3-axis vibration sensor with IO-Link
Setup and support

VVB 3-axis vibration sensor: Installation guidelines

Thank you for your purchase of a VVB 3-axis IO-Link vibration sensor. On the following pages, you will find information to help you install and integrate the sensor as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Should you need additional support, feel free to contact our service center at 800-441-8246 and speak to one of our application engineers.

Mounting benefits of 3-axis vibration measurement

When measuring vibration, the optimal location is along the radial axis (horizontal or vertical) relative to the machine’s movement—ideally near the bearing on the drive end. Single-axis sensors often require precise mounting to align with a specific direction, which can limit options. In contrast, triaxial sensors capture vibration in all directions, giving greater flexibility. They allow for prioritization of solid, flat, and clean surface contact while still capturing the critical radial vibration data. See the examples below.

Motor

Sensor location is optional if the driven and non-driven ends are ≤750 mm apart; required if >750 mm.

Reducer

In gear reducers, vibration is influenced by gear mesh, misalignment, and bearing wear. While the shaft rotates along the Z-axis, sensor mounting should also consider the structural transmission from the internal gearing.

Either of the two orange-highlighted VVB3 sensors—marked as primary locations—can be used, depending on accessibility and secure mounting on the gearbox housing near the output shaft bearing.
The sensor above the motor shaft, though axially aligned with the machine’s movement, is triaxial and captures radial vibration through its X and Y axes.
The side-mounted sensor, typically aligned with the gear load path, has its Z-axis oriented radially to the machine’s Z-axis, allowing it to detect radial motion via the Z or X axis.
Optional mounting on the opposite end of the reducer can assist in diagnosing gear-related faults and detecting wear propagation across the housing.

Pump

Pumps are typically connected to motors via a shaft coupling, making it critical to measure vibration on both sides of the coupling.

Either of the two orange-highlighted VVB3 sensors on the motor bearing housing—marked as primary locations—can be used, depending on accessibility and secure mounting. Another VVB3 should be mounted on the pump housing.
While one sensor is axially aligned with the machine’s movement, its triaxial design still captures radial vibration through the X and Y axes.
The side-mounted sensors, with their Z-axis oriented radially to the machine’s Z-axis, better aligns with the dominant radial load direction.
Optional placement on the non-drive-end of the pump or motor is helpful for large pumps to provide more comprehensive monitoring.

Fan

VVB3 mounting options

The vibration sensor can be flexibly mounted thanks to three measurement axes, with a range of mounting accessories providing added flexibility. It should be noted that the use of mounting accessories may affect the measurement.

Where? Ideally, a sensor is placed near each bearing seat.

How? The sensor should be screwed into a solid housing material or mounted using suitable ifm mounting accessories: