NEPONSET, Ill. – As bulk handling equipment suppliers continue to make use of new and evolving technologies to develop “smarter” conveyor systems,
Martin Engineering has introduced data tracking with QR codes on its belt cleaners and other components. Customers benefit from regularly scheduled inspections updated on every belt cleaner maintenance visit.
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Martin Engineering’s use of QR codes on conveyors can lead to safer, more dependable operation.[/caption]
By avoiding the common “run it until it breaks” approach to conveyor maintenance, a Martin Engineering proprietary smart phone app gives technicians and customers a tool that helps maximize performance and service life – while minimizing carryback and spillage – to improve safety and reduce unscheduled downtime.
Currently being implemented in select markets around the world, the new tracking program captures a wide array of information to create a detailed record on all components. Date codes are imprinted on the blades during manufacture – very important for urethane because it has a limited shelf life – and technicians also affix tags on existing equipment to begin monitoring condition and recording observations.
Technicians perform regularly scheduled inspections and adjustments, with an 18-point operational assessment from head pulley to tail pulley and a report for each visit. With the new tagging and capture ability, component data can be recorded and analyzed in much greater detail than ever before. The tagging program allows the company to maintain detailed information about the product’s date of manufacture, installation and service history, giving customers access to the data through a smart phone or other device.
Every inspection a technician makes will be logged in, along with operational factors such as the material being handled, conveyor speed and remaining wear life, as well as visual observations and other info. This constant vigilance contributes to greater safety, efficiency and dependability of the conveyor systems, minimizing hazards and unplanned outages.
The overall goal is to deliver more effective control of bulk material, improving predictive maintenance scheduling and contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.
Data tracking and analysis have been in use by manufacturers of sophisticated equipment for several years, but the new program developed by Martin Engineering is believed to be the first of its kind for conveyor components. The company already has plans to expand the asset tagging program to its air cannons and other equipment over time.
Martin Engineering products, sales, service and training are available from factory-owned business units in Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Turkey and the UK. For more information visit
www.Martin-Eng.com or call 800-544-2947.
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