Hey gang,

I am considering implementing aPOdM program for my grinders. The main issue is that the blades become dull, so it won't cut the plastic efficiently and heat up causing the plastic to melt and you know the rest of the story...

I thought of installing a sensor above the stationary blade that would measure the gap between the stationary and the rotary blade. Once this gap exceeds an agreed maximum, a light will go off and a mechanic would change the blade.

Anyone has any ideas or thoughts of what kind of sensor should I use?

Regards,
Iyad

What is the required range of the probe?

Iyad,

Why can't the rotating blades get dull without a significant increase in gap to stationary blade? If gap increase is insignificant or a proximity sensor is not effective, then consider other sensor options:
A) Temperature with IR sensor
B) Vibration of stationary blade with accelerometer
C) Sound with noise-cancelling microphone
D) Ultrasound with airborne ultrasound sensor

Walt
w_f_strong [at] msn [dot] com

quote:

Originally posted by Dave G.:
What is the required range of the probe?

The range is from 0.5" to approx. 10"

quote:

Originally posted by Walt Strong:
Iyad,

Why can't the rotating blades get dull without a significant increase in gap to stationary blade?

I am looking for a small change, I haven't yet come up with the exact number but it is going to be in milimeters.

quote:

If gap increase is insignificant or a proximity sensor is not effective,...
A) Temperature with IR sensor
B) Vibration of stationary blade with accelerometer
C) Sound with noise-cancelling microphone
D) Ultrasound with airborne ultrasound sensor

D\Can you please explain to me how these sensors would be applied?

IYAD
I am fully agreed with WALT and in addition to his points I may suggest you to use a kind of Tool monitoring sensors for this special purpose.
You can consult with one of the sensor providers.
If you did please let us know.

Iyad,

I would be glad to make more detailed suggestions if I had more details about the machine and its application. I try to make a living as a Consulting Engineer, so please contact me directly.

Walt
w_f_strong [at] msn [dot] com

After talking to some suppliers and my Maintenance Supervisor, I realized that a PdM for the blades would be very complicated. Therefore I set up an ordinary 3-month PM where they visually inspect the blades; if failures still occur, then I will re evaluate implementing a PdM program..