If chains stretch and wear due to temperature and load, or if chains running in parallel are unequal in length, a deviation of just one percent from the nominal chain pitch can cause problems in a system. In the production of chocolate, for example, which places very high demands on chains and chain systems, this can lead to the position of the chocolate molds changing.

Because where chocolate bars, chocolates or cookies come off the conveyor belt, there are always very tight length and pairing tolerances for the drive chains used. A uniform parallel run for the mold transport chains is necessary - exact positioning is a must. Systems and machine elements must therefore be regularly monitored and checked.

However, it is often too late when systems give an indication that maintenance or readjustment is required. Predictive maintenance allows machine manufacturers to react more flexibly and act more economically.

CCM-S monitors during operation
This is where the smart solution from the international chain manufacturer from Munich comes in: With the chain elongation monitoring system CCM-S (Chain Condition Monitoring ─ Smart), the elongation of chain drives can be permanently monitored using sensors without having to accept the compromise of interrupting production.

The patented system measures the elongation of chains during operation. It enables companies to act with foresight by informing maintenance personnel in good time about which measures need to be taken and when, and whether a chain needs to be re-tensioned or replaced. The system's intelligent data analyses enable service personnel to plan inspections and deployment requirements at an early stage.

Higher machine utilization
"Continuous chain elongation measurement has several decisive advantages for our customers," emphasizes Florian Wimmer, Value Engineer at Iwis. "These include less downtime and production losses of machines and systems, which can jeopardize adherence to promised delivery dates. Our system allows maintenance staff to react in good time if maintenance can be planned," the industrial engineer continues.

Maintenance costs are also reduced, as the CCM-S tells the technician which drive chain needs to be replaced before the system is opened. "With these advantages, our customers can get the best out of their system and thus increase machine utilization and productivity," adds Florian Wimmer. as