Presses

An "electronic stethoscope for machines" predicting when print kit will break down could save companies big money, claims its maker.

The new hand-held computer takes vibration readings from sensors on machines and feeds them into trend-graphics software to forecast when faults will strike.

"Anything that spins is supported by bearings, and when they wear the machine goes wrong," said Dr Russell Sion, managing director of C-Cubed.

The Pocket Vibra was important to print, he said, because the industry was deadline driven and overheated equipment posed fire risks.

"This kit allows you to constantly monitor bearings every month. You can predict when a fault is likely to happen and work out maintenance ahead."

Currently users could wait until a breakage before acting or servicing machinery after too much use. Both could lead to "vicious maintenance cycles", he said.

"But 'predictive maintenance' is something every industry is waking up to. It offers closer analyses of machines and forecasts trends, saving you time and lowering costs."

Sion said Swedish surveys revealed breakdowns cost companies an average of €22 (£17) per Kw annually. Using predictive maintenance could halve this cost.

Ten years ago predictive maintenance cost around £15,000 and came with hefty annual fees, which were a "barrier" to uptake, he said.

Pocket Vibra was a one-off cost of less than £4,500 and included vibration analyzer, PC and software. C-Cubed in Whitechurch, Hampshire, is a subsidiary of Jenton Group.

"High-speed rotational machinery is core to the converting industry and if you wait for it to break down - it will always do so just the wrong time."