Monitor keeps real-time tabs on actuator service life.
Press Release Summary:
Designed to optimize reliability of actuators used in medical and industrial equipment, Lifetime Monitoring System continuously tracks service-life status of actuators while in operation and signals when replacement is necessary. Onboard system integrates LED color code to display remaining service life based on specific calculations. Memory device mounted in actuator records usage in real-time, while download interface collects usage data for record keeping.
Original Press Release:
SKF® Lifetime Monitoring System For Actuators Keeps Real-Time Tabs On Service Life
The new SKF® actuator lifetime monitoring system offers the capability to continuously track the service-life status of actuators while in operation and signal when actuator replacement is necessary. This unique technology can enhance the reliability, safety, and availability of actuators used widely in countless medical and industrial equipment applications demanding efficient and powerful movement.
The onboard system integrates a simple LED color code to display remaining service life, based on specific calculations. Green indicates more than 10% service life and orange illuminates when only 10% remains. When an actuator reaches its defined service life, the LED turns red and a buzzer sounds for a timely alert.
Other features of the system include a memory device mounted in each actuator to record usage in real time and a download interface to collect usage data for accurate record-keeping and maintenance planning. A more sophisticated version can connect to a PC/laptop or a pocket PC (PDA) to capture a variety of data for further analysis.
The actuator lifetime monitoring system complies with common EMC requirements and can be integrated with most standard SKF actuators, which can be upgraded easily without requiring design changes or retrofits to their existing envelopes.
Contact Alan D. Augello, SKF USA Inc., 1530 Valley Center Parkway, Bethlehem, PA 18017-2266. Phones: 800-541-3624 (toll-free) or 610-861-3749. Fax: 610-861-3737. Email: skfusainfo@skf.com Web site: www.linearmotion.skf.com
(®SKF is a registered trademark of SKF USA Inc.)
