Practical Implementation of the Sensory Utilization of Rolling Bearing Impedance Measurement: A Case Study in Machine Tool Spindle Bearings

ABSTRACT

Research into sensory utilization of the impedance measurement of rolling bearings has been intensifying for several years. However, publications in this area are mainly limited to theoretical models and experiments under laboratory conditions. In this contribution, the concept of measuring the impedance of rolling bearings for sensory utilization is implemented within a machine tool spindle. Machine tools can be found in almost all manufacturing companies for the production of components, complete products or prototypes and are therefore one of the most important and relevant production systems. The most common cause of failure is component failure, especially the rolling bearings of the spindle. Failure of the rolling bearings is often the result of incorrect operation and/or overloading. A preventative approach is the sensory monitoring of operating variables. In this work, the spindle design is modified to implement the impedance measurement of rolling bearings and then tests are carried out at free-running and under load. The impedance measurement is analyzed in time and frequency domain. Ultimately, an initial suggestion is made for features in the impedance signal that can be related to various operating parameters.

KEYWORDS:

• Spindle Bearings
• Impedance Measurement
• In-Situ Condition Monitoring
• Machine Tools

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