Infinite measurement possibilities with the KiDAQ data acquisition system

Kistler's KiDAQ modular integrated data acquisition system lets users explore new ground in the design of complex measuring chains commonly found in research and development. An initial look at the system and how it can be used in cutting force measurement was taken by the machine tool laboratory of RWTH Aachen University.

The Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering of RWTH Aachen is one of the Germany's leading research institutes in the machine tool sector. Four chairs are devoted to research in the fields of production systems and factory planning, the technology of manufacturing processes, process monitoring and quality management. Not only does the institute conduct basic research, it also cooperates with leading companies across the globe to foster innovation and blaze a trail into new technological worlds. Kistler's partnership with the laboratory dates back almost 50 years and stems from the high performance of the company's piezoelectric measurement technology.

Given their high-precision, very wide measurement range (from a few newtons to a meganewton) –and high resilience even in demanding ambient conditions, piezoelectric (PE) sensors are predestined for implementation scenarios with high requirements. They are ideal for use in highly dynamic force measurements, such as on machine tools that mill grooves into turbine blades, The laboratory also uses PE dynamometers for combined force and torque measurements when conducting complex modal analyses.

From from sensor to cloud

The new KiDAQ data acquisition system was specially created with cloud applications in mind. Thanks to its modular integrated approach complex distributed measuring chains with many different sensors (force, pressure, acceleration, torque etc.) can be easily configured and put into operation. Kistler's ecosystem of coordinated software and hardware components is based on an open design so that the sensors and equipment of third-party manufacturers can also be integrated. Based on the available cloud network and not least to cooperation with business partners, IoT applications are also possible.

Sascha Kamps is a development engineer for process monitoring in the laboratory's production technology cluster and has already had the opportunity to test the new KiDAQ data acquisition system:

"Having a technology leader in piezo sensor systems like Kistler now offering their own data acquisition system couldn't be more welcome as it takes a lot of the effort out of setting up a measuring chain. In view of its modular universal approach and new features, I think the system is going to be an attractive alternative to current systems not only in the area of cutting force measurement, but also in many other fields of research."

Sascha Kamps, development engineer for process monitoring in the laboratory's production technology cluster at RWTH Aachen University