Key goals of machine retrofits and new machine designs alike are to increase productivity and reduce waste and downtime. Among the techniques for doing this are making the moving parts of the machine move more smoothly and precisely, and synchronizing the motion of multiple motion steps so that the rate of production can be increased. Critical components responsible for implementing these techniques are programmable motion controllers such as the RMC75 two-axis controller, and the RMC150E eight-axis controller manufactured by Delta Computer Systems, Inc. of Battle Ground, Washington (see Figure 1). Both products are unique in their ability to do closed-loop control of axis position or the pressure/force exerted, and their ability to transition smoothly between these operations, making the controllers well-suited for applications involving fluid power.
To simplify the task of developing and tuning motion profiles to optimize machine performance, Delta motion controllers include software called RMCTools, enabling the user to graphically display the motion of any of the system’s axes versus time. Graphs produced by the Plot Manager, part of RMCTools, compare the actual motion of the system with the system’s optimal target motion, and when the motion is tuned perfectly, the actual and target motion curves overlap (see Figure 2). To simplify the tuning process, RMCTools includes an automated Tuning Wizard that allows designers to tweak control loop gains via a slider bar on the screen, making design optimization a very straightforward operation.
Because of the Delta RMCs’ ease of programming, engineers and technicians with minimum training can quickly set up the system and produce results. For more information on Delta Computer Systems controllers, visit www.deltamotion.com.
