GE FANUC AUTOMATION LAUNCHES PACSYSTEMS DSM324I & GE FANUC I SERIES SERVO MOTION CONTROL SOLUTION
11 January 2005 - GE Fanuc Automation CNC Europe SA

Echternach, Luxembourg – GE Fanuc Automation has launched the new PACSystems DSM324i motion controller, which can improve machine uptime, increase application flexibility, decrease wiring costs and labour, and boost engineering productivity. To help OEMs optimise their motion control system for end user applications, the new PACSystems DSM324i combines powerful motion features with a robust fibre optic command interface to the broad range of high performance βi series GE Fanuc servos.

'High performance servo motion solutions such as the PACSystems DSM324i can dramatically improve machine cycle rates and accuracy compared to mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, stepper or other servo solutions,' said Karl Pickan, Product Leader Motion Products for GE Fanuc Automation Europe. 'Changeover time between product runs can be reduced from hours to minutes. Additionally, the fibre optic interface to the βi series servos can raise system flexibility by increasing the distance between servo nodes to up to 100 metres while dramatically improving noise immunity and reducing wiring costs. The improved speed and torque range, smaller size and lower inertia of the βis series servo motors can have a significant impact on machine cycle times and design flexibility to increase overall machine efficiency.'

The tight integration of the DSM324i with GE Fanuc's PACSystems RX3i Programmable Automation Controller or Series 90-30 PLC offers engineering productivity and greater machine application flexiblility, supporting a broad range of scalable I/O and communication options. Controlling up to four servo axes allows the DSM324i the capability of solving complex single- and multi-axis motion control applications. Additionally, the broad servo power and size range supported with the choice of incremental or absolute positioning feedback further extends application flexibility of the integrated system.

For increased uptime, industry-leading GE Fanuc servos offer exceptional reliability while the global network of GE Fanuc ensures long-term technical support and component availability.

'Changing a motion solution impacts machine performance, ease of use, mechanical design and spare parts inventory, so OEMs need to choose their solution carefully,' Baesel explained. 'However, with the backing of GE Fanuc, OEMs can cover a broad range of end user applications, supported by ensured long-term availability of the motion solution to minimise costly learning curves and redesigns due to obsolescence.'

The PACSystems DSM324i features extensive built-in diagnostics, boosting maintenance utility. Absolute feedback on the GE Fanuc βi series servos eliminates the need for the machine to find a home position each time it recovers from a power loss. The robustness of the fibre optic network provides high noise immunity, improving performance and system reliability to help minimise downtime.

Engineers can deploy the PACSystems DSM324i in a centralised or distributed architecture, based on individual application requirements. This architecture choice allows the control engineer to have flexible options without needing to learn or support multiple motion solutions. Additionally, multiple DSM modules may be installed in a single system to provide more axes of motion in an application. For increased flexibility, the new motion controller supports high-speed Local Logic and I/O, performing logical decisions, and supports high-speed I/O, synchronous with the motion control system. This is ideal for applications requiring high-speed registration control such as labeling or printing.

The PACSystems DSM324i also includes a powerful electronic CAM function. An electronic CAM is analogous to a mechanical CAM but will never mechanically wear out. Electronic CAMs allow machines to perform complex motion applications that require tight coordination between multiple axes. The CAM profile can follow a master encoder mounted on the machine, another controlled axis on the DSM324i or a time-based (virtual) master source within the same controller module. Some examples of applications that can benefit from CAM profiling are rotary cutoff, flying shear, profiled container filling, and material handling.

The DSM324i achieves single point of programming using GE Fanuc's universal programming environment, Proficy Machine Edition software. Proficy Machine Edition provides one environment for control, HMI and motion with powerful programming and diagnostic tools and a common tag database, greatly simplifying system engineering and increasing productivity. Additionally, the plug-and-play fibre optic interface to the βi series servos reduces the overall commissioning and maintenance time as no configuration is needed.

http://gefanuc-europe.com

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