Wireless Pressure Monitoring of Nitrogen Gas Springs and Systems

In Booth A-1569, Fibro, Inc. (Rockford, IL) will introduce their Wireless Pressure Monitoring (WPM) system for nitrogen gas springs and systems. The use of nitrogen gas springs in metal stamping dies has grown exponentially since being introduced into the market 35 years ago. Over that time, the quality and service life of nitrogen gas springs has steadily improved, but one thing has not changed: all nitrogen gas springs and systems will eventually leak. This raises a question for the production stamper: When a nitrogen leak occurs, how much scrap will be produced before the leak is detected? Traditional methods to monitor the pressure of a nitrogen gas spring or systems have included:

• An analog gauge can be used that allows an operator to check the pressure prior to production. There is still no warning when a leak occurs and it requires hose and fitting connections, which are more potential leak points.
• An electrical means of monitoring the pressure can be used. These systems can be wired into the press controls to stop the production should a leak occur. They are an improvement over a gauge, but also limited in use – the hoses and wires required restrict use in upper dies and or where automation interference may occur.

The Wireless Pressure Monitoring provides the following advantages:

• No additional hose or wire connections – Bluetooth™ 4.0 communication.
• 24-hour monitoring and documentation.
• Early warning of nitrogen pressure loss.
• Prevention of downtime and secondary failures.
• Optimized maintenance intervals.

There are four primary components of the Wireless Pressure Monitoring system:

1. Sensors – battery operated, connect to a nitrogen gas spring or system, transmits pressure and temperature data to the die mounted Data Part via Bluetooth 4.0.
2. Data Part – battery operated, stores all die specific data including die number, sensor list and location – can receive data from up to 128 Sensors – communicates with the Gateway (or customer supplied read out device such as PC).
3. Gateway – 24VDC, mounted to the press, connects to press controls via digital I/O, relay contacts, Ethernet, etc. – communicates with the press to signal a warning and or full stop should the Sensors detect a nitrogen pressure loss or spike in operating temperature.
4. Proprietary Software and Bluetooth 4.0 Receiver – enables the user to configure the Sensors, Data Part and Gateway for the specific nitrogen system requirements of a particular die:

• Two pressure set points per sensor.
• Early detection for scrap free production.
• Targeted maintenance intervals – service the nitrogen system before major failure.
• Ease of installation – no wires or hoses required within the die.
• Documentation – record pressure and temperature data for evaluation.

The Wireless Pressure Monitoring system provides zero defects and prevents scrap for production stampers due to the loss of nitrogen gas spring or system pressure.

Fibro, Inc., 139 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104, 800-523-2376, www.fibroinc.com.