M-SHAFT

Cyclically recurring production sequences mostly consist of several associated motion axes. These actuators are operated here in a precisely defined sequence. Mechanical cams were previously used for synchronization tasks. M-SHAFT makes it possible to create a virtual form of this rigid coupling. The production of an individual workpiece corresponds here to a rotation of the upright shaft. The positioning of the individual motion axes is linked to this rotation. This transformation of the motion sequence from a time value to a rotation angle offers an essential benefit: Even with a varying production speed, the set motion sequence is always performed automatically. The tedious work involved in manually changing the motion profiles thus becomes a thing of the past.

• Software module for coordinating cyclically recurring motion sequences
• An upright shaft synchronizes up to 32 motion axes
• Position profile is set individually for each axis
• Production speed (speed of the upright shaft) can be changed during operation
• Configuration and diagnostics via the SolutionCenter
• Commissioning user interface (SHAFT-Monitor)
• Library for IEC 61131-3 PLC programs

Synchronized motion sequence despite changing production speed 

The upright shaft is the core of M-SHAFT. It rotates precisely 360° for the production of a workpiece. All the associated motion axes therefore complete their set profile exactly once during this cycle. The setting of set profiles relative to the upright shaft position offers an inherently key benefit: It is maintained even with a changing production speed. Higher quantities per time unit thus lead to the set profile output in shorter time frames. Thus, even complex application programs can be designed and implemented in the shortest possible time.

Motion paths individually designed 

Characteristic positions of the individual axes are defined by means of individual support points distributed over the 360°. M-SHAFT interpolates between these points and forms a continuous motion path. The interpolation types used make it possible to focus on high production performance or keeping any jerks to a minimum. The system can also be automatically optimized to maximum production speed. The M-SHAFT Table Interpreter calculates the best possible distribution of the set support points over the 360° and thus relieves the user. 

Creating applications easily 

A high-level sequence program mostly takes over the coordination of M-SHAFT and the supplied feed and removal systems. M-SHAFT is integrated directly in this application program via the IEC 61131-3 library. This enables starting a plant up to required production speed from one central location.

The "SHAFT Monitor" commissioning user interface permits the complete parameter assignment and manual operation of the M-SHAFT. Highly dynamic processes are recorded directly on the controller by the Scope 3 software oscilloscope and fully visualized on the PC. In this way, a complete overview is always ensured. This not only shortens the time required for the initial commissioning, but also enables fast troubleshooting during operation.