For the majority of machine buyers, it is not the acquisition costs that are at the forefront of an investment decision, but the life cycle costs. This brings factors such as productivity, spare parts costs and service costs into focus. Many exhibitors at the 14th FMB - Supplier Fair for Mechanical Engineering, which takes place in Bad Salzuflen from November 7 to 9, 2018, will be addressing these topics. They will be showcasing tools for the maintenance and servicing of production systems. The spectrum ranges from measurement technology and software solutions to sophisticated services aimed at ensuring the availability of machinery, as the organizer Clarion Events explained.

These solutions are becoming increasingly complex and therefore require more explanation. Three examples that will be shown at the FMB: SKF offers its customers complete systems for preventive maintenance. Pirtek has developed IT-supported hose management solutions for the industry. And Wieland supports users in the standard-compliant and safety-oriented modernization of machines.

Maintenance Day
These three topics will not only be presented at the stands of the respective companies, but also in presentations on Wednesday, the first day of the trade fair. They are part of the "Maintenance Day", which will highlight individual aspects of machine maintenance and service every half hour from 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. - under the motto "New ideas and services for maintenance: condition monitoring, predictive maintenance & Co.".

The presentations cover a broad spectrum of new maintenance tools. These include online monitoring of robots (with the Kawasaki Trend Manager) and support for service personnel through augmented and/or virtual reality (with solutions from Raumtänzer GmbH, a spin-off of Bielefeld University).

The other days of the trade fair also offer a program of presentations. Christian Enßle, Portfolio Manager of Clarion Events: "On Thursday, eight speakers from exhibiting companies will present exemplary solutions for Industry 4.0-compliant production. And on Friday, the lecture program will traditionally feature the players from the leading-edge cluster it's OWL. The focus will then be on practice-oriented building blocks for digitalized production."

The halls are as good as fully booked, it was reported. Currently, 507 exhibitors have registered, and only a few stands are still available for late bookings. as