New web-based remote maintenance and diagnostics
platform for OEMs, machine builders and systems integrators

A new version of eWON's Talk2M (Talk to Machines) Internet-based remote maintenance and diagnostics service is now available in the UK. The new software offers a professional platform with all the security, reliability and traceability required by industrial applications.
 
Talk2M Go is the new enhanced version of Talk2M, a unique, secure and affordable Internet-based service that enables OEMs, machine builders and systems integrators to provide remote maintenance and diagnostics services for machines in remote locations. Talk2M Go can be accessed anywhere in the world, using secure Broadband and secure wireless connections.
 
Talk2M Go now provides secure on-demand access to hundreds of remote machines and devices. Combined with eWON industrial routers, the new service simplifies the integration of multiple PLCs and other automated devices.

The new version is hosted on a mission-critical Internet provider server and is covered by a service level agreement (SLA). Talk2M Go has a guaranteed bandwidth of 500 kbps, with 1 Mbps burstable.
 
Dave Hammond, Ethernet Product Manager at M.A.C Solutions (UK) Ltd commented: "Talk2M Go enables up to three users to access one or several machines at the same time, with fully detailed connection reports, which can be sorted by machine availability every month. The new service is based on a pay-per-use pricing model, which helps the customer to minimise initial investment, operating costs and project 'go-live' or time-to-market. Single-click upgrade to Talk2M Go secures user investment and makes the new software an excellent entry-level platform."
 
Talk2M was developed by Belgian company ACTL, a provider of intelligent Ethernet gateways and industrial IP routers. ACTL's 'eWON' range of industrial routers complies with a wide range of serial and Ethernet-based PLCs, including Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric and Omron. As sole UK distributor of ACT'L's 'eWON' range, M.A.C Solutions (UK) Ltd urges UK-based machine builders and systems integrators to take advantage of the new service.
 
Talk2M Go offers full integration of IT security standards by allowing an Internet communication 'tunnel' between the user and the remote machine, without any IT network security changes at either end. This major breakthrough enables easy, fast deployment of remote connectivity links, whilst circumventing complexities that may exist within site IT network infrastructures.
 
For further information on Talk2M Go, view website: www.ewon.biz or email: sales@mac-solutions.co.uk  Refer to page 21

Unique 'A to V' condition monitoring
package covers all maintenance scenarios

Companies that need to monitor the condition of both slow and fast rotating plant and machinery can now benefit from a unique combination of vibration and acoustic emission monitoring products, available from a single source in the UK.
 
Schaeffler (UK) Ltd has now extended its condition monitoring range of products and services to offer customers a complete 'A to V' of Acoustic emission and Vibration monitoring products.
 
Whilst most suppliers of condition monitoring equipment and services offer either vibration or acoustic emission monitoring, Schaeffler's condition monitoring range now includes both systems. This means customers can select the most suitable condition monitoring solution from a comprehensive range of acoustic and vibration monitoring products and services - all from a single supplier. These products cater for every maintenance scenario and all types of rotating equipment, from high speed rotating components or machines, down to slower moving (0.25rpm) mechanical systems with fluctuating loads.
 
Schaeffler provides three main types of condition monitoring systems: handheld monitoring; fixed/online monitoring; and semi-portable, multi-channel acoustic emission monitoring.
 
On the handheld side, Schaeffler continues to provide its popular FAG Detector III range of handheld vibration monitoring devices, but is now offering a handheld acoustic emission monitoring device, the AE-Check. This device is ideal for monitoring the condition of slow rotating, variable speed and load machinery and components, including mixers, motors, pumps, fans, HVAC systems, bearings and helical gears.
 
As Dr Steve Lacey, Engineering Manager and Condition Monitoring Specialist at Schaeffler UK comments: "Whilst vibration monitoring is fine for high speed machinery, it is much less effective where components are rotating at less than 80rpm, operating under fluctuating load conditions, or only moving through a part revolution. Here, it is much more difficult to collect meaningful data using vibration monitoring."
 
Acoustic emission monitoring equipment has a high sensitivity to machine faults and filters out audible noise and low frequency background vibration. Acoustic emissions are the high frequency stress waves generated by the rapid release of strain energy that occurs within a material during crack growth, plastic deformation or phase transformation. Acoustic emission monitoring systems use surface-mounted transducers to detect these stress waves, which lie within the 25kHz to 1MHz frequency range.
 
The AE-Check is a route mode acoustic emission monitoring device that is easy to use and configure. The user can set up to six different routes through the factory, with up to 435 measuring points per route - ideal for patrol monitoring. The device comes with a standard acoustic sensor that simply connects to the handheld device.
 
Built-in PC-based software integrates seamlessly with the handheld, providing a comprehensive workflow, from the creation of a route to uploading the measurement data, displaying and reporting on the results. The integrated software also includes a 'Super-Slo' mode that enables the measurement of very slow rotating equipment, from 60rpm down to 0.25rpm. The 'Standard' mode monitors faster rotating equipment from thousands of rpm down to 35rpm.
 
For companies that require continuous 24/7 condition monitoring of high value critical machinery, Schaeffler offers its fixed, online FAG ProCheck system, a dual online system that enables maintenance teams to monitor both vibration and acoustic emissions from critical rotating components and machines. This unique dual combination caters for all types of rotating mechanical systems, slow or fast, detecting faults early and preventing costly machine breakdowns that interrupt production.
 
By combining the modular FAG ProCheck system with multiple smart acoustic sensors, users can now monitor vibration and trend acoustic emissions of variable speed rotating components and machines, especially where fluctuating loads are present. For example, FAG ProCheck can be used to monitor the condition of a slow moving complex gearbox using acoustic sensors, as well as to monitor the condition of faster rotating machinery such as motors, fans and pumps.
 
The third part of Schaeffler's unique offering is AE-Pro, a new semi-portable acoustic emission monitoring system that in terms of cost and performance sits between the handheld range and the fixed/online systems. AE-Pro is therefore ideal for use on plant that doesn't warrant a fixed system, but still requires more than instantaneous data collection.
 
AE-Pro is a portable multi-channel PC Notebook-driven data acquisition and signal analysis system that captures acoustic emission signals generated by machinery and other rotating components and systems.
 
As Dr Lacey states: "The AE-Pro is a very powerful semi-portable acoustic monitoring tool that enables our engineers to conduct one-off investigations on more complex pieces of critical plant or machinery. The functionality and performance are superior to a simple, handheld device because much more detailed analysis data can be provided on exactly where the damage is located. This gives maintenance engineers valuable information on how the problem may be addressed."
 
For further information on Schaeffler's range of acoustic emission and vibration monitoring systems and services, view website: www.schaeffler.co.uk   Refer to page 6

Ball bearing inserts from QBC feature dual seal construction

Ball Bearing Inserts from Quality Bearings & Components (QBC) feature dual seal construction. These set screw type and locking collar type units, identified as the BBXINS...Series, are stocked in many sizes to fit shafts ranging from 1/2" to 4" in diameter. The set screw type bearing inserts have 2 set screws. Tightening the set screws contacts the shaft, which effectively locks the shaft to the bearing so that the two will turn as one. Bearing widths range from .5512" to 1.5748".  Bearing inserts are widely used in textile machinery, conveyor systems, ventilators, as well as machines for food processing and packing. Quotes plus online orders are available at our new QBC eStore.

QBC has in stock: miniature bearings, plastic bearings, rod end bearings, spherical bearings, pillow blocks, sintered bronze bushings, radial ball bearings, thrust bearings & washers, sleeve bearings, needle bearings, inner races, roller clutches, guide wheels & rail systems, linear ball bearings, inner and outer ring spacers and shafting. QBC stocks both inch and metric sizes. New to the Web site is our eStore, which allows you to check price and availability, place an order or request a quote anytime. QBC also provides custom-made bearings and shafting to the customer print. We also offer on-site relubing of bearings in a certified class 1000 clean room.       

Detailed technical specifications are contained in catalogue B620, available free upon request from Quality Bearings & Components (QBC).

Ball Bearing Inserts from Quality Bearings & Components (QBC) feature dual seal construction. These set screw type and locking collar type units, identified as the BBXINS...Series, are stocked in many sizes to fit shafts ranging from 1/2" to 4" in diameter.

This catalogue can be viewed in PDF format, and downloaded by section, from website: www.qbcbearings.com    Refer to page 18