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A significant proportion of the cost of a precise, high accuracy machine is found in the high standard
and quality of the components that have to be used in the build. However desirable to use low cost
components accuracy will be sacrificed. If accuracy is required then some other solution is required as
better quality brings a cost penalty.
With the introduction of
Error Compensation Mapping, ECM, this cost penalty is removed giving a cost
effective solution to a perennial problem.
An AMC controller with
Error Compensation Mapping
can compensate for less accurate mechanics on a variety of production machines, giving OEM's and system
builders, cost savings both in the components used and in labour intensive, lengthy, mechanical setting
up procedures.
NEE Controls Ltd introduce Error Compensation Mapping.
ECM has been created to produce a map of errors that exist for each axis between
the motor and load i.e. the axis arrangement to be moved. The map is then used by the NEE Controls Ltd
AMC range of motion control systems to compensate for axis inaccuracies
during the production of components and thus eliminating the measured error, providing a more precise
positioning system.
The ECM software communicates with the controller,
gathering information from the motor encoder as well as an additional linear encoder fixed to the load
end of the machine. The linear encoder is fitted as a temporary measure and it is this additional
information from the linear encoder that allows the errors to be calculated and stored.
The
information can be viewed in a text or graphical format for analysis. The data can be archived, so the
mechanical performance can be analysed during the service of a machine. The data gathered is stored as
a text file this may then be down loaded (flashed) to the controller along with the usual firmware and
configuration files as well as the store tool changing information,
multiple spindle offsets, and a variety of subroutines required to enhance the machine performance.
Prior to requesting the map data to be gathered the software is instructed how it is going to proceed
i.e. how often to sample data, which axis to use etc. This is done by using the
ECM wizard that guides the operator through the steps required before you begin
an initial mapping sequence.
Once the MAP data has been collected it may be displayed in a text or
graphical format.
A backlash file may be displayed as a graphical view, while the MAP file may be
displayed as either a text or in a graphic mode. The graphics display plots the information for you to
visually inspect a number of pieces of information including the recorded error with respect to zero,
the total distance moved, selection of the axis information to be displayed. More than one axis may be
displayed at any given time.
If position is pointed to on the graphics area the true X,Y
co-ordinates of the cursor position will be displayed, a properties dialog allows selection of which data
is to be displayed. This is most useful when working with multiple axis data. In addition to the graphical
display of your data from a single map file, a reference file may also be opened for comparison. Current
document views may also be printed out. Colours can be used within the graphic display, perhaps selecting
more contrasting colours for easier viewing.
The wizard guide gives step by step assistance through
the complete sequence from beginning to end to produce an error compensation file for your machine. Once
this is created then this is loaded into the AMC controller to compensate
for axis inaccuracies during the production of components and thus eliminating the measured error,
providing a more precise positioning system.
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