With the challenge, however, comes an enormous selection of value. KCF’s data platform, SMARTdiagnostics, is capable of integrating data from a diverse array of sensors—vibration, pressure/flow, speed, oil temperature, ferrous/non ferrous materials, and many other sensors with either an analog or IEPE output.
Together, all of the sensors combine to form a comprehensive machine health platform with an arsenal of data to solve a complex array of potential issues on a CNC machine.
Figure 2 shows a breakdown of some of the critical systems to attack.
Figure 1: CNC Machine Types
Figure 2: CNC Critical Systems
To overcome this fundamental issue, readings need to be taken not based on time, but on the machine’s operating state. In addition to this, it is essential to identify what state of operation will provide the best representation of the health of each component of the crane. Once identified, triggered vibration readings enable the user to continually record readings that create a trendline representing the crane’s health as seen above.
However, KCF’s SENTRYsolutions service quickly identified that the vibration signature belonged to a gear. With the Y-Axis ballscrew being located alongside the main gearbox that drove the spindle, it was quickly identified that the true source of the problem was the gearbox. Two weeks later, the customer received a notification that there was now high vibration on the gearbox, confirming the problem. In early April, the gearbox reached the end of its life.
