Smart Cut Guard detects vibrations to give information on granulator’s condition

Hellweg Maschinenbau has showcased the new Smart Cut Guard module as an optional add-on for the Smart Control system of its granulators.
Vibrations, emitted by the respective machine, are detected by a sensitive transducer and then processed.
Analysis of the results provides an early warning of potential problems before they become apparent in any other way.
For instance, users will receive alerts about faulty bearings or blunt blades long before they cause more serious damage. Depending on the results, maintenance intervals can be extended and necessary repairs scheduled in good time.
For local use, Smart Cut Guard can be integrated into the Smart Control system. Alternatively, an additional module can be used to automatically upload data to a cloud service to which Hellweg has exclusive access.
In the event of an alarm, Hellweg can then contact its customers immediately. This option is particularly recommended for mills that need to process large quantities of material around the clock.
Managing director Mark Hellweg commented: “Vibrations are detrimental to machines that operate with cutting tools or blades.
Our mills are renowned for their virtually vibration-free operation, as they are heavily built and, for example, fitted with rotors machined from a single block of material.
“This increases the flywheel mass and reduces vibration to virtually zero, enabling us to detect irregularities caused by vibrations at an early stage. Thus, users can plan necessary maintenance for times when it will incur the least effort, long before any damage leads to additional costs.”
The Smart Control system can be fitted to all Hellweg granulators. It monitors the entire process and intelligently regulates output according to actual demand.
The latest addition is the Smart Cut Guard vibration measurement module, which detects defects at an early stage.
Hellweg concluded: 'With our Smart Control system and the three add-on modules — Smart Cut Guard, Smart Sonic and Smart Flow — the collection of individual measurement values gradually evolves into an intelligent, comprehensive system designed to boost energy efficiency and throughput, minimise maintenance and maximise process reliability. Furthermore, the Hellweg Smart Family will continue to grow.”