FAG SmartCheck opts for SLMP Industrial Ethernet integration.

As Industrial Ethernets become the backbone of manufacturing automation systems it has become important for manufacturers of intelligent devices to connect to them directly and avoid the need for interface devices.

Seamless message protocol (SLMP) enables almost any Ethernet-compatible device including barcode readers, RFID scanners, sensors, checkweighers, etc., and communicates over a standard Ethernet physical layer network. SLMP id freely available to member of CLPA, the CC-Link user group.

SLMP offers users shorter development cycles, lower costs, and has the advantage of simplifying conformance testing.

One early adopter of SLMP has been international company Schaeffler with their FAG SmartCheck intelligent machine monitoring system.   FAG SmartCheck is one of the few solutions on the market that is both suitable for use as an individual monitoring device for smaller redundant units and for integrated concepts, such as comprehensive monitoring.

Condition monitoring

Condition monitoring contributes to achieving high availability and long life of machinery and plant. FAG products help in planning maintenance work and reducing costs. The range includes devices for the alignment of shafts and belt pulleys. Temperature measuring and sonar devices make it possible to check the operating condition. An important element of the range comprises measuring systems that monitor vibration, torque and lubricants.

Monitors more than vibration

Rolling bearing temperature, hydraulic oil purity, and electric motor power consumption are some of the parameters that can be recorded by the Condition Monitoring system. They monitor the control circuit ensuring that the drives function continuously. Abnormalities are detected early and the user can react to avoid significant damage to their plant.

Additional parameters, such as temperature, lubrication status, or the number of wear particles in the lubrication oil, are added in other development steps. Depending on what the customer wants, Schaeffler offers many methods for collecting this data – both offline as well as online.

SLMP enables FAG SmartCheck ensures data is automatically communicated via the Industrial Ethernet and made accessible throughout the network, avoiding damage and minimising downtime.

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