30 Questions
Which actuation system is more suitable for simple two position moves?
Solenoid actuated two position air cylinders
What is a drawback of using air cylinders for actuation?
Slower speed compared to servo or stepper motor actuated mechanisms
Which type of sensor is mentioned in the text as a component of the electromechanical system?
Proximity switches
What is one of the steps in setting up each programmable motion axis?
Power-up test
What is one of the components needed for the machine's operation?
Servo controller
What is one of the required modes of operation for the machine?
Manual mode
Which component is used for motion transmission mechanisms?
Timing belts
What is one of the components used for motion actuators?
DC motors
What is one of the steps in developing application software for the machine?
Top-down tree structure design of software
What is one of the steps in the documentation phase for the machine?
Document clearly for future modifications
What is a good example of an application of PMCS?
A robotic manipulator
What are the typical components of an electric motor based programmable motion system?
Motor with position sensor, amplifier, power supply (drive), and controller
What has made it possible to control motion and coordinate various axes under computer control?
Low cost microprocessors and digital signal processors (DSP)
What is hard automation?
Coordinated motion control achieved by mechanically connecting various machine components with linkages, line shafts, and gears
What are the examples of coordinated motion control in automated machines in the past?
Mechanically connecting various machine components with linkages, line shafts, and gears
What do PMCS involve?
Mechanical motion system, various actuators and sensors, and computer control
What is the main characteristic of PMCS?
Motion is controlled by a digital computer and is programmable
What are the examples of applications of PMCS?
CNC machine, XYZ table, and construction equipment tool control systems
What made coordinated motion control in automated machines possible under computer control?
Availability of low cost microprocessors and digital signal processors (DSP)
What do PMCS involve in terms of control?
Computer control
What is a key advantage of machines with programmable automation?
They can produce different parts by simply changing software
What does 'soft automation' or 'flexible automation' refer to in the context of motion control systems?
Motion control logic being programmed
In electronically coordinated machines, how are gear ratios between stations defined?
In the application software
What are the components of programmable motion control systems?
Controller, actuators, sensors, motion transmission mechanisms, and operator interface devices
What does the controller handle in a programmable motion control system?
Closed-loop motion control, machine control functions, and communication with operator interface devices and the communication bus
What is the purpose of decomposing the required motion in designing a PMC system?
To plan various coordinated moves
How do machines with programmable automation handle complicated coordination functions?
Easily code them in software
What is the role of communication between controllers in a programmable motion control system?
Coordinating the motion of one axis with other external machine events or other axes
What is a characteristic of 'flexible automation' in motion control systems?
Reduces setup times for product changeovers significantly
What is the function of programmable motion controllers in factory automation applications?
Control the process using multiple PLCs and programmable motion controllers
Study Notes
Programmable Motion Control Systems
- Coordination between axes is software-coded, allowing for on-the-fly changes in coordination logic.
- Machines with programmable automation can produce different parts by simply changing software, reducing setup times.
- Complicated coordination functions can be easily coded in software, unlike in mechanically coordinated machines.
- "Soft automation" or "flexible automation" refers to motion control logic being programmed, reducing setup times for product changeovers significantly.
- A printing machine example illustrates the difference between old mechanical automation and programmable automation versions.
- In electronically coordinated machines, gear ratios between stations are defined in the application software, eliminating the need for physical gears.
- Factory automation applications may use multiple PLCs and programmable motion controllers to control the process.
- Programmable motion control systems consist of a controller, actuators, sensors, motion transmission mechanisms, and operator interface devices.
- The controller handles closed-loop motion control, machine control functions, and communicates with operator interface devices and the communication bus.
- Motion of one axis needs to be coordinated with other external machine events or other axes, requiring communication between controllers.
- A practical methodology outlines typical steps involved in designing a PMC system, starting with defining the purpose and functionalities of the machine.
- The required motion should be decomposed into various coordinated moves as part of designing a PMC system.
Test your knowledge of programmable motion control systems with this quiz. Explore the benefits, components, and applications of PMC systems, as well as the software-coded coordination between axes and the design methodology involved.
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