The majority of machine builders incorporate into their machines off-the-shelf control components such as PLCs, HMI, and I/O with the aim of achieving the best price/performance ratio possible. The same price/performance advantages apply to motion control technology. Motion control is however far more complex compared to discrete control.
Selecting the correct motion control component or system for an application is not simply a matter of counting I/O and sizing the controller to match. The choice involves mechanics, the physics of speed and acceleration and the electronics of precision control. Machine builders can use pneumatics, electrical energy or a combination to drive the motion of mechanical actuators.
Festo’s EPCO Optimised Motion series comes with drive, permanently integrated motor, ServoLite controller and cables.
The electrically powered motion control market is growing faster than that of pneumatics because the price/performance ratio of electrically driven motion control has improved dramatically. However, both pneumatic and electric powered mechanical motion control have their place. They form a continuum from lower to higher cost and precision. Knowing where, when and why to apply one form over the other gives the machine builder, and ultimately the end user, the greatest potential for optimum productivity and lowest total cost of ownership.
Basic pneumatic control is typically 30 to 50% lower in cost than an electric motor solution for the same application. Pneumatics offers a reliable motion for simple in/out, up/down, and rotary applications requiring high-force and high-speed continuous motion. While standard pneumatically powered actuators are not designed for mid-stroke positioning or controlled velocity, servo pneumatic actuators offer infinite positioning. Today’s most advanced systems feature multi-bit digitally controlled valves. This precise control allows these systems to perform up to 30% more cycles per minute than standard pneumatic actuators.
The fastest growing segment of the motion control industry is intelligent digital servo amplifier/motors principally because servo motors coupled to the optimum actuator for the application deliver precise and highly repeatable motion control.
Electric servo motors are recognised for the ability to boost productivity and lower direct labour costs.
In determining the correct motion control solution, not only is it important to consider the motive force but also how that force integrates with the actuator technology rods, belts, screws, ball screws or linear motors. Each actuator technology offers different sweet spots in terms of load, stroke, velocity, acceleration, noise, stiffness, cost and flexibility. The soft issues such as ease of use, set up, and support are also factors.
Motion control applied correctly has the power to differentiate the machine builder’s product offering. Motion control that is easy to use and set up, straightforward to troubleshoot, and backed by a quality support team adds to the advantages of the physical solution.
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