The digital type plate is a project of the ZVEI and Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg and is related to Industry 4.0.
Many parts, components, and systems already have analog type plates that contain legal markings and technical information. As the requirements for product information are constantly increasing and space on conventional type plates is limited, the digital type plate is intended to replace them.
One advantage of the digital type plate is that the amount of information provided is virtually unlimited. The product information can be accessed worldwide and the data can be dynamically adjusted. Updates to product information are easily possible with the digital nameplate, as the digital twin, which virtually replicates the physical product, serves as the basis. This allows information to be updated in the software without having to change the code.
The goal of the digital nameplate is to save time and printing costs by digitizing all information about a product. The digital type plate can be accessed via various digital identifiers such as a QR code, data matrix code, or RFID tag, and is thus intended to lay the foundation for the digitization of production.
The digital type plate is expected to further enhance Europe's competitiveness in Industry 4.0.