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Experienced operators can often
tell if a machine is not working
properly, on the basis that it does
not ‘sound right.’ The same principle can be applied — using modern electronics — to identify the exact cause of the problem.
Sensitive accelerometers can detect and analyze the vibrations from industrial equipment, highlighting problems such as misalignment
or bearing imbalance. The technique
is known as vibration analysis. It can
identify bearing failure in the very early stages, when there is a microscopic defect on the raceway, for example. The problem is that the
identifying signal is usually drowned out in all the other noise emanating from the machine.
In this century’s complex, ever-
changing world of manufacturing,
such capabilities as hardware and software expertise, effective location and distribution, business savvy and
yes, even luck, are some of the
cardinal requirements for running
a successful business.
An independent cheese packager
in central Wisconsin packages millions of pounds of cheese every year. Whether shredded, sliced, crumbled or waxed, each package is designed specifically for a customer’s unique needs. As a “toll processor,” production line speed is critical to productivity as well as profitability.
Third-quarter earnings confirmed
the worst-case scenario — plunging oil prices are whacking almost the entire industrial sector. The theme is hardly new, as the pattern of our headlines has revealed over the past fifteen or so months: