Kitagawa NorthTech, Inc. has announced its Digital Grip Force Kit Analyzer software and kit for Windows helps machine shops and metalworking operations to harvest, measure and analyze grip force data from its workholding equipment for industrial internet of things (IIoT or IoT), MTConnect and Industry 4.0 applications.
The software system serves as a digital tool for safety, process and service diagnostics to help users make their operations smarter, safer and more efficient. The software application outputs an Excel spreadsheet with grip force data collected, along with other testing data and a chart graphically detailing this information for users' Smart applications.
The software analyzer is a Smart technology tool that provides a range of capabilities through its software application, including comprehensive grip force diagnostics. Once installed onto a PC or tablet and gripped by the workholding system in the machine tool, the software immediately begins collecting, measuring and outputting static and dynamic grip force data.
This data can be shared for a variety of IIoT or MTConnect, including improving machine shop productivity, profitability, safety, maintenance and throughput. Compromised or incorrect grip force is often the cause of slippage or deformation of the parts in the chuck. When parts are not secure in the chuck, CNC machining operations are hindered from achieving maximum levels of productivity as more scrap is created. Generally, machining speeds are then reduced to accommodate operator safety concerns and issues.
In these instances, Kitagawa contends that either the workholding system design or improper calculations are often the cause. The benefit of a custom engineered workholding system from Kitagawa's engineering team can address and solve these issues.
By measuring, analyzing and sharing grip force data, machining operations can determine how to improve or replace inefficient workholding systems. Maintaining proper grip force is attained through regular and scheduled maintenance. This intelligence will also help identify proper maintenance schedules and will also extend the life of their workholding equipment. Improper maintenance and lack of lubrication often causes grip force issues, causing damage to equipment and risking operator safety.
The collected data is also useful for fast retrieval of set-up information for future operation, workholding testing and diagnostics. The digital grip analyzer kit comes bundled as a complete kit with rugged carrying case, Bluetooth dongle, USB flash drive loaded with PC analyzer software, digital load meter and the traditional handheld pendant for manual diagnostics, testing and measurement.
For more information contact:
Kitagawa - Northtech, Inc.
301 E. Commerce Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173
800-222-4138
info@kitagawa.com
www.kitagawa.us