Condition monitoring
Energy chains in gantry systems ensure that moving power and data cables and pneumatic lines are protected and reliably guided. To counteract problems on long travels, several technology companies are working with igus on the optimum integration of various sensor systems into modular gantry solutions for automation.
igus makes it easy for all interested parties here – with the smart selection aid for smart plastics. This is an interactive online tool that guides users to their first networked product for Industry 4.0 with just a few targeted questions.
Plain bearings often have to withstand considerable adverse influences such as abrasive dust, high speeds or chemicals. To enable indication of the degree of wear of such plain bearings in good time, last year igus developed the world’s first intelligent bearing with iglidur high-performance polymers. This warns of imminent failure in good time. Machine and equipment operators can plan maintenance, repairs and part replacement in advance.
In this particular case, I will focus on the concept of condition monitoring. This technology at igus is called i.Sense and is derived from sensing/feeling. We found the name quite appropriate, as condition monitoring has exactly this function: the sensing of malfunctions.
This or something similar must have happened between Güdel and igus at one of the earlier Hannover Messe events. It was decided, probably along with a handshake, to feed the condition monitoring system from Güdel with the data from the condition monitoring system from igus (i.Sense).