NC Compact System Speeds Setting Up of NC Joining Modules with Force-Displacement Monitoring

Kistler: Standard joining processes, such as pressing bearings onto shafts, can be flexibly and reliably automated by the use of electromechanical NC joining modules from Kistler with integral force-displacement monitoring. Kistler's new NC Compact System now makes setting up and operation of these modules quicker and easier. As a closed system with integral controller and firmware it cuts capital expenditure and installation costs, reduces susceptibility to faults and facilitates integration into existing on-site control environments.

In addition to the NC joining module with matching IndraDrive servo controller, NC Compact System consists of firmware (NC Compact (Type 2159A)) and operating panel (Type 2158A) with 5,7" TFT touch screen display. The operating panel is used for configuring the parameters of a standard joining process, visualizing the process and backing up data. As it is not needed for ongoing operation, a single panel is sufficient for configuring the parameters of several joining modules.

The NC Compact firmware is preinstalled in the IndraDrive servo controller. It includes up to 16 programs with force-displacement monitoring and integral sequence control. Each program contains up to three windows for monitoring the joining stroke, two of which are for the joining process and one for the end point. The program monitors the joining forces in the pressure (forward) direction live at a sampling rate of up to 1 kHz. As well as the result ("OK" or "not OK"), the Profibus interface of the servo controller can transfer event values from window evaluation to the system PLC. The joining process can be switched off by means of a configurable force threshold (YTE), force control, force-triggered positioning and positioning with or without deformation compensation.

In addition to force-displacement monitoring, the NC Compact firmware includes integral sequence control with the three modes: Automatic, Stepping and Inching. Each program has available a configurable home position, a return stroke, a joining stroke and an intermediate position, which can be traversed or accessed at different speeds to suit the application. The user receives via the Profibus interface a simple command or status word for control purposes. On top of all this, almost all joining parameters can be changed or read by the system PLC via the fieldbus interface. A programmable high-speed switchoff system is used to monitor the return stroke. Each program has available OK/Not OK statistics for joining process diagnostics.

Depending on the program, two predefined measuring ranges can be used for NC joining modules NCFH (Type 2151B…) and NCFT (Type 2157A…) with integral piezoelectric force.

Kistler Group

Kistler’s core competence is the development, production and use of sensors for measuring pressure, force, torque and acceleration. Kistler’s know-how and electronic systems can be used to prepare measuring signals for use in analyzing physical processes, controlling and optimizing industrial processes, improving product quality in manufacturing and improving performance in sports and rehabilitation.

Kistler offers a comprehensive range of sensors and systems for engine development, automotive engineering, plastics and metal processing, installation technology and biomechanics.

A worldwide sales presence in the form of 25 group companies and 30 distributors ensures customer proximity, application support on an individual level and short lead times.

With a staff of 950, the Kistler Group is one of the world’s leading providers of dynamic measuring instrumentation. The Kistler Group achieved turnover of 215 million Swiss Francs in the 2008 financial year.