Extrusion International 6-2025

48 Extrusion International 6/2025 PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY – FROM THE RESEARCH operation of machines and allows for the identi cation of trends, which can be leveraged to imple- ment optimization measures. “In the past, we often pulled to- gether various statistics, calculation tools and our years of experience in order to make production-related decisions. With C-BEYOND, we can access valid data in one place that gives us the certainty that we are on the right track,” Kaczka said enthu- siastically. Order planning: live view and downtime tracking for high ef - ciency A look at production planning demonstrates how cpc integrates the C-BEYOND service platform into its work ow and pro ts from it. Especially in the case of frequent order changes, it is crucial for the entire plant’s ef ciency that extrud - ers do not stand idle unnecessarily, or are warmed up without produc- ing anything. Using C-BEYOND, cpc can see precisely when an order will be nished on every one of the ZSK extruders, and can promptly initi- ate preparations for the following order, ensuring seamless transfers between tasks and full exploitation of every machine. C-BEYOND automatically ac- counts for production interruptions due to recipe changes, maintenance tasks, or other operational down- times, providing the operational personnel the option to add addi- tional useful information via tablets installed at the extruder. This down- time tracking enables evaluations over longer time periods, which in turn can reveal informative trends, allowing for implementation of measures to increase ef ciency in the future. The system continu- ously documents which order was produced on which extruder, mak- ing the production process visible in detail. This data is helpful for claim management and can be used to optimize subsequent orders. In case of machine breakdown or deviations in the operating win- dow, C-BEYOND can automatically notify management and operating personnel, enabling even faster re- actions. Sustain app: for less energy consumption “We take our responsibility for humanity and the environment very seriously”, said Alexander Schle- berger, Managing Director of cpc. “For that reason, we use the Sustain app with the energy monitoring function to capture precise real- time information about our extrud- ers’ energy consumption and indi- vidual aggregates such as motors, feeders or barrels. On this basis, we identify components and processes that consume a lot of energy and implement data-supported optimi- zation measures.” If all production lines are integrat- ed into the system, C-BEYOND can capture and monitor energy con- sumption across the entire facility. In- ef cient equipment or even energy waste can be reduced to an absolute minimum so that valuable resources are used exclusively in a targeted manner and a strategic plan for op- timal energy use is possible. “We are supporting cpc by con- necting the ZSK extruders to C-BE- YOND in order to structure produc- tion processes and the machines’ capacity more transparently, in- creasing ef ciency in operation. For us, cpc’s digitization initiative con rms the added value that C- BEYOND can offer. We are con- vinced that will be a groundbreak- ing tool in the long term, helping customers achieve increases in productivity and sustainability. It makes us very proud to be able to travel this path together with cpc, and we look forward to continu- ing our collaboration,” said Markus Schmudde, Head of Research & De- velopment, Compounding & Extru- sion at Coperion. Coperion GmbH Theodorstraße 10, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany www.coperion.com With C-BEYOND, important ZSK extruder performance markers, such as availability, production quantity and product quality, are determined in real time and visualized in user-friendly OEE analysis diagrams Rüdiger Kaczka, Plant Manager at cpc, is enthusiastic about the added value that C-BEYOND offers to his company