Digital technologies applied to dry cleaning machines now make it possible to access various control functions even when the operator is not directly in front of the machine control panel.

With I-Connect, Firbimatic provides a system for the remote control of dry cleaning machines, allowing operators to manage washing cycles, check the operating status of the machine computer, receive alarms and adjust certain programming parameters.

What is remote control for a dry cleaning machine?

Remote control makes it possible to access the functions of the dry cleaning machine computer using an external device.

Firbimatic's I-Connect remote control system for dry cleaning machines allows the machine to be controlled using a laptop connected via Wi-Fi or LAN, a tablet via Wi-Fi, or a desktop PC.

With I-Connect, the machine also meets Industry 4.0 requirements, integrating the connectivity and remote-control functions provided by the system.

The system provides remote access to the main management functions available on the machine computer, allowing the operator to interact with them without having to be physically in front of the control panel.

What can be managed remotely on a dry cleaning machine?

One of the main functions of I-Connect is the management of washing cycles. Programs stored on the machine can be read, programmed and modified remotely through the machine computer.

Program management is particularly important for machines designed to operate with different types of solvent. In Firbimatic's range of dry cleaning machines for alternative solvents, for example, parameters and settings must be adapted to the properties of the solvent being used, including the temperatures required during the different stages of the process.

Monitoring operating status

I-Connect also makes it possible to monitor the operating status of the machine computer and its functions.

Remote control therefore provides an additional access point to the machine: laptops, tablets or PCs can be used to view the information available on the system even when the operator is not directly in front of the dry cleaning machine.

Receiving machine alarms

The information available remotely also includes alarms generated by the dry cleaning machine computer.

I-Connect allows alarms to be received from the computer, giving the operator access to the notifications generated by the system. These alerts can therefore also be checked remotely through connected devices.

Adjusting parameters and temperatures during programming

Remote control is not limited to viewing information. I-Connect also makes it possible to modify parameters and temperatures during the programming phase.

This is particularly relevant when cycle configuration requires specific settings. When using alternative solvents, for example, Firbimatic specifies that certain parameters must be adjusted according to the characteristics of the solvent, including distillation and drying temperatures.

Which devices can be used for remote control?

I-Connect has been developed to allow access from different devices. The machine can be controlled using a laptop connected via Wi-Fi or LAN, a tablet connected via Wi-Fi, or a desktop PC.

This means that the functions of the machine computer are not limited exclusively to the control panel installed on the equipment, but can also be accessed from different compatible workstations.

How are washing programs managed?

Alongside remote control, Firbimatic also offers tools specifically designed for washing program management.

Fmb-Prog for washing program management is the Firbimatic device dedicated to managing washing programs and the different memories of the dry cleaning machine computer.

I-Connect and Fmb-Prog therefore perform specific functions within the digital management of the machines: I-Connect provides remote access and control, while Fmb-Prog is dedicated to managing washing programs and computer memories.

Which Firbimatic dry cleaning machines support I-Connect?

I-Connect is listed among the compatible accessories for several Firbimatic dry cleaning machines.

These include the F Series perchloroethylene dry cleaning machines, available with loading capacities from 10 to 25 kg and compatible with both I-Connect and Fmb-Prog.

The device is also listed among the compatible accessories for the Ecogreen series for dry cleaning with alternative solvents. Ecogreen machines operate with Class III alternative solvents and allow washing programs to be modified from the Smart computer according to the solvent being used.

I-Connect is also available as an accessory for other Firbimatic solutions, including the Vortex range for perchloroethylene dry cleaning and Tandem AS for alternative solvents.

Why is digital control increasingly used in dry cleaning machines?

The development of Firbimatic dry cleaning machines has progressively combined mechanical and process-related features with systems dedicated to digital programming and control.

The ability to manage programs, parameters and temperatures through the machine computer is already an important part of the operation of several ranges. With I-Connect, some of these functions can also be accessed remotely, together with monitoring of the computer status and reception of alarms.

To learn more about the available configurations and check the compatibility of control systems with the different Firbimatic dry cleaning machines, contact Firbimatic.