CCM-S: The smart chain condtion monitoring tool

29. Apr 2020 | iwis drive systems

Chain Condition Monitoring

Maintenance 4.0 ─ Intelligent chain monitoring avoids downtimes

Predictive maintenance is a key issue in the context of Industry 4.0 when it comes to getting the most out of machines and systems. A new, intelligent system from chain vendor iwis antriebssysteme prevents production downtimes resulting from unscheduled maintenance and repairs: It permanently monitors chain elongation and provides a timely warning so that appropriate action can be taken.

CCM-S provides constant monitoring of the live system

With the chain elongation monitoring system CCM-S (Chain Condition Monitoring ─ Smart), users can permanently monitor the elongation of chain drives on the basis of sensors without having to compromise production by interruptions. The patented system measures the elongation of chains during live operation. It enables companies to take early measures by providing maintenance staff with timely information as to when certain measures need to be taken and whether a chain needs to be re-tensioned or replaced. The system's intelligent data analysis enables service staff to plan service activities and personnel requirements in advance. 

Improved machine utilization

“Continuous chain elongation measurement offers some decisive benefits for our customers,” says Florian Wimmer, Value Engineer at iwis. “These include fewer downtimes and interruptions to production on machines and systems, which can jeopardize a company's ability to meet promised delivery dates. If maintenance can be planned, the maintenance staff can react in good time with the help of our system,” he explains. 

Simple plug and play installation

The CCM-S module is plug and play. It is very easy to install and it is no longer necessary to preset any values or perform any calibration in the application. The module is simply installed in the machine and the system is ready for use as soon as the cable is plugged in. If the module is installed in an existing chain drive, users can immediately start evaluating the data on wear in the chain drive using either iwis software or IO-Link. 

Contactless and without intervention in the chain drive

Once the monitoring system is in operation, it gets on with its job discreetly in the background: “Because it carries out precise chain length measurements without contact, the CCM system does not actively intervene in the chain drive,” Florian Madlener, Director of R&D at iwis, says of the technology behind the innovation, in the development of which he was instrumental. The system can also take measurements irrespective of the speed.

Problem-free retrofitting

The developers at iwis wanted to make their smart solution as widely applicable as possible and designed the monitoring system for different chain sizes. “Since the CCM-S detects only one strand of the chain, it can also monitor duplex and triplex chains,” says Florian Madlener. He also goes on to explain that the solution can be quickly and easily retrofitted in a variety of applications without the use of special attachments on the chains. 

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