Category: Predictive Maintenance

  • Implementing Predictive

    Implementing a PM program can be tough. Despite its proven success, many companies have been operating the same way for over 50 years and don’t know where to start. Understanding where to start and where to focus is critical. The intention of this post is to give insight to start and sustain an effective program using today’s technology and devices. It seems only yesterday that we had to pull over to pay phones, stop by the fax machines, or even mail a letter to get things done. In the past 10 to 15 years technology has drastically changed the way business is done.

    All of us are now equipped with a device that can receive emails, texts, video calls and run powerful applications. This technology has brought us much closer with each other and allows us to share data far quicker than ever before. We are now entering another level of data sharing using the Internet. Unlike the past we are now able to send data off to a cloud storage environment. Once sent authorized personnel can view the data in real time. This fundamental change provides many advantages especially when we apply it to predictive maintenance.

    For example, a maintenance professional is collecting data from assets and finds something drastically wrong that needs attention. With today’s technology he has more options at his fingertips than before. He can send the information to the cloud with an alert attached. Authorized personal will get an alarm about the problematic asset. He can also email or text this data to a decision-maker for immediate action. In the past no matter how the professional was collecting the data he would have to wait until he was done with his route. Then go back to a computer to upload the data or do further analysis. Those still using outdated technology may forget these emergencies as that problematic asset is just one of many assets data was collected for that day. Unless the professional actually leaves his post to alert a subordinate or decision maker that emergency will be forgotten.

    This example is just a drop in the bucket of what we all are experiencing in our digital lives. Not too long ago if you wanted to send a picture you had to lick a stamp and send it. Now we take a picture, type a few letters of an email or text address and hit send. It is astounding how far we’ve come! This sends a clear message that this post is intended to demonstrate. Technology is catching up with industry and predictive maintenance and there are some great benefits for those that choose to utilize it.
    The modern day tablet including Apple’s iPad, are very powerful computers. We all understand the fascination of absorbing content on these wonderful devices, but it gets forgotten that they are also used for collecting data and getting work done. They are very portable and almost always connected to the Internet. Thousands of companies have adopted tablets for filling out purchase orders, forms and many other daily tasks by workers collecting data. One of the most insightful things that leading companies have realized is that most people already understand how to use the operating system and do not require training to work with tablets and smart phones.

    These devices provide a great foundation for those in our industry. Many companies are building on this strong foundation and adding complex sensors and tools to the equation. Tablets can even hook into sensors that enable vibration analysis. Vibration analysis is one of the leading measurements taken in the predictive maintenance community. It has proven itself over and over again to be a method to detect unbalance, misalignment, bent shafts, eccentric rotors, resonance, mechanical looseness, oil whirl, bearing failures, gear mesh, motor problems and more.

    Most modern analyzers also have balancing capability to correct vibration issues related to unbalance. More importantly data collectors are designed to trend data overtime to know exactly when failures will occur. Another useful tool is infrared thermography. It’s used to measure temperature to determine machines operating condition and detect thermal anomalies and areas that are hotter or colder than they should be. Infrared practices can be used to detect problems in electrical switch gear, gearboxes, electrical substations, transmissions, circuit breaker panels, motors, bearings, steam lines, and other important industrial components. This technology also aids in letting us know when important assets are going to fail.

    Motor condition analysis provides another way to implement predictive maintenance. Circuit analysis and power readings of the motor windings and motor rotor can show important information about the running condition and general health of the motor. As these devices gain popularity, companies are adopting ways to use their simplicity, portability and connectivity to accomplish everyday business tasks. We have seen them used to collect credit card information, bar code scans, photos, custom reports for field engineers, and even navigation recorders for pilots.
    Many believe that a dedicated device provides more than a multipurpose device. Why would someone opt for a tablet computer or smart phone instead of a dedicated electronic measuring device?

    #1 – All of the features that cannot be found on a dedicated measuring device. These include emails, photos, notes, phone calls, texts, video conferencing, web searches, storage and viewing of asset manuals, blueprints, maps, and much more.

    #2 – Ease of use
    #3 – Multiple sensors and applications on one platform
    #4 – Portability and durability
    #5 – Internet connectivity
    #6 – Continually updated software
    #7 – Security options never available on other devices, to remote wipe data or recover the device.
    #8 – Ability to destroy the device and still recover data from a secure cloud or server.

    This list of advantages showcase why these devices are the platform of the future. Not only for the reasons mentioned, but also because our youth is using and learning on them in our schools.
    There are only a few companies utilizing these external tools and sensors. There will be many to follow with the clear advantages they provide. Currently, FLIR has added the ability to view their inferred cameras. GTI Spindle Technology has added vibration analysis, temperature, precision balancing and alignment. Red Fish Instruments has added multiple sensors to the multimeter and enabled Fieldpiece Accessory Heads to be used on smart devices. Osmium has a full oscilloscope device. There are several others on the web, as well as, talks about future ideas.
    In closing, I would like to state that the introduction of these new devices into the predictive maintenance and other data collection fields are welcomed. Many older devices can discourage companies from investing in the technology due to the expense and complexity. These new devices carry a much lower price point, are learning tools, and are data collectors. They are also accepted with open arms by the masses.

  • BalancePro at Eastec 2013

    GTI Spindle Technology, Inc., a provider of foreign and domestic machine repair services, maintenance and machine optimization is proud to announce BalancePro for iPad.

    BalancePro is a new low cost solution for two-plane high precision horizontal balancing. Our machine is ideal for high speed turbochargers as well as other rotating assemblies of any size. We offer a variety of sizes to match the desired application. The low inertia soft bearing suspension reduces the resistance to the vibration and increases the sensitivity and accuracy of the balancing process.

    Features include: single and two plane balancing, variable speed controller, adjustable pulleys, manual adjustment of the transmission system, soft bearing suspension with leveling adjustment, optical RPM sensor, rotor brakes, reverse rotor mode, power outlet for iPad charging and a custom built app designed for the BalancePro hardware.

    BalancePro builds upon the already great foundation of GTI’s iPad Predictive Maintenance System. Current customers can utilize current equipment to make the BalancePro hardware even more accessible. New customers can transform their iPad for use with vibration analysis and other predictive maintenance applications.

    The BalancePro is now available. Please contact GTI for additional information and to order BalancePro. You can contact GTI via email at info@gtispindle.com or by phone at 603.669.5993. BalancePro will be at Eastec 2013. Visit booth 5600 to speak to GTI about our balancing solution.

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  • Built-In Apps: Reminders (Tutorial)

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=bFQQYQ3ma5s%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded

  • Unboxing and Setup Video for GTI’s iPad Vibration Analyzer

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=uTAYw4VXBDE%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded

  • iPad Comparison – 4th Generation Regular vs. Mini

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=_2tSUqBrS0I%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded

  • RotorBalancer Update – 1.10

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=bvQbP4iPuFs%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded

  • February 2013 – App Updates

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    As you can see above, three updates to our predictive maintenance apps are now available. iVibraMeter received the biggest update. It includes more data points in the reports it generates. VibePro and iRotorBalancer received some important bug fixes.
    Owners of the apps can update to the current version for free. Simply launch the App Store and touch update.
    Please visit gtispindle.com for more information about out iPad Vibration Analyzer system.

  • Root Cause of Failure Analysis

    Root Cause of Failure Analysis is critical! It sounds basic right, but you would be surprised at how often it is overlooked.
    From day one of operations here at GTI in 1997 we knew we could successfully service our clients and provide them with cost savings by focusing on every repair to determine why a spindle has failed.
    All too often we hear stories of end users spending far too much money on repeat failures and repeat repairs that could have been avoided had root cause of failure been identified and corrected.
    Here’s just one example of how it works and why:
    HOW: Incoming vibration analysis is performed in order to determine: bearing condition, level of unbalance, non-repetitive run out.
    WHY: We receive at least 1 spindle per month at our facilities that there is absolutely nothing wrong with. We immediately contact the end user and advise that the spindle passes all QC requirements and we then work as a team to determine what prompted the repair to be sent in. All too often scenarios such as an unbalanced tool holder being installed drive motor being out of specification, damaged pulleys and/or quills will create part quality problems or issues that are completely unrelated to the actual spindle itself.
    Had we not performed this incoming assembled inspection and vibration analysis, the end user would then unnecessarily incur the cost of disassembly, clean, inspection, repair and testing of a spindle which was not needed in the first place. This has proven to show our clients significant cost savings. Whether it’s a basic ID grinding repair cost of $2,500.00 or a high end machining center repair cost of $15,000.00, unnecessary repair and unnecessary downtime is avoided and the end user saves money.

  • Why Be Reliable?

    Reliability: the ability of an apparatus, machine, or system to consistently perform its intended or required function or mission, on demand and without degradation or failure.
    What is the current health status of machines you utilize to produce parts, as well as those that maintain the proper environment for production i.e., compressors, pumps, motors and fans? These machines work together to create an environment to produce quality parts and generate profits for the company.

    Failure: event in which any part of the equipment or machine does not perform according to its operational specifications.
    Predicting when your equipment will fail and detecting changes is good business practice. The vibration signal and thermal energy in your machines is detectable and measurable; it can provide valuable knowledge and insights allowing you to focus your maintenance resources.
    Scheduling your downtime and planning for repairs is the most profitable approach to maintain critical assets in your company. The approach of waiting and reacting when it’s too late can devastate your ability to satisfy your customer and can literally destroy your business.
    Leverage these predictive technologies now!

    >Source Article: Brandon Sun

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  • Find out what’s new in iVibraMeter 1.05.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=KBbUCApW4vo%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded