Igus (East Providence, RI) has developed intelligent two- and four-hole fixed flange bearings with wireless sensing capabilities for wear detection, enabling condition monitoring and preventing costly machine breakdowns.
Constructed from self-lubricating, high-performance plastic, the bearings feature an integrated abrasion sensor, thin circuit board and cableless battery supply. Wear interrupts the board's conductor paths, causing the electronics to lose the signal. The sensor then transmits a long-range network signal to an igus i.Cee switch cabinet module for analysis, including the percentage of abrasion.
Over time, the sensor wears away layer by layer — parallel to the bearing's running surface — and will continue to transmit signals on the bearing's condition. Users can see the remaining service life and maintenance requirements via a web-based dashboard, which they can access from a PC, tablet or smartphone.
Previously, worn fixed flange bearings would have been easy to overlook, leading to expensive system failure.
