iFace Plant Automation - No Man Operation
Intelligent Fully Automatic Controlled Equipment
The iFACE process control system is Aichelin Unitherm's intelligent automation platform for heat treatment operations. Designed to maximize process reliability, product quality and operational efficiency, iFACE provides centralized control, monitoring and documentation of the entire heat treatment process.
With iFACE , multiple chamber furnaces and ancillary equipment can be integrated into a single control environment. Once a heat treatment program is started, all process parameters are automatically transferred to the furnace PLC, where the complete process sequence being monitored and controlled in real time.
Reliable Process Control
iFACE continuously records and supervises critical process parameters such as temperature and carbon potential, ensuring precise execution of heat treatment cycles and complete process transparency. Operators can monitor the current process status online through an user friendly interface.
To guarantee maximum operational reliability, the furnace PLC automatically takes control if communication with the iFACE system is interrupted, allowing heat treatment cycles to continue without disruption.
Key Features
Program Management
Create, manage and optimize heat treatment programs with flexible process sequences, target values and time-controlled operations.
Part Database
Assign heat treatment recipes to specific components, ensuring repeatable and standardized production processes.
Real-Time Process Visualization
Monitor temperature, carbon potential and process progression through graphical displays and live process tracking functionality.
Advanced Carburizing Control
Optional online and offline diffusion modules enable simulation, optimization and monitoring of carburizing processes, supporting precise control of carbon profiles and case depth requirements.
Comprehensive Process Documentation
Automatically generate detailed heat treatment reports for every batch including:
Process parameters and recipes
Temperature and carbon potential trends
Actual versus target values
Process history and traceability data
Alarm & Event Management
Clear-text alarm notifications with time stamps support rapid troubleshooting and improved plant availability.
Service & Engineering Tools
Integrated calculation and conversion functions support process engineers in optimizing heat treatment parameters and maintaining process consistency.
Scalable Automation
iFACE can be expanded from a single furnace control system to a fully automated heat treatment plant management solution. With iFACE not only the furnaces but also cleaning systems, endogas generators, material handling equipment and other ancillary units are coordinated through a centralized platform.
This enables automated charge handling, synchronized process control and seamless integration of the entire heat treatment workflow.
Optional Extensions
Additional modules can be integrated to meet specific customer requirements including:
Remote service and diagnostics
SMS and event notifications
Advanced heat treatment documentation
Laboratory and quality management integration
Customized reporting and data analysis
Benefits
Centralized control of multiple furnaces and auxiliary equipment
Increased process reliability and repeatability
Enhanced product quality through precise process control
Complete batch traceability and documentation
Reduced operator workload
Scalable architecture for future automation requirements
Improved plant efficiency and operational transparency
iFACE transforms heat treatment operations into a connected, intelligent and data-driven production environment.