Chain Condition Monitoring
The iwis chain elongation monitoring system

The wear status LED display is graduated in 0.5% steps. The measurement results of the CCM system are a combination of measured and calculated values i.e. the result shown is a calculated value that can be displayed to an unlimited number of decimal places. Deviations between the results of static (test bench) chain elongation measurements and the results obtained using the CCM system can be expected. Trials have revealed that measurement results are not affected by non-magnetic contamination. We nevertheless recommend the regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance of your CCM system, because magnetic particles such as metal shavings, swarf etc. definitely affect measurement results.

Chain wear status, device functionality and any error messages are displayed primarily by LEDs. A secondary display of measurement results - via a USB software connection - is also possible on a PC, laptop etc. A subsequent development step is planned in which the CCM system will be expanded to enable it to be supplied with an industry-standard digital interface such as Profinet or Profibus.

Wear elongation measurement by the CCM system is independent of chain speed. Reversal of chain direction or variations in chain speed have no effect on the function or results of the CCM system. Measurement results will be affected in the event of changes to the tensile force of the chain that cause load elongation and stretching of the chain. However, this effect normally (at a load of approx. 15% of chain breaking strength) lies within a range of 0.18-0.22% elongation. A change of chain temperature also results in a change of length. In short: the CCM system displays an elongation value composed of wear, load elongation and temperature elongation. Longitudinal oscillation is a relative speed change and is not a problem for CCM system measurement.

The CCM system is compatible with chain sizes: 06B to 20B; ANSI chains: 08A to 16A Each chain size requires its own CCM system. The system is supplied ready for use and calibrated to the respective chain size. . The CCM system detects wear on one chain strand only, so it can be used independently of whether simplex, duplex or triplex chains are installed. Measurement of roller chains with attachments on one side or both sides is possible, but a technical feasibility assessment by iwis must be carried out beforehand. Flat-top chains, hollow pin chains and so-called “mesh belts” (made of magnetically conductive material) can also be measured with the CCM system. Leaf chains cannot be measured using the CCM system; please use our wear gauges for this purpose. The CCM system can be used with JWIS CR chains; in the near future, it should also be possible to measure double pitch chains (mid-2016) and accumulation chains (mid-2016). JWIS CF chains are incompatible with the CCM system due to their magnetic properties. The compatibility of other stainless steel chains must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The CCM system is installed as a stationary testing device. Its use as a mobile testing device is currently being investigated.

Normal operating temperature range from 0°C to 70°C. Extension of lower temperature limit to -20°C possible following specific alterations. Use at temperatures above 70°C cannot be guaranteed due to the electronic components. The CCM system should be installed as specified in the operating instructions; it is important for the chain to be fitted with guides on both sides where it runs through the device to ensure that the measurement results obtained are meaningful and reliable. All metal parts of the CCM system are made of anodized aluminium (EN AW 6082). Chains should be measured on the tight side because the greatest possible defined load status is present here. The CCM system cannot be used as a safety-relevant component. It fulfils an exclusively informative function, and can neither prevent, nor reliably predict the probability of, a chain drive failure. The CCM system has been designed and built to give the longest possible service. The statutory warranty conditions apply.