IHC IQIP is also extensively represented at this year's BAUMA, the world's largest international construction machinery trade fair, which will be held in Munich from April 8 to 14. At booth FN.722/2, IHC IQIP will present a number of novelties and innovative solutions.
This year, IHC IQIP has a first at BAUMA: the IHC Fundex Simulator, with which every step of the various foundation processes can be simulated (virtually). For example, operators can be trained in soil displacement drilling, auger drilling and in piling in various soil types and all with different drilling diameters. In the simulator, all the different parameters for the processes can be entered, such as various soil types and structures and external influences such as wind and rain. Thus, operators learn to control the various steps in the foundation process safely and efficiently.
The cab of the simulator has the same operating console and controls as the F3500, the most popular foundation machine in IHC IQIP's range. Instead of windows, the operator now sees his operations through a number of large screens.
All steps of the foundation process can be entered, and it is also possible to provide customer-specific applications for special applications.
With the development of the simulator, IHC IQIP is responding to the increasing digitalization of control systems and foundation processes. Training certain processes increases production because operators are more practiced on the machines and contributes to better safety on the construction site.
The simulator is part of the newly established IHC IQIP Training Centre. In addition to training for IHC Fundex machines, training is also offered for Hydrohammers, handling and lifting tools and control units, where safety, efficiency and quality are paramount.
IHC Fundex's popular foundation machine, the F2500, has been drastically renewed, improved and expanded. On display at BAUMA is the updated model, which, among other things, is equipped with a powerful Volvo engine of 515 kW (was 330 kW), suitable for various drilling and pile driving methods, such as soil displacement drilling, auger drilling, CSM Cutter Soil Mixing, double bore boxes, sheet pile pressing and in-soil and concrete piles.
The new IHC Fundex F2500 can install piles semi-automatically thanks to the Pile Positioning System (PPS), which works with GPS technology. By sending a digital pile plan to the F2500, the operator can direct his machine to the next location. Upon approaching the desired location, the machine automatically positions itself to the exact point. For in-ground piles, a patented feeder called Fundex STS Safe Tip Supply was developed, which automatically places the foot plates/points on the pile and seals it just before it goes into the ground. This realizes a safe, fast and accurate installation of poles.
Data logging and automatic piling and installation are becoming increasingly important. This is why IHC IQIP has developed the new online portal MIQIP that will be introduced at BAUMA. In this portal, customers can view all their foundation data and equipment. They can also see when the equipment needs maintenance.
The first edition of MIQIP will be available for IHC Fundex foundation machines after BAUMA. A version for Hydrohammers will be introduced later this year.
IHC IQIP's extensive range of Hydrohammers - hydraulic pile drivers for onshore and offshore driving of steel piles, sheet piles and other structures - range in impact energy from 30kJ to 4000 kJ. The S-90 (impact energy 90KJ) is one of the company's most popular pile-driving hammers.
At BAUMA, IHC IQIP will show newly designed sheetlegs for the S-90, which provide better guidance and are more compact. With a new, integrated tilt mechanism on the sheetlegs, the hammer is easier to prop up.
One of the most notable new features is the option of automatic piling, in which the management of energy and striking power has been automated for optimal performance through a new control system.
The new C-36 operating system can be used with all Hydrohammers. With the
C-36, all hydraulic functions can be managed and monitored electronically, to set the optimum stroke force under all conditions. Operation is by touch screen, on which all relevant information can be seen at a glance throughout the piling process. The operator can also view the information remotely, for example from the office or another construction site anywhere in the world. All this contributes to a clearer and safer working environment without cables.
Another new feature is Integrated Data Logging, which automatically stores all data from the piling process. The data can also be exported via USB and GPS/GPRS, allowing monitoring from behind a desk or office anywhere in the world and - when necessary - timely service.
Also, IHC IQIP announces the S-350 Hydrohammer intended for the market segment between the S-280 and S-500 types. The S-350 will soon be available in the rental fleet. The latest hammer is also available for sale.