How Services Influence the Energy Efficiency of Machine Tools: A Case Study of a Machine Tool Manufacturer

Abstract

The development of machine tools is driven by the requirements of the customers and by the action of the competitors. More and more customers demand energy efficient machine tools to lower their energy consumption and reduce their energy costs. Machine tool manufacturers respond to the requirements of the customers and offer machine tools with energy efficient components. Besides optimizing technical components of machine tools, services can also increase the energy efficiency. This paper demonstrates that services not only raise the customer benefit but also offer a possibility to improve Key Performance Indicators regarding energy efficiency. It will be presented how services can improve the energy efficiency of a machine tool based on a case study of a machine tool manufacturer. First, the life cycle of a machine tool will be analyzed. Secondly, the energy efficiency will be assessed and services which increase the energy efficiency will be identified. Finally, impacts of the services on the energy efficiency of a machine tool will be evaluated.