targets . At present however , in our business , we see no general restraint regarding new investments ,” explained Falk Tzschichholz .
“ One of the greatest challenges at present is to maintain our delivery capability . However , challenges also present new opportunities . For example , we have the advantage of high production depth ; from assembly units to parts . This has kept us very robust in the past , particularly with respect to supply chains . Extensive stocks are also helpful to be able to respond to fluctuations in the market ,” he added .
In the future , Kjellberg Finsterwalde intends to cover a large part of its electricity demand with its own photovoltaic plants . This will make it less dependent on the public electricity network and is an effective way for it to save energy costs going forward .
“ Reliability and efficiency are among the main objectives for our customers . They expect today ’ s plasma-cutting machines to provide maximum availability and the highest productivity levels . The variable costs of a cutting system are very important in this context ,” added the management team .
Focus on welding
In addition to its TIG welding processes ( InFocus and ARCLINE ® PP ), solutions for
In the future , Kjellberg Finsterwalde intends to cover a large part of its electricity demand with its own photovoltaic plants
Kjellberg Finsterwalde ’ s booth at EuroBLECH in Hanover , Germany .