Presentation of the ife “Losgröße 1+” Innovation Award, 2020
Delligsen/Kaarst, October 2, 2020: Bornemann Gewindetechnik GmbH & Co. KG has won the ife Innovation Award 2020 for its Smart Threads. The presentation of the ife Award 2020 in the batch size 1+ category took place on September 29 at Bornemann’s company headquarters in Delligsen.
ife CEO Mr. Manfed Deues and ife Managing Director Michael Braetz presented the award. Carsten Röltgen (Marketing ife) and Thomas Vogel (Business Development ife) also took part in the award ceremony. The ife jury was impressed by the innovative development from Bornemann: While the decision for the winner was rather close in previous years, this year Bornemann scored by a wide margin.
Plant and mechanical engineering often requires force and torque measurements to control processes or systems. Until now, external, cost-intensive measurement technology was usually used for this, which had to be integrated in a complicated manner. Bornemann has cleverly solved the problem with its smart threads: Mini-sensors installed inside the thread measure the tension or pressure, torsion, rotation, position or temperature. This means that the threaded spindle itself detects any interaction between the component and its environment – and becomes a sensor itself.
The data collected can be transferred wirelessly to an app or the company’s own networks. Whether overload protection, process monitoring or wear detection – the integrated sensor technology enables users to draw important conclusions and obtain in-depth information about the condition of machines and systems.
You have provided us with an outstanding innovation for a complex issue, your application impressed us because the advantages of smart threads can be conclusively demonstrated. Machines and systems can be reliably controlled and monitored – a valuable replacement for cost-intensive, external sensors!
Manfed Deues, Chairman of the ife Management Board
Smart threads are suitable for a wide range of applications, even beyond thread technology – and are a good way to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0. Customers benefit from the added value of “sensing” thread components, e.g. through automated control or predictive maintenance.
Receiving the ife Award 2020 honors us and at the same time shows us that we are on the right track. To develop truly groundbreaking innovations, you have to leave established paths and dare to experiment. This is exactly what we want to encourage and empower our customers to do with our smart threads. That is our mission!
Moritz von Soden, Managing Director Bornemann Gewindetechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
The ife – network for make-to-order manufacturers – recognizes companies for developments and processes in make-to-order manufacturing that successfully master major market challenges with impressive innovation. Project and make-to-order manufacturers have to overcome new challenges for every customer and therefore have a high level of innovative strength. They are among the leading drivers of innovation in the economy. The aim of this award is to raise public awareness of the achievements of make-to-order manufacturers.