In line with the motto ‘Well maintained saves costs in the long term’, Althen GmbH Mess- und Sensortechnik is focussing its trade fair appearance at Sensor+Test on the event's main theme: ‘Condition Monitoring’. In addition to a vibration measurement solution for existing systems, Althen will be presenting sensors for monitoring bridges, buildings and roads at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre from 6 to 8 May 2025. As part of the specialist forums, Stefan Kunisch, Head of Product Management, will present radio-based IIoT condition monitoring by simply retrofitting machines and systems.
Well-maintained machines in industrial plants promise longer running times, fewer breakdowns and enable planned downtimes to replace wearing parts. At Sensor+Test, measurement specialist Althen is presenting a condition monitoring solution for existing systems, where it is often difficult to integrate monitoring instruments at a later date. For machines with rotating system parts, such as motors, gearboxes, pumps and fans, continuous vibration measurement is essential for condition monitoring in order to detect vibration-related wear in good time. The measurement solution from Althen consists of easy-to-install, wireless measurement nodes that transmit the vibration data to a cloud via gateways. Specially developed evaluation software, the Althen Monitor, with customisable dashboards provides information on the condition of the system and possible maintenance intervals.
The raw data processing in the sensors themselves is advantageous, so that it is possible to define in advance which vibration acceleration data should actually be transmitted and analysed. The data is transmitted via a self-organising mesh network consisting of several measuring nodes that communicate with each other and with the gateways used. Thanks to wireless communication, installation work and therefore costs can be kept to a minimum.
Presentation as part of the specialist forums
Anyone who would like to find out more about radio-based condition monitoring is invited to Stefan Kunisch's (Head of Product Management at Althen) presentation on Wednesday, 5 May, in the Forum in Hall 1, where he will present the functionality and evaluation options of the measurement solution in more detail. More information...
Condition monitoring for concrete structures
Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance are also essential for the preservation and safety of structures, bridges and roads. At the trade fair, Althen will be presenting two transducers that detect strains and stresses within the material and thus provide information about the strain behaviour and load. The KM strain transducer is particularly suitable for internal strain measurement, i.e. it is embedded in the still liquid concrete during construction, hardens with it and remains in the structure for the long term. For existing structures or for shorter measurement campaigns, it is also possible to attach the transducer with accessories to the outside of the section to be measured and record the loads. In addition to concrete, the KM transducer can be used for other hardening materials such as steel, synthetic resins or fibre-reinforced plastics. Compared to pure strain gauges, the KM sensor is more robust, more durable and easier to apply. It is available in various sizes - recently also in a slim version with a diameter of just 12 mm.
Rissdetektion
In addition to strains, the KG-A displacement transducer also detects minimal displacements in the range of +/- 2 to 5 mm. The sensor is primarily used in structures where fine cracks have already formed in the material. Placed over a crack, the sensor provides information on how the crack may be expanding, so that considerations can be made about possible safety hazards.
Meet our experts
Whether you need product information or project advice - we are there to help! Arrange your personal appointment now at our trade fair stand and meet our experts on site in Nuremberg.