The applications for advanced motion control technology are incredibly varied and particularly useful for streamlining automated processes in manufacturing, construction, and related industries. Businesses that operate within these fields often succeed or fail based on their ability to maximize productivity, with any interruption to their workflow potentially proving costly. That’s why many companies have now seen the value of investing in high-end motion-control systems, hoping to gain every advantage to enhance their overall operational performance.
Keep reading to explore the ways motion-control systems can improve industrial automation and efficiency. We’ll also give a brief overview of how these systems work and how to get started integrating them into your industry.
Motion Control: What It Means
The term “motion control” is a broad one, generally referring to the control systems for the moving components of any mechanical equipment. This, of course, can be something as simple as an on/off switch, but it generally refers to a more complex method of controlling the various elements of automated machinery. Motion-control systems can be implemented in nearly any technology that provides movement for its component parts, such as in hydraulic, pneumatic, or electro-mechanical systems. Motion control technology makes it possible to send commands to valves, motors, actuators, and other movable elements of machinery.
Control systems are frequently computerized now and can provide an incredible amount of precision to the equipment that utilizes them. Frequently, these systems include a series of sensors installed throughout the machinery, allowing feedback to be sent back to the control panel, or “brain,” of the equipment. This is important for the efficiency of the system, as it allows machinery to only be activated when needed, keeping unnecessary movements to a minimum and reducing energy costs.
How Motion-Control Systems Maximize Precision
Modern automated applications require increasingly complex machinery, with many different moving parts that must work closely in tandem to achieve the desired results. Any system, however, is only as strong as its weakest link, and this is also true of automated machinery. Any inefficiency in the system or errors during the process will hamper the overall effectiveness of the process. Maximizing precision is a matter of ensuring that each of the varied elements in the technology work together as smoothly as possible.
The key to enhancing precision is communication, with an effective automated machine requiring a method for its different components to communicate with one another. A system may be open loop or closed loop, which refers to the feedback that the control system receives.
In an open-loop system, the controls activate the moving parts but don’t receive information about where the parts are or what they are doing after the signal has been transmitted. This is perfectly acceptable for many applications and allows for lower-cost motion-control systems.
More advanced systems, however, make use of closed systems, which update the controller with feedback about the position and other critical information about the moving components. This helps to maximize precision in the system and optimize overall efficiency.
Improving Output with Faster Response Times
In any industry, the success of any operation depends on the ability of the system to maximize output. Any wasted effort or excess downtime translates directly to lost income, which many businesses operating on narrow margins cannot afford. Advanced motion-control systems help to reduce downtime and improve output by increasing the response times of the different elements of the technology. There are several ways that this is accomplished.
As mentioned above, communication between the varied elements of the system is an important feature of a motion-control system, and one of the key benefits of this communication is the ability to improve the overall pacing of the machinery’s performance. Continuous feedback allows any problem areas to be identified and eliminated, preventing the machinery from stalling at critical times. This feature also extends to the maintenance of the equipment, alerting users to any needs with regard to repairs and preventing small problems from cascading into larger ones that can stop the machinery from operating effectively.
Using Technology to Optimize Workflow
Truly optimizing the workflow in any industry requires motion-control systems to be both reliable and adaptable. The systems should be able to be adjusted to keep up with the changing needs of the users, as this will allow them to remain productive even if the unexpected occurs. The best motion-control systems allow for extremely precise control over both the force and speed in the system, which is critical in industries such as manufacturing, where automated technology is commonly used.
Advanced motion-control systems also improve the interface between the machinery itself and its human operators. This process can be streamlined with the help of high-end programming software, such as Codesys or InteractX, which are designed to easily adapt to any number of different specifications, depending on the requirements of the equipment and the preferences of the users. Graphical systems, which may include intuitive touch screens or other modern features, further aid in the ease of use of motion-control systems.
For More Information
Just as no two businesses have the exact same requirements, there is no one-size-fits-all motion-control system that can be utilized in all machines. As we’ve mentioned above, some systems are open loop, and some are closed loop; some require massive speed, while power output is more important for others. To ensure you have the best possible motion-control system for the needs of your specific field, contact Aberdeen Dynamics. We utilize state-of-the-art systems that are designed not only to adapt to the needs of any business but also to reduce energy usage and provide a more “green” and environmentally friendly method of manufacturing. Explore our website to learn more about our available technologies and services.