PRODUCT NEWS

A SIMPLE WAY TO PROTECT MACHINE TOOLS. Monitoring tool loading on machine tools and assembly machines is essential for quality control and prevention of overload damage and the Type 9234A self-contained strain sensor from Kistler Instruments (www.kistler.com) can be used on a wide range of manual and automatic machine tools from mechanical presses to riveting, clinching and spot welding equipment. Fixed to the machine frame by a single M6 screw, the sensor is exceptionally easy to install and use and measures both dynamic and quasi-static stresses indirectly. The built-in charge amplifier with remote range switching provides an industry standard analogue ±10 volt output and the range can be changed from a dedicated remote control or directly by the machine PLC. Each of two measuring ranges can be adjusted to a specific value or signal curve in 100 steps. The signal can be displayed locally and remotely and used to stop the process via the machine PLC when an out of range load or a potentially damaging overload is detected. When required, the output signal can be processed as a relative value or calibrated against an appropriate standard to provide absolute measurements in N or kN. Mounted on a clean, unpainted area of the machine frame, the sensor can monitor C-frame machine tools, such as presses and automatic assembly machines, to prevent overload damage, monitor riveting, clinching and resistance spot welding processes for quality assurance and detect of tool breakage or collision in a wide variety of machine tools. In addition, the sensor is ideal for use in research and development applications requiring ease of installation and precision combined with versatility and reliability. November 2008 Home - Search - Suppliers - Links - New Products - Catalogues - Magazines Problem Page - Applications - How they work - Tech Tips - Training - Events