Fakuma 2023: App Helps Molders Find Spare Parts

Engel is launching a part finder application at Fakuma 2023, aiming to help processors identify spare parts using only a smart phone.

Users can identify spare parts using numerous methods, including the image-based spare parts search function. Users can also take a picture of the part in question with a mobile device and define the image section to be used for the search. In addition, these images can be e-mailed to Engel, where the purchasing coordinator can then use the file in part finder to identify the needed component. Besides this visual search, the smart software supports the user with various advanced options, such as a key word and synonym search, as well as a smart parts list search.

Engel points out that the app can not only identify new parts from the latest machines, but it can also be used to recognize dirty, worn or disfigured parts from older machines. In fact, the part finder's database includes injection molding machines that are up to 20 years old. If the finder is unable to identify or locate the part a user is looking for, Engel’s customer service agents are available to help.  

Once required parts are identified, they can be ordered with a single click, and the shopping cart feature can allow ordering of multiple parts. Once the order is placed, the application generates an email that can either be sent directly to Engel as an order or forwarded internally for approval. 

Available free of charge as a feature of Engel’s e-connect customer portal, part finder just requires a mobile device with online access or a computer with an internet connection. Users who are logged in can launch the web application while working in the customer portal.