Because implementing vibration damping and avoidance techniques requires a control system that can quickly adapt to varying process, material and application changes, Adaptive System technology is offered directly at the drive level, rather than at the higher control level.
Less vibration not only reduces dimensional variation and damage to the product, but also permits shorter stabilization and transient times to increase machine throughput. In addition, reducing vibration reduces mechanical stress, which extends machine life.
The system can handle high-speed inputs and deterministic events with closed-loop response times. For example, current closure can be accomplished in 62.5 microseconds, speed loop closure in 125 microseconds, and position closure in 250 microseconds.
The technology is implemented from the company's IndraMotion MLD drive-based motion logic controller. This platform supports all the Rexroth Adaptive System component technologies. IndraDrive intelligent servo drives with sensors monitor the status of axis mechanics. Additionally, the company’s Productivity Agent software uses the drive as an intelligent sensor to monitor, analyze, and reduce vibrations in real time.
With packaging applications that involve liquids, acceleration or deceleration of the package induces motion–or slosh–in the liquid. This negatively affects the folding, filling, sealing, and measuring processes. Because package movement is controlled by servo drives, using adaptive technology to minimize slosh provides several benefits. It reduces the requirement for empty reserve space in the container, which can help reduce the amount and expense of packaging material. Greater stability in the fluid meniscus also allows the use of optical level sensors to provide feedback to further optimize motion control. It also shortens stabilization times and cuts down on the transient time for contents to settle. This means faster filling, sealing and machine cycle times.
Adaptive System technology for controlling slosh is particularly beneficial in packaging lines for beverages, chemicals, oils, and pharmaceuticals. Packaging lines that implement anti-slosh motion control typically experience throughput improvements of 10 to 50%.
