Sensor specialist SICK collaborated with packaging giant, Tetra Pak when the company sought a solution that would prevent unscheduled downtime in its packaging plants, maximise productivity and reduce operating costs. The solution has enabled Tetra Pak to carry out condition monitoring and predictive maintenance more efficiently.
To address Tetra Pak’s requirements, SICK recommended the utilisation of its sHub sensors with EDS/EDM35 feedback system. This motor feedback system incorporates an acceleration sensor and enables comprehensive condition monitoring of electrical drives on a machine. It monitors position and speed as well as measuring vibration, for example. Equipped with HIPERFACE DSL infrastructure, the sHub sensors are easily integrated.
The sensors enable a self-optimised process that detects acute issues, allowing for early intervention and preventative maintenance. It is not possible to forecast component failure with a high degree of accuracy. This increases the reliability of drive systems in any packaging processing plant for effective and efficient function, through its connected devices and machines. For instance, SICK can predict ball bearing failure, a critical component in a servomotor that is statistically the leading cause of motor failure.
“SICK is proud to have participated in the development of revolutionary technology during the 4th industrial revolution. Packing processing plants can now maximise their return on investment through optimised technology to enable early intervention and avoid unscheduled downtime,” said SICK managing director, Grant Joyce.
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