By Ron Shinn
Shredding is a violent process, and the inherent vibration can cause extreme wear and tear on even the sturdiest machines.
Vecoplan AG is tackling the problem with a new system called Vecoplan Intelligent Detect (VID) to monitor vibration and take action — such as shutting the machine down — before it is damaged. Vecoplan claims VID can reduce the risk of machine damage by up to 60 percent and machine delays by up to 70 percent.
VID, demonstrated for the first time at K 2025, is a new module for the Vecoplan Smart Center (VSC) digital platform, which networks machines and processes. Both VSC and VID are available in new shredders and can be retrofitted to existing machines.
VID relies on a self-learning system that uses high-frequency vibration sensors to detect even the smallest vibrations and sends data to an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit compares the signals with material-specific thresholds and decides if it should intervene in the machine’s operation.
If foreign material gets into the shredder, the system shows its precise location so an operator can take corrective action.
When a new machineload of material is being set up, VID analyzes the vibration values and within a few minutes creates threshold values for that material. Vecoplan said it can recognize the differences between all materials from lightweight film to hard plastics.
VID also takes into account the shredder’s speed and ramming values. There is a recipe function that allows operators to develop programs to quickly set up material changes. Vecoplan said it can also account for a rotor change or adjustment to the shredder’s geometry.
Shredder operators have generally relied on predictive maintenance programs to deal with machine failures.
Patrick Pfeiffer, director of sales at Vecoplan AG in Bad Marienberg, Germany, said VID offers a new level of shredder reliability because it can detect a bearing failure long before it occurs. He said VID is a crucial component in making processes transparent and controllable, while actively protecting shredders from damage.
Contact:
Vecoplan LLC, Greensboro, N.C., 336-542-1390, www.vecoplanllc.com
