Automation in Practice: How the pL-smartBox is Revolutionising Condition Monitoring

In 2026, the digitalization of the factory floor will no longer be a vision but a prerequisite for competitiveness. pL LEHMANN recognised this trend early on and integrated the pL-smartBox into its rotary tables. This module functions as an electronic logbook and monitoring system that continuously records critical parameters.

The monitored data points include:

• Internal pressure and clamping pressureEnsuring stable workpiece fixation.
• Temperature and humidityMonitoring of ambient conditions to avoid thermally induced inaccuracies or corrosion.
• Speed and shock loadsA 3D acceleration sensor detects collisions or excessive vibrations that indicate tool breakage or incorrect cutting parameters.

These data are transmitted via an interface to an online dashboard or via Ethernet to the machine computer. For the production manager, this means a new dimension of transparency: the pL-smartBox enables the implementation of predictive maintenance. Instead of rigidly scheduling maintenance intervals based on calendar days, servicing is now carried out on demand based on the actual load history. This significantly reduces downtimes and extends the lifespan of the entire system.