Manufacturers have introduced several innovations last year, and 2022 seems to be another prolific year in terms of new, more efficient equipment. The main goals remain output, safety, and cost reduction, but how important a part each of these will play remains to be seen.
For Ashworth, the digitalization of technology is at the forefront. „It is, after all, the future. For us, today’s digital technologies enable decision-makers to have access to all the information they need all the time, from anywhere, and from any device they choose,” explains Jonathan Lasecki, director of engineering for Ashworth. As a manufacturer of conveyor belts, Ashworth supplies the belting used as part of typical processing lines. Easy access and preventing unplanned downtime are the company’s top two considerations for improving performance and efficiencies, Lasecki says.
“Ashworth offers our Smart Spiral® Monitoring System – an innovative solution that provides real-time remote monitoring of multiple spirals at different locations. This add-on data collection system monitors various key parameters from belt tension, system temperature, bearing wear, and motor power draw which can be monitored with the base unit. Live data is collected and transferred via a proprietary application to a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer where data can be viewed for trend analysis—all without having to use a company’s intranet system.”
According to him, key set points can be set, and any deviation from those setpoints sends a message to the chosen device to indicate the system is operating outside set parameters. Multiple machines can be monitored in the same facility or at different plants allowing both site managers and corporate management access to machine parameters. Trend graphs are also available to indicate system performance which helps processors identify maintenance issues before catastrophic failure. This predictive maintenance saves costs by allowing for a maintenance schedule to make necessary repairs instead of emergency repairs.
“Preventive maintenance becomes predictive maintenance where repairs are scheduled when needed rather than based on average component life. Preventative maintenance requires planned downtime to replace components long before they may reach the end of their useful life while predictive maintenance plans for replacement prior to failure. Predictive maintenance systems increase production time and reduce maintenance downtime, improving profits for the processor,” Johnathan Lasecki says. “Ashworth’s development of the SmartSpiral system was developed to take the guesswork out equipment failure. The system was initially released for use on spiral conveyor systems; however, we are open to working with customers to customize the system to their needs.”
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