Retrofitting a CNC Punch Machine With AJAX ALLIN1DC

[hitechsolu]

Hello,
I'm in the process of evaluating a cnc punch machine model "Rainer 2011" for retrofit using an AJAX
ALLIN1DC plc and probably an expansion IN/OUT card for hydraulic mechanism actioning and feed back.
This machine uses a Fadal Series P-O cnc control with three AC servo motors "X" "Y" and "T". The "T"
motor is used for ATC (20 tools). This motor is coupled to a speed shifter which is coupled through a
belt to a geared wheel where tools are located ("tool wheel").

My first question is; How can I set up the PLC/PLC program to control tooling change mechanism through
a DC servo motor with encoder feedback, homing proximity sensor and probably a micho switch that
activates or closes with each tooth of the "tool wheel" while it is rotating or moving.

[Centroid_Liviu]

Are the servos AC or DC? You mention both in your post.

[hitechsolu]

Actual servos are AC. I'm planing to upgrade it to DC servos since ajax is not yet offering PLC control for AC motors/servos.

[Centroid_Liviu]

The MPU11/GPIO4D can be used if the existing AC drives accept a -10 to +10 volt signal. A differential quadrature encoder signal to the control would still be needed. In the very near future we will have an Ajax AC drive solution.

[hitechsolu]

That's good news!!!
However, I need to have some information about setting up the tool change system, which, by the way,
is operated with one of those AC servo drive/motor. In other words, how can I set up the PLC so that
when the program calls T3 for example the servo rotates and stops when this tool is in the cutting or
working position. Same thing for the rest 20 tools in the turret.

[Centroid_Liviu]

If you want to use a servo motor for the tool changer, that should not be a problem. You can’t label an axis T. It will need to something else like U. It just means that when homing, the system will always need to be stopped at tool bin 1, which can be used with the proximity sensor. The carousel will also have to be at a location where it can easily pick up the tool, which means that the position that the carousel is at the end of homing will be the center of the tool holder for bin 1. The homing file will need to be modified in order for the DRO to display 1.000” at that location. The DRO will now be your tool designator. That means that if you want tool 10, the DRO will show 10.000”. That also means that they will have to modify the revs/inch to match the tool changer. You will also need to customize the M6 in that it will take the tool number from the M6 Tx and move the U axis to the designated x location. I would also recommend modifying the PLC program so that it will not allow a user to accidentally jog that axis.

[hitechsolu]

Noted.
Now I know possibilities. To be honest, I have intalled many of this control but never dealed with tool
changing installation/set up.

Thanks for the info.

[CNC-Global]

Hello ,
I alredy did some of these m/c with cpu10 system
http://www.marsentp.com/pulsa8.htm
Here is the link for refrence.
Cam is basiclly the problematic issue u use a point to point punch type stratigy.
I specially develop a autocad to mastercam and then cnc10 g code program genration technique.
In short its a doable prject with centroid.
Here is another example with a advance servo based height controlable puch mechanisim
With centroid
http://www.marsentp.com/Trumpf_Trumatic-235.html

Aamir