Electricity and Control August 2022

SENSORS + SWITCHES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Smart sensors inform predictive maintenance

Sensor specialist, SICK collaborated with packaging giant, Tetra Pak, when it sought a solution that would prevent unscheduled downtime in its packaging plants and support maximised productivity and lower operating costs. The solution enables Tetra Pak to carry out condition monitoring and predictive maintenance in its plant more efficiently. To address Tetra Pak’s requirements, SICK recommended its smart sHub sensors with EDS/EDM35 feedback system. This motor feedback system incorporates an acceleration sensor and enables comprehensive condition monitoring of electrical drives on a machine. It monitors position and speed as well as measuring vibrations, for example. Equipped with HIPERFACE DSL ® infrastructure, the sHub sensors can be easily integrated into automation systems. The sensors enable a self-optimised process that detects acute issues, allowing for early intervention and preventive maintenance. It is possible to forecast component failure with a high degree of accuracy. Through its connected devices and machines, this increases the reliability of drive systems in any packaging processing plant for efficient functioning. For instance, SICK can predict failure of ball bearings, which are critical components in a servomotor and statistically the leading cause of motor failure. “Packaging processing plants can maximise their return on investment through optimised technology like this, which enables early intervention to prevent unscheduled downtime,” says Grant Joyce, Managing Director, SICK Automation.

For more information contact SICK Automation Southern Africa. Tel: +27 10 060-0558, visit: www.sickautomation.co.za

High performance in a small housing

ifm’s long sensing range of M8 inductive sensors offers more than conventional M8 sensors. In 3 mm (flush) and 6 mm (non-flush) versions, the sensors are ideal for demanding position detection applications where space is limited. And with a standard M8 connector they provide for easy installation and replacement. Process reliability is guaranteed by switch point monitoring for detection of wear and a high switching frequency of 600 Hz. In addition to the switching output, the sensors have an IO-Link interface. This allows for convenient remote parameter setting. The high precision sensors enable users to monitor the switch point to the nearest millimetre and detect mechanical deviations that may

be caused by wear, at an early stage. Ex tensive diagnostic functions, such as inte grated unit temperature monitoring, provide additional safety in the installation, sending early warnings in critical applications.

ifm’s high precision position detection

sensors with standard M8 connector.

For more information contact ifm South Africa.

Tel: +27 (0)12 450 0400 E-mail: info.za@ifm.com Visit: www.ifm.com

AUGUST 2022 Electricity + Control

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