Blog

Aug 31, 2023

Process and Control Today

09/08/2023 McLennan Servo Supplies Ltd Mclennan, the leading motion control equipment supplier and systems integrator, has added the new cynapse® smart gearbox line from Wittenstein to its wide range

09/08/2023 McLennan Servo Supplies Ltd

Mclennan, the leading motion control equipment supplier and systems integrator, has added the new cynapse® smart gearbox line from Wittenstein to its wide range of technologies. With its ability to collect, analyse and visualise built-in gearbox information and sensor data, cynapse adds a layer of predictive maintenance that is stored locally in the gearbox, or communicated via IO-Link to PLCs as well as higher level IPCs/Gateways and Cloud systems - enabling comprehensive IIoT integration. By directly monitoring and logging gearbox threshold data such as acceleration, vibration, operating time, and temperature etc. - where the gearbox output is often directly connected to the critical load-point of typical position-controlled motion systems – applications across automated machinery and processing can achieve real benefits in higher transparency, reduced downtimes, and improved system reliability. To support cynapse Wittenstein offers its Smart Services software comprising various functions that include a Monitor control terminal that allows graphical visualisation of all gearbox data, a Data Gateway facility to easily configure integration with PLCs and higher-level systems, a Teach-In facility for straightforward set-up of gearbox threshold values, and an Anomaly Check facility that detects nonconformity in the process or the component behaviour.The cynapse option is built into the gearbox housing and although not available as a retrofit, customers requiring upgraded predictive maintenance requirements can easily swap out existing gearboxes. A single IO-Link connector interfaces the gearbox allowing retrieval of sensor information which includes acceleration in X, Y and Z spatial axes as RMS and Peak-to-Peak values as well as temperature and runtime. Derived information and events such as vibration levels, gearbox orientation, ambient temperature, operational duty time, and more are thus made available via commands through IO-Link. This data can be compared alongside the expected lifetime predictions and maintenance periods for the specific application to realise comprehensive predictive maintenance for individual motion system axes. The sensor data is always stored and retained within the gearbox, so is available in case of power loss or where further analysis might be required.Mclennan has a long and successful distribution partnership with Wittenstein where the German manufacturer’s low-backlash planetary gearboxes, servo gearheads and complete drive units have been integrated in numerous motion systems. Well regarded across many application areas including machine and plant construction, automation and robotics, food and beverage, packaging, and more, Wittenstein’s products are characterised by their exceptional power density, compactness, high build quality, and extreme precision for dynamic position control tasks. A wide range of output shaft and mechanical interfacing options including rack and pinion components assure maximum application flexibility.

Print this article

For more information, please contact:Jon BentleyMcLennan Servo Supplies LtdUnit 1, The Royston CenterLynchford RoadAsh ValeSurreyGU12 5PQUnited KingdomTel: 08707 700700Email: [email protected]: https://www.mclennan.co.uk

Visit company profile page

Plug-in terminal blocks with system

Login or Register

Process and Control Today are not responsible for the content of submitted or externally produced articles and images. Click here to email us about any errors or omissions contained within this article.