Fastener Testing

Kistler Group showed visitors to this year’s automatica, held from 27^th – 30^th June in Munich, Germany, how test and measurement data throughout the process chain can play a critical part in resource efficient manufacturing. 

Increasingly efficient use of production resources contributes to sustainable manufacturing – and leverages potentials for saving. Manufacturers in diverse sectors of industry need to rely on precise process data as the key to identifying these potentials. To meet this need, Kistler presented solutions at this year’s automatica that not only acquire and evaluate this data for every process step – but also show users the options for optimising their production.

Kistler showcased its diverse portfolio of joining, measurement and process monitoring systems, including innovations such as the highly sensitive 9172CD piezoelectric load cell, the range of mobile handheld test devices and the digitalised 5073B charge amplifier.

New 9172CD piezoelectric load cell

Data acquisition for consistent in-production quality monitoring paves the way to enhanced resource efficiency – and this begins with the very smallest forces. In response to this requirement, Kistler premiered its 9172CD piezoelectric load cell at automatica. This preloaded cell can measure compression and tensile forces of up to 1,000N directly after it has been installed. A new piezoelectric crystal developed by Kistler makes this load cell nine times more sensitive than conventional piezoelectric load cells. Because of its high sensitivity and compact design, the 9172CD is the solution of choice for use in demanding applications with small force ranges, such as semiconductor production or the medtech sector – and Kistler points out that thanks to three calibrated measuring ranges, users can rest assured that the measurement data they obtain is accurate. 

New handheld family for simple function testing

To give users the ability to check their process parameters directly in-situ, Kistler’s portfolio also includes two new mobile measuring instruments with integrated charge amplifiers. These handheld test devices enable users to compare and verify the data from the sensors they operate with no need to waste time or resources on dismantling them.

The devices record the measured values and visualise the measurement curve on their integrated touchscreen. Model 5811A00 is particularly suitable for insulation tests to verify sensor and cable quality, while model 5811A01 – designed for industrial applications – features three channels for voltage input and IO-Link technology (among others). 

Compact NCFE 2/5 joining module performs cost sensitive processes

The NCFE 2/5 electromechanical joining module is another Kistler innovation that promotes resource efficiency. This compact module is designed for simple but cost sensitive processes; its integrated process control ensures fast set-up and accurate guidance of the joining processes. The module also measures nominal forces in the 2kN and 5kN ranges; its interface with the maXYmos NC monitoring system makes it simple to integrate into the machine’s process environment; and it significantly reduces energy consumption compared to pneumatic solutions.

Kistler’s Joining Competence Centre is on hand to assist with correct planning of these joining processes. The centre offers users the opportunity to have various processes performed and tested with electromechanical joining systems at a test workstation, even before they start planning their systems. Thanks to this service, they can optimise and validate assembly and joining processes to ensure that no problems related to design or over dimensioning will arise either during commissioning or in ongoing operation, and that no costs will be incurred due to conversion work. Kistler’s experts are also standing by to support users with a comprehensive range of advisory support and services – regular inspections minimise downtimes and error rates ahead of time.

Modular Smart Single Station

To round out its offering at automatica, Kistler presented its individually adaptable turnkey Smart Single Stations. As well as performing high precision process steps and product tests, these assembly and test systems help customers to cut their production costs, enhance their product and process quality, and conserve resources.

Software solutions from Kistler also provide support with achieving these goals. The jBEAM analysis software enables users to analyse and visualise huge quantities of data; and the MaDaM data management solution enables storage of datasets so they can be searched and compared with one another. These solutions open the way to ongoing data-based optimisation of production so that precious resources can be saved.