9. Choose the right motion controller for the job.

   Specifying the wrong type of motion control is a common issue. However, picking the right tool for the job can save both initial costs and engineering time. For example, many single-axis applications can be performed using the on-board motion control available in the digital drive. The same is true of simple point-to-point multi-axis motion. Using the on-board motion can save a lot of money and programming complexity, because you can use a less powerful PLC as opposed to a PLC with built-in motion.

10. Know the warning signs of impending failure.

    Typically, performance issues occur at higher speeds or higher axis counts. For example, some controls start losing performance after an engineer adds a 10th axis, requiring another processor be added. This leads to issues regarding the close coordination of the axes connected to different processors, as well as the cost of the additional processor. The warning signs begin to appear when the designer tries to increase the speed of the machine: He or she will start to see missed parts, inaccurate positioning, and other anomalies. When using intelligent digital drives, this issue goes away, as the drives each carry their own position loop, thereby reducing the load on the main motion processor.

    Tips 9 and 10 provided by Joseph Biondo of Festo Corp.

Industry expertise

Chuck Lewin
Performance Motion Devices Inc.
(781) 674-9860
www.pmdcorp.com

Wayne Baron

Galil Motion Control
(800) 377-6329
www.galilmc.com

Joseph Biondo

Festo Corp.
(631) 435-0800
www.festo.com

Next month's Top 10 article will focus on motion programming. Questions or comments? Send a message to: frances.richards@penton.com.