Mechanical industry measurement and control

In the mechanical industry, monitoring quantities such as vibration, rotational speed and pressure helps verify the correct operation of machinery, systems and components subject to movement or stress. In mechanical industry measurement and control activities, it is therefore important to use instruments suitable for the parameter to be checked and for the operating conditions under which the inspection is performed. Measurements taken during operation provide data useful for maintenance, quality control and comparison of operating conditions over time, without invasive intervention on the component.

Instrument selection depends on the parameter to be monitored and on the type of check required. Vibration meters are intended for monitoring the vibration of machines and rotating parts; tachometers measure rotational speed, surface speed or developed length; stainless steel pressure gauges are used for direct pressure monitoring on systems and process lines.

Vibration meters for vibration monitoring

Vibration meters measure acceleration, RMS velocity and displacement of vibrations generated by machinery and mechanical components. They are used for checks on motors, pumps, fans, bearings, transmissions, machine tools and other rotating parts, where changes in vibration behaviour may be associated with wear, imbalance, misalignment or mechanical looseness.

For direct checks at specific points on the machine, a single-axis vibration meter can be selected, suitable for measurements along one axis at a time. When vibration needs to be assessed in different directions, a triaxial vibration meter makes it possible to take measurements on the X, Y and Z axes.

The value of monitoring is not limited to a single measurement. By repeating checks at the same points and under the same operating conditions, values can be compared over time and variations requiring further investigation or maintenance action can be identified.

Tachometers for rotational and surface speed measurement

Digital tachometers are instruments used to measure the rotational speed of shafts, motors, spindles, fans, pulleys and other moving parts. Depending on the model, they can also be used to check the surface speed of rollers, belts, drive belts and moving materials.

An optical tachometer performs non-contact measurement using a laser beam and reflective tape, making it useful when the instrument should not be brought close to the rotating component. A contact tachometer, on the other hand, uses tips or a measuring wheel and can be applied directly to the part to check rotation, surface speed and the developed length of wires, cables, ropes or moving materials.

When application requirements include both optical checks and contact measurements, a combined tachometer provides both modes in the same instrument. The choice should therefore consider accessibility of the measurement point, the need to work without contact and the actual parameter to be checked.

Stainless steel pressure gauges for pressure monitoring

Stainless steel pressure gauges are dial instruments used to check pressure in systems, circuits, machinery and process lines. Direct reading on the dial makes them suitable for everyday checks and for monitoring operating values at points where an immediate pressure indication is useful.

Stainless steel construction makes these pressure gauges suitable for demanding environments and operating conditions. They are used in mechanical and plant-engineering applications, as well as in the chemical, petrochemical, food, canning and pharmaceutical sectors.

The choice of measurement range must consider the operating pressure of the system, any expected peaks and the actual conditions at the installation point. It is also important to check connection compatibility, mounting method and the characteristics of the fluid or gas to be monitored.

How to choose the most suitable measuring instrument

Instrument selection always starts from the parameter to be checked. To monitor the dynamic behaviour of a machine and follow the progression of abnormal vibration, the correct solution is a vibration meter. When rotational speed, surface speed or the developed length of a moving material needs to be measured, an optical, contact or combined tachometer is required. For pressure monitoring in systems and process lines, the appropriate choice is a pressure gauge.

Correctly assessing the type of measurement, the inspection point, the operating conditions and the frequency of checks makes it possible to select an instrument consistent with the actual application and obtain data useful for maintenance, quality control and production continuity.