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Machine Failures and Condition Monitoring – Selecting Sensors

In previous blogs, we discussed the different types of machine failures and their implications for different maintenance approaches, the cost-benefit tradeoffs of these maintenance approaches, and the progression of machine failures and indicators that emerge at various failure phases. We now will connect the different failure indicators to the sensors which can detect them. The …

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How IO-Link Sensors With Condition Monitoring Features Work With PLCs

As manufacturers continually look for ways to maximize productivity and eliminate waste, automation sensors are taking on a new role in the plant. Once, sensors were used only to provide detection or measurement data so the PLC could process it and run the machine. Today, sensors with IO-Link measure environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, ambient …

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Condition Monitoring & Predictive Maintenance: Addressing Key Topics in Packaging

A recent study by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) and Interact Analysis takes a close look at packaging industry interest and needs for Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance. Customer feedback reveals interesting data on packaging process pain points and the types of machines and components which are best monitored, the data which should be …

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Condition Monitoring & Predictive Maintenance: Machine Failure Indicators & Detection Methods

In our previous blogs, we discussed the basics of the P-F (Potential – Functional Failure) curve and the cost-benefit tradeoffs of various maintenance approaches. We’ll now describe the measures that can be taken to discover failure indicators along the P-F curve.The basic concept of the P-F curve is that as a machine or asset deteriorates, …

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Condition Monitoring & Predictive Maintenance: Cost-Benefit Tradeoffs

In a previous blog post, we discussed the basics of the Potential-Failure (P-F) curve, which refers to the interval between the detection of a potential failure and occurrence of a functional failure. In this post we’ll discuss the cost-benefit tradeoffs of various maintenance approaches. In general, the goal is to maximize the P-F interval, which …

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Controls Architectures Enable Condition Monitoring Throughout the Production Floor

In a previous blog post we covered some basics about condition monitoring and the capability of smart IO-Link end-devices to provide details about the health of the system. For example, a change in vibration level could mean a failure is near. This post will detail three different architecture choices that enable condition monitoring to add …

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Today’s Pressure Sensors: More Options to Meet Your Application Needs

Pressure sensing devices are prevalent in industrial machinery.     There are three types of pressure measurements, each with their advantages and disadvantages.  Absolute pressure (psia) is referenced to a perfect vacuum. This pressure measurement is always positive and is used in measuring barometric pressure or in altimeters.     Gauge pressure (psig) measurement is measured relative to ambient pressure. Examples of gauge pressure include blood pressure and intake manifold vacuum in …

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Improve OEE, Save Costs with Condition Monitoring Data

When it comes to IIOT (Industrial Internet of Things) and the fourth industrial revolution, data has become exponentially more important to the way we automate machines and processes within a production plant. There are many different types of data, with the most common being process data. Depending on the device or sensor, process data may …

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Adding Smart Condition Monitoring Sensors to Your PLC Control Systems Delivers Data in Real Time

Condition monitoring of critical components on machines delivers enormous benefits to productivity in a plant.  Rather than have a motor, pump, or compressor unexpectedly fail and the machine be inoperable until a replacement part is installed, condition monitoring of those critical pieces on the machine can provide warning signs that something is about to go …

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Why Choose an IO-Link Ecosystem for Your Next Automation Project?

By now we’ve all heard of IO-Link, the device-level communication protocol that seems magical. Often referred to as the “USB of industrial automation,” IO-Link is a universal, open, and bi-directional communication technology that enables plug-and-play device replacement, dynamic device configuration, centralized device management, remote parameter setting, device level diagnostics, and uses existing sensor cabling as …

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