Machine Controller
Machine Controller
(OP)
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
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





RE: Machine Controller
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Machine Controller
RE: Machine Controller
Thanks,
Mark
RE: Machine Controller
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Machine Controller
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
www.danzcoinc.com
www.dehyds.com