The Ott/Jakob position-monitoring system watches machine-tool power drawbars for performance and wear. An electronic analog sensor detects the position and attached electronics transmits data to the machine controller. The system indicates whether tools are clamped, unclamped, or not present, and monitors cycles and hours to increase tool-head accuracy and longevity. Because the units transmit information quickly to the onboard machine controls, it makes mechanical signal rings with inductive sensors obsolete.
Advanced Machine & Engineering, 2500 Latham St., Rockford, IL 61103, (815) 316-5277, ame.com