The topic for the July Technology Evening as presented by Ralph White from ifm electronic on the topic ‘Condition monitoring vibration analysis’, loosely referred to as condition based monitoring (CBM). To date this has to be one of the most technical presentations and provided a significant amount of ‘theory’ along with principles such as Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) used to monitor and protect against unbalance, misalignment, etc. Some of the advantages of vibration monitoring include advanced defects warning, condition assessment (for improvement e.g. lower energy consumption, etc.) resulting in cost savings due to extended machine life, reduced maintenance (e.g. not simply scheduled but based on condition) and reduced unplanned downtime.
The relation of different types of vibrations, as monitored using frequency, indicate the presence of different types of faults. For example, running speed vibration and its harmonics are used to indicate alignment/unbalance, while the different types of synchronisation vibration e.g. (synchronous, non-synchronous, sub-synchronous) indicate for instance vane pass, electrical defects and V-belt wear. High frequency vibration indicates lubrication issues. More information on this informative topic is available.
Events and site visits
7 September – Technology Evening – Internet of Things (IDX).
30 September – SAIMC National Gala Dinner – Room Five, Rivonia.
5 October – Technology Evening – Bloodhound SCC Project (Swagelok).
SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
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