STAUFF "Pay per use" for tube connection technology

| 37 The Stauff advisers personally instruct the assembly teams on site in how to use the machine. Bild: Stauff W hat are the key features of a high-quality pro- cessing machine? It goes without saying that users should expect reliable functioning. Alt- hough there are great quality variations in performance, the key differences become evident when it comes to handling, customer service, investment volume and di- gital connections. For all these aspects, the Stauff SFOF- IOT formingmachine is regarded as a pioneeringmodel. Its function: In combination with a conventional fitting body and a metal-on-metal union nut, the formed tube end creates a positive connection for use in extreme con- ditions. The only conceivable leakage path is additional- ly sealed with an FKM ring. Reliable forming process The robust table-top machine designed for permanent use inworkshops carries out the forming process after a manual start. The path control is monitored based on stored parameters and ensures a consistently high level of process reliability and reproducibility. The tubes are guided and formedwith clamping jaws and tube shapers into which internal tube supports are additionally scre- wed for selected tube diameters. These tools designed formachine-based use can be quickly and easily exchan- ged manually without any aids (tube shaper with bayo- net lock). They are labelled clearly so that incorrect as- sembly due to use of the wrong tools is virtually impos- sible. Safe and fast setup of the machine contributes to the cost-effectiveness of the system, as do the short cycle times for efficient series production. A touch screen with an intuitive user interface and four menu languages complete the easy-to-use solution. Personal and digital service The Stauff advisers know that even themost user-friend- ly digital connections cannot replace personal support and therefore visit the customer on site for the introduc- tion of the forming machines. Manufacturers of, for example, offshore plants, cranes and lifting devices or other complex applications of stationary and mobile hydraulic systems – for which Stauff Form Evo is the most reliable tube connection system – appreciate this level of customer service. The assembly teams are trai- ned in how to use the forming and assembly process and shown how to use the digital functions. Hydraulics con- tractors, who often have to form large numbers of hy- draulic tube connections at customer sites, use these table-top machines as well. The machines are also used at the international Stauff sites, where customised hy- draulic lines are assembled and produced as part of the Stauff Line range of services. The latest generation of the forming machines is equipped with a communication module with a SIM card as standard and connected di- rectly to the Stauff Technology Centre at the company’s headquarters in Werdohl. This can be easily retrofitted on previous models. This connection offers specific advantages for users: General or customer specific software updates are sent online. This includes, for example, parameter sets for deviating, non-standard tube materials that are deter- mined at the Technology Centre at the customer’s re- quest. The machine carries out all reporting and docu- ments the completed assembly processes in detail. This data can be used as proof of performance and to verify correct assembly if required, for example by the end cus- tomer. Another big step in customer service is the option of not only viewing and analysing themachine parameters from the headquarters inWerdohl, but to also intervene remotely in order to optimise the settings. The parame- ters of every single forming process are visualised in a “cockpit”, as well as the number of forming processes with the tools for the individual tube diameters. If the machinemalfunctions, the cause can be determined and “With the pay-per-use model, customers can now decide whether they want to pur- chase the machine or only the forming service.” Mark Wever, Global Chief Digital Officer, Stauff QUOTE STORY TITLE