Machine Controller

[EngMark]

Not sure where this should most properly be posted...

As background, I'm a mechanical engineer with extensive automotive experience but lacking in machine controls experience or applicable programming experience. I'm building a one off packaging machine in which much of the action is centered around a crank / slider mechanism which is driven by a variable speed motor (VFD) through a speed reducer. The mechanism cycles continuously at a rate of 30-120 cycles per minute. On each cycle at relatively precise points in the cycle (say, with 1 degree precision on the output shaft of the speed reducer) a few pneumatic cylinders will need to be fired. I'm looking for suggestions for a very simple easy to set up electronic controller to read an encoder on the shaft (and as a bonus, maybe a few additional on / off inputs) and drive the outputs (high current to actuate the solenoids directly would be nice, but not necessary). I know that there are a plethora of solutions out there for people who do this type of build on a regular basis, but what's the easiest and quickest controller out there for me to plug in, get my head around, set up, and get running?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[tygerdawg]

My first thought would be a "fast-enough" Programmable Logic Controller with high-speed input card for encoder input, and appropriate output cards to drive your solenoid valves. Processing speed and timing will ultimately determine your success. Depending upon the sophistication of your VFD, it may have the programming capability to do this I/O handling itself.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[MintJulep]

"programmable cam switch" is what you want to look for.

 

[EngMark]

MintJulep - Thank you. "programmable cam switch" gets me a lot of good hits to pick through. I appreciate the help. Case closed.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[MikeHalloran]

As a side note, it's possible to improve the resolution of such a setup by adding an encoder (or a position sensor or two) to the input shaft of the speed reducer. ... at the cost of some nontrivial logic, of course.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[EdDanzer]

Try the Galil controls at Galilmc.com.

I've work several differnet controllers and find their programming language much easier than Ladder, Basic, C, C++ or other computer based systems. I have had problems communicating with a machine we built in 1993 but I think it has more to do with a lack of a 9 pin serial port and 12 years away from theat specific control. The last project was a 2 axis contol for a flame cutting machine on the cheap.

Ed Danzer

http://www.danzcoinc.com

http://www.dehyds.com