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Inspection/Measurement 22 MoldMaking Technology —— FEBRUARY 2018 Most of the added components are in the electrical cabinet, simplifying the installation of this control system. FIGURE 4 It is possible to monitor motor torque without using sensors on machines by using several specific controllers. Digital torque adapter technology uses a proprietary interface to collect data directly from the control central processing unit (CPU) and processes it to generate graphic torque values. The system, which is commonly used in Europe, can moni- tor multiple axes and deliver all the functionality of a sensor-based system. Putting Monitoring to Work Modern machine and process monitoring technology is as easy to implement as a retrofit solution. For example, installing a true power monitor on a vertical machining cen- ter typically takes no more than two to three hours, plus the time needed to program the PLC. A complete crash protection, vibration sensing and tool condition monitoring system might take eight hours to install on the same machine. Figure 4 shows a generic layout for a comparable system on a machine tool. Since most of the added components are in the electrical cabinet, the actual installation of the control system is quite simple. The digital torque adapter installation is even simpler. As long as people make mistakes and machines wear out, some form of crash protection and condition moni- toring technology will be the first line of defense against expensive and potentially catastrophic consequences. Fortunately, the technology is mature, effective, affordable and easy to implement, so there is no point in waiting to put it to work. CONTRIBUTOR Jorge L. Peña-Mena is the general manager and application engineer for Artis Systems Inc./ Marposs Corp. FOR MORE INFORMATION Marposs / 888-627-7677 / marposs.com