Pendant takes programming in hand

A SMAC Europe product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 5, 2004

A novel programming pendant answers customer requests for a programming method that does not rely on a computer and does not require any detailed programming knowledge from the user.

The SMAC Programming Pendant has been developed in response to customer requests for a programming method that does not rely on a computer and does not require any detailed programming knowledge from the user.

The device is aimed primarily at gauging and switch test applications, particularly in the automotive industry where SMAC has seen substantial growth due to their actuators suitability for high-speed 100% inline inspection of parts.

The handheld pendant is used to send instructions to the SMAC LAC controller via the RS232 port.

These commands are interpreted by the controller and stored in the appropriate sequence for execution during automatic operation.

Up to four axes of motion can be programmed with up to 40 steps of motion within the program.

The system can be commanded to carry out key motion functions of the SMAC moving coil actuator such as high speed moves to position, soft-landing and applying force.

It can also be setup to read position and force and to perform comparisons on these parameters.

The user is prompted to provide go/no-go tolerances at each point of the measurement cycle.

In this way applications such as switch testing and component measurement can be programmed.

The motion profile for the system is set up by the user manually jogging the system through the desired motion path using the pendant.

Intermediate positions and functions are stored as required.

A "master" part will be required for teaching and setup of the system.

At the end of the teach sequence the unit is placed in the "autorun" state.

SMAC is currently running the pendant at beta sites and anyone interested in participating in these tests should contact the UK SMAC office for more details.

Find out more about this article. Request a brochure, download technical specifications and request samples here.

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