News

Smart manufacturing has emerged as a pivotal trend in the industrial sector over the past few years. Most businesses view it as a crucial strategy for entering the new era. However, an effective smart manufacturing system requires a strong foundation in industrial technology to ensure stable and visible benefits from subsequent implementations. Among these industrial technologies, vibration detection, often overlooked by the industry, plays a critical role in many fields. G-TECH International Chairman and CTO, Ding Ming-Yue, highlighted that the precision of vibration analysis significantly affects the efficiency of machinery and equipment. A solid vibration analysis capability is essential for improving the usability of automation systems.

Ding Ming-Yue explained that G-TECH, founded in 1998, has a research and development team where nearly 80% of members hold a master's or doctoral degree, reflecting the company's emphasis on technological innovation. As for the focus of its R&D, the "G" in G-TECH represents the symbol for gravitational acceleration, indicating the company's core technology: conducting acoustic and vibration testing through spectrum analyzers. The company applies vibration noise and dynamic balancing technology across various fields, including electronics, machinery and manufacturing, steel, petrochemicals, shipping, transportation, and power plants. In recent years, the detection of cutting tool conditions in smart machinery has become a key area of focus.

G-TECH International Chairman and CTO Ding Ming-Yue (left) and General Manager Feng Zhi-Zhong (right) stated that by using spectrum analyzers to test vibrations, G-TECH can assist industries in building high-quality systems. _Wang Ming-De photograph

Precision Vibration Analysis Enhances Plant Efficiency and Safety

Ding Ming-Yue further pointed out that cutting tools are crucial components in machine tools and have a significant impact on processing quality. From a proactive perspective, precise vibration analysis can accelerate the cutting speed of tools, improve cutting accuracy, and prevent surface imperfections on the workpiece, thereby optimizing product quality. Even without considering quality, vibration analysis is a necessary procedure for machine tools. Damaged or broken tools can cause machine failure, affecting overall productivity. As a result, cutting tool condition monitoring has become a primary choice for machine tool manufacturers in their smart transformation strategies.

Currently, this function is achieved by installing sensors on cutting tools to detect vibration conditions during cutting. G-TECH can input data such as tool material and cutting paths into a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) platform for dynamic simulation and analysis before processing. This helps manufacturers identify vibration parameters for different tool actions, and when machine parameters deviate from normal, the system alerts managers to perform maintenance, ensuring the machine's operational rate.

In addition to cutting tool detection for machine tools, G-TECH's General Manager Feng Zhi-Zhong stated that high-precision vibration analysis is also required in traditional heavy industry and semiconductor manufacturing. Heavy industrial machinery is often large and heavy, and even a minor mishap can lead to safety accidents. For example, in the steel industry, during the smelting process, synchronized roller drives are used to transfer semi-molten steel to the next station. If the rollers fail, the high-temperature steel billets could harm nearby workers.

To prevent this, G-TECH helped Fengxing Steel in Taichung build a vibration analysis platform to monitor the status of the production line's rollers, allowing for preemptive repairs before failures occur. This not only reduces the likelihood of safety incidents but also ensures stable operation of the production line.

Regarding semiconductor manufacturing, Feng Zhi-Zhong mentioned that due to the rapid miniaturization of semiconductors, even slight vibrations can affect yield in the nanometer process. For example, during the construction of TSMC's plant in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, vibrations from a distant high-speed rail affected the manufacturing process. Since external vibration sources are difficult to control, semiconductor manufacturers often construct suspended floors with vibration isolation platforms to minimize vibrations. G-TECH can assist construction personnel in detecting the vibration data of suspended floors and ensure that the vibration levels of the isolation platform meet industry standards.

Vibration Analysis in the Energy Sector

Vibration analysis is also used in the energy sector, primarily for monitoring the turbines of power generators and the blades of wind turbines. Regarding wind turbine power sources, Ding Ming-Yue stated that if a blade is damaged, the entire turbine loses its effectiveness. Since wind turbines are often located in harsh environments, equipment failures are common, and the high elevation of blades and controllers makes maintenance difficult. In response, G-TECH designed analysis software that assesses blade cracks based on damage indicators and determines the need for maintenance and life expectancy.

Independent Technology Development: Enabling Energy Transition without External Dependence

Ding Ming-Yue emphasized that Taiwan is currently undergoing an energy transition, aiming to increase the proportion of green energy. However, most of the technology involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of wind turbines is controlled by foreign companies. Given that energy systems are crucial indicators of national operations, Taiwan must actively develop independent technical capabilities.

Feng Zhi-Zhong further pointed out that wind turbine blade maintenance requires highly specialized expertise. He mentioned that the current materials of these blades are often made of fiberglass, and if not properly repaired after damage, imbalances among the three blades can cause a chain reaction, leading to further damage. Ensuring that the three blades have equal weight and maintain dynamic balance during rotation requires precise vibration analysis.

In the past, Taiwan lacked relevant technology and was dependent on external sources for wind turbine maintenance. With G-TECH's analysis platform, Taiwan can now repair its wind turbines domestically, or even if outsourced, it would have more bargaining power.

Although the application of vibration analysis is diverse, it is not as popular in Taiwan as disciplines like information and communication, electronics, and electrical engineering. This lack of interest could impact Taiwan's industrial development. Vibration analysis projects are often case-specific and require not only technical expertise but also extensive experience to quickly identify key points and solve clients' problems. Therefore, this industry requires long-term dedication and practice to accumulate unique value.

In addition to developing systems and products closer to customer and user needs, G-TECH has also introduced advanced measuring equipment and sensors from Europe and the United States, complemented by its own instruments and systems, to provide customers with comprehensive vibration and noise solutions.

Ding Ming-Yue stated that while vibration analysis is not a popular technology, its importance is not less than that of other technologies. In the era of smart manufacturing, such fundamental industrial technologies are key to the successful operation of advanced systems. Moving forward, G-TECH plans to continue developing customer-oriented systems, deepening related technologies, and accumulating project experience. It also intends to incorporate new technologies, such as AI algorithms, into its platform, enabling it to predict future changes in structures while analyzing vibrations. This would add more value to vibration data and help clients formulate more precise production strategies.

G-TECH values technological innovation, with nearly 80% of its team members holding a master's or doctoral degree. _Wang Ming-De photograph.