Machine Measuring & Continuous Data Collection

[bugnut]

I have a manufacturing process that takes place behind steel safety doors. It is similar to a stamping press. I want to measure the movement of the equipment behind the doors while in process. I have been reviewing ideas and because the equipment may be damaged behind the doors I want to minimize costs s/be ~$2000 at best. I want to put three instrument inside and have a wired or wireless device capture the movement of the internal tooling. I reviewed lvdt's and the cost plus the lack of space is a deterrent. I have approximately 4 inches of space to install the instrument in and it must be able to measure .5" total movement. It does NOT have to have high resolution .001" increment is plenty. I am looking to collect the data at a rate of 1 to 10 times per second. I must be able to capture continuous data during my 30 minute cycle. I have called the Mitutoyo and Starret folks and they don't seem real helpful. Any thoughts ideas appreciated.

 

[itsmoked]

Is there no way to measure this motion elsewhere? Like at the side of a more external ram?

You can often use a potentiometer whose resistance can be resolved as distance.

What exactly are you trying to measure for? You can always measure the power a machine is using at different points in its cycle. If it increases then possibly something has gone awry.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com