Vibration Data Logger
Vibrations are often invisible, yet they can damage machinery, disrupt processes or jeopardise products. Precise vibration measurement makes invisible vibrations visible, analysable and manageable. Whether in industry, logistics or the construction sector: measuring at an early stage protects plant, reduces costs and improves quality. Find out here why vibration monitoring is indispensable today and what solutions are available.
Vibration Measurement – Fundamentals, Significance and Modern Solutions
Why is vibration measurement important?
Vibrations are caused by movements, shocks or imbalances in mechanical systems. In production plants, vehicles, electrical equipment or structures, they can lead to malfunctions, premature wear or even structural damage. Vibration measurement serves to make these vibrations visible and analysable – often before failures occur.
Detected early – costly damage prevented. That is the core principle behind modern vibration monitoring.
What is measured during vibration measurement?
The most important physical parameters are:
- Acceleration (g / m/s²): Indicates the extent to which the velocity of a body changes due to vibrations.
- Amplitude: Measures the displacement of the movement – the higher the amplitude, the more intense the vibration.
- Frequency (Hz): Indicates how often a vibration repeats per second – important for distinguishing between typical sources (e.g. engine speeds).
- Impact load: Sudden shocks, such as those that occur when a machine falls or starts up.
Modern vibration measurement with data loggers
Vibration data loggers, such as the MSR165, are specifically designed to record movements in all directions (X/Y/Z) – with high resolution, long measurement intervals and robust technology.
Typical features:
- Measurement ranges up to ±200 g
- Sampling rates up to 1600 Hz (also for very fast events)
- Long-term storage (over 1 billion measurement values with an SD card)
- Energy-efficient and battery-powered
- Can be combined with temperature, humidity, light or pressure sensors (optional)
Analysis is carried out using specialised software – for example, to identify recurring vibration patterns or to assess transport stresses.
Typical areas of application
- Industry & mechanical engineering: detecting bearing damage, resonance frequencies and imbalances
- Logistics & packaging tests: measuring and documenting shocks during transport
- Construction & infrastructure: Long-term monitoring of bridges, tunnels and foundations
- Automotive & Aviation: Testing ride comfort, components and crash impacts
- Research & Quality Assurance: Documenting the effects of environmental factors on products
Useful information on vibration measurement
1. Standards & Specifications
The measurement and evaluation of vibrations are governed by international standards. Commonly used standards include:
- ISO 10816 / ISO 20816: Evaluation of vibrations in rotating machinery
- DIN EN 60721-3-2 / IEC 60068: Environmental influences on equipment and components
- ASTM D4169 / ISTA: Vibration and shock tests for packaging during transport
2. Distinguishing between types of vibration
Not all vibrations are dangerous. Vibrations can be categorised as harmonic (e.g. smooth motor operation) or transient events (e.g. impacts, external forces). Correct interpretation using suitable sensors and software is crucial.
3. Positioning is crucial
The positioning of the sensor affects the reliability of the results. It is best to mount the sensor as close as possible to the source of the vibration (e.g. on the bearing block, inside the housing or on the product packaging).
4. Identifying and avoiding resonances
If an external frequency matches the natural frequency of a system, dangerous resonance effects can occur. Vibration measurement helps to detect such conditions and prevent them, for example, through design measures or vibration dampers.
5. Vibration as a diagnostic tool
In maintenance, vibration analysis is increasingly being used for predictive maintenance: changes in vibration behaviour can indicate impending wear – even before visible or audible damage occurs.
Conclusion
Vibration measurement is far more than just the recording of vibrations – it is a strategic tool for quality, safety and efficiency. Modern sensor technology and data loggers make this technique easier and more precise than ever before.
Whether in industry, logistics, research or construction – those who measure vibrations gain a better understanding of what drives their technology.
- Precise shock and vibration monitoring: The MSR165 records impacts using a 3-axis accelerometer (±15 g or ±200 g) with a sampling rate of up to 1600 Hz.
- Integrated LiPo battery: The built-in 1000 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rechargeable via USB and enables operation for up to 6 months.
- High-capacity storage: Stores over 1 billion readings, making it ideal for long-term high-resolution monitoring.
- Extended sensor options: Additional sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, and light allow for comprehensive environmental data collection.
- Powerful data analysis: The MSR ShockViewer software provides detailed visualization and evaluation of shock and vibration events.
- Precise shock and vibration monitoring: The MSR165 records high-impact events using a 3-axis accelerometer (±200 g) with a sampling rate of up to 1600 Hz.
- Integrated LiPo battery: The built-in 1000 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rechargeable via USB and enables operation for up to 6 months.
- High-capacity data storage: The logger can record over 1 billion data points – ideal for long-term, high-resolution monitoring.
- Extended sensor options: Additional sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, and light allow for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
- Detailed data analysis: The MSR ShockViewer software provides powerful visualization and evaluation of shock and vibration events.
- Multi-sensor system: Measures shock, temperature, humidity, air pressure and light in one device.
- 3-axis acceleration: Selectable ±10 g, ±20 g or ±40 g with sampling rates up to 4000 Hz.
- Advanced signal filtering: Anti-aliasing, decimation and high-pass filters for accurate shock evaluation.
- High data security: Over 2 million readings plus protected memory for critical events.
- Rugged IP65 housing: Designed for transformer and heavy-load transport.
- Comprehensive shock and vibration monitoring: The MSR165 is specifically designed for precise measurement of shocks, vibrations, and impacts using a 3-axis accelerometer (±15 g or ±200 g).
- Extremely long battery life: Powered by two Li-SOCl₂ batteries (3.6 V, 7700 mAh each), the logger can operate for up to 5 years, making it ideal for long-term monitoring.
- Rugged, splash-proof design: The robust aluminum die-cast housing provides reliable protection against mechanical stress and moisture.
- High-capacity data storage: With room for over 1 billion readings, the logger supports extensive and long-term data analysis.
- Advanced environmental monitoring: Additional sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, and light, combined with powerful MSR ShockViewer software, enable detailed data evaluation.
- Comprehensive shock and vibration monitoring: The MSR165 is specifically designed for the precise detection of strong shocks, vibrations, and impacts using a 3-axis accelerometer (±200 g).
- Extremely long-lasting power supply: Two Li-SOCl₂ batteries (3.6 V, 7700 mAh each) provide up to 5 years of operating time – ideal for long-term monitoring.
- Rugged and protected design: The splash-proof aluminum die-cast housing offers reliable protection against mechanical stress and moisture.
- High-capacity memory: With storage for over 1 billion readings, the logger supports extensive and long-term data analysis.
- Advanced environmental data capture: Additional sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, and light, combined with the powerful MSR ShockViewer software, ensure comprehensive analysis.