Application Story Center
| <<< Return to read applications for a different product |
DL305 Applications
We'd like to show the world how you're using Automationdirect.com products. If you have a story you'd like to share, please fill out this brief form. Stories posted on our Web site or in e-newsletters will receive a $100 credit. A $750 credit will be applied to customers whose stories are developed into full-length feature articles for publication in trade magazines. If you are interested in helping develop a story into a full-length feature article, please indicate so when you complete the application.
|
|
Application: DL305 system modernizes an injection stretch-blow molding machine Products Used: 305 family PLC w/D3-350 CPU Description: For this application, early 80's
relay logic controls were replaced on an injection stretch-blow molding
machine. Additionally, cycle times and process were stabalized. The 350
is currently controlling all timing and hydraulic and pneumatic outputs
for all mechanical machine functions on the four station injection stretch-blow
molding machine in manual, semi-auto and full automatic. All electrical
selector switches, function switches, limit switches and proximity switches
are used as inputs to establish which mode it is to be run in, and when
preform conditioning and blow functions are turned on and off. All told,
we replaced 78 relays (using up to 8 contacts in each) and were able to
add cylinder operation timers not previously installed to better control
the mechanical movements. Eliminating mechanical relays also had the added
benifit of speeding up dry cycle time due to the faster response time
of the PLC, versus the mechanical make/break time of relays. I found the
pricing of the AutomationDirect components to be lower for this application.
The technical help was excellent during the debug phase of the programming
and start-up. I also have the option of enhancing the operation of this
machine to include functions not normally installed. I can make program
changes on a laptop, idle the machine to change the logic, restart it
and monitor the functions as it runs. Submitted by: |
|
Products Used: DL350 PLC, DP-C320 touch panel, various DL305 I/O and bases Description: The DP-C320 Touch screen coupled to a DL-350 CPU enables ease of operation and data entry on the CoreTech Inc. Model CM-11 Automatic core cutter. The CM-11 is a heavy duty, fully automated core cutting system designed for maximum productivity. True "walk away" operation requires minimum tending, frees up personnel, and delivers continuous top quality output with repeatable close tolerance cutting accuracy. Engineered for 3-shift durability, the CM-11 offers simple, quick job setup and machine changeover for flexible production versatility. To eliminate much of the apprehension and confusion associated with numerous operators CoreTech has incorporated most of the operator's controls into the DP-C320 graphic touch panel. With the DL-350 CPU the operator can change up to 840 variables and still have room for future expansion. The DL-350 also communicates directly with the motion controller for instantaneously changing cut width on the fly. Submitted by: |
| Application: DL340 PLC drives spikes home for Norfolk Southern railroad Products Used: DL340 PLC, DC inputs, relay outputs Description: A DL340-based PLC is used to handle logic operations on a railroad spike driving machine. Older machines, which used relay logic, were an electrician's nightmare with dozens of relays and a mountain of wiring. The new control system includes three DC input modules that monitor operator inputs, limit switches, and proximity sensors. The four relay output modules power 27 hydraulic and pneumatic valves used to drive an assortment of cylinders, motors, and rotary actuators. The machine consists of a pair of independently controlled spike drivers attached to a mobile platform. It can be run by one or two operators, with one operator for each spike driver. Before allowing the machine to move, the PLC analyzes its inputs to make sure both operators are ready. After the machine has been positioned and an operator is ready to drive a spike, he presses one button which tells the PLC to step through the spike loading process. When the spike is loaded, the operator uses a joystick to position the driver and then presses a button to lower the driver to the tie. After the spike is driven, the operator pushes another button to raise the driver, and then he is ready to move on to the next tie. In the future we plan to add an Operator Interface to ease machine tuning. Submitted by: |
