[nelZ]

Has anybody out there done this?

Perhaps a nightmare for a novice considering stroke sensors and the like....

[keebler303]

If you are a true novice, then I'd say it might be a nightmare. It's not super complicated though. A new PLC would handle all the thinking and then you just have switches, sensors, relays, contactors, solenoid valves, temperature controllers, etc.

[Al_The_Man]

Posted in the Camsoft forum, so I assume your are considering this?
Should be a piece of cake for Galil?
Al.

[nelZ]

I've done a 3 axis mill with camsoft. how does the control see the speed, strokes and pressure feedback? Has it been done with camsoft?

We're thinking about a machine with way outdated and unsupported control. It's a BOY ! (it's a brand of machine)

Anyway, my maintenance expert at Boy said it was Very risky to buy a machine they only made for 4 years circa 1991, and indeed he mentioned retrofitting with a PLC.

I think that would be tough.... thoughts?

[nelZ]

I didn't find a forum devoted to PLC's here. Should there be, I don't know.

[camsoft]

nelZ,

Yes, it has been done. We can also supply a cleaned up set of files for both the logic that was used and operator interface, that already works, so you wouldn't have to do this from scratch. If you do decide to continue on, let the person here know you're already a customer. You'll receive a discount. Also this is a low cost non-CNC application that we've already done, so you won't have to work your way around any CNC features in the software or pay for CNC software. Typically the version called the Graphical Operator Interface software is only $247 to existing customers.


Tech Support
CamSoft Corp.
[email protected]
PH 951-674-8100
Fax 951-674-3110
PC Based CNC Control For The Machine Tool CNC Retrofit And CNC Controller OEM Market

[Al_The_Man]

I didn't find a forum devoted to PLC's here. Should there be, I don't know.

There are quite a few forums now to plow through, it can always be posted in the Electronics or software forums.
Al.

[Karl_T]

nelZ,

... Typically the version called the Graphical Operator Interface software is only $247 to existing customers.

!!! MAN I would have done my packing line with Camsoft for that price. Twice the power of a PLC and easier to program.

I'd use linear encoders for any position sensing. USdigital has some really inexpensive encoder strips.

Have you counted up how many analog inputs you need? If you're under eight any Galil card would do ya. 8-16 would need a 5 axis card. or, maybe Camsoft has another way to read analog inputs. if you don't run out of inputs, do your temp. controllers right in Camsoft.

20 years ago, I did molding machines, mostly working with parts pickers to take the part right out of the mold. Coordinating the picker PLC with the mold machine PLC was a real pain in the arse.

Karl