The Dude
Hot Rolled
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2010
- Location
- Portland, OR
I'm helping a customer implement mask sewing/processing and came up with a method to "weld" the polypropolene together using cheap soldering irons. I can "semi-automate" the process with just a foot valve and air cylinder but would like to take it a step further to at least control the timing. This would change the foot valve to a switch, activate a solenoid valve for 1-2 seconds to extend the cylinder, retract it, then shine a light after about 2 seconds to tell the operator they can pull the part (keep light on for a few seconds, then turn it off). About as "wash/rinse/repeat" as you can get.
Since it's for mask production, at this point it's only going on for maybe 7-8 weeks. Further automation/closed-loop control isn't likely justifiable (cylinder prox swtiches, temp controls, etc.). My knowledge is best suited to AD D05 series PLC which you can buy for about $90-100 but it's much more capable that what's needed.
Here's the minimum specs:
Ideally l20 VAC, 12 or 24 VDC power.
2 outputs. Could use another one just to indicate the power is on.
1 input for the cycle switch.
Cheap/free ladder logic software (that's the only control language I know, probably take to long to learn a new language unless I can find someone local to program it).
I did find a cheap "Module FX1N-14MT-2" PLC (open board, no case) on eBay, looks like it would work. Uses Misubishi GX Developer Or GX Works2 software that I could likely learn pretty quick.
Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I investigated the PI a year ago for another application, main concern is learning C++ or whatever the language was. Do you think there's someone who'd be willing to write a program for it?
We'll likely be building at least 10 of these, up to 15-20 depending on final cycle time & demand. Not "super urgent", if I can't find anything cheap, quick to buy and easy to implement, I'll keep it with just a foot valve.
Thanks,
The Dude
Since it's for mask production, at this point it's only going on for maybe 7-8 weeks. Further automation/closed-loop control isn't likely justifiable (cylinder prox swtiches, temp controls, etc.). My knowledge is best suited to AD D05 series PLC which you can buy for about $90-100 but it's much more capable that what's needed.
Here's the minimum specs:
Ideally l20 VAC, 12 or 24 VDC power.
2 outputs. Could use another one just to indicate the power is on.
1 input for the cycle switch.
Cheap/free ladder logic software (that's the only control language I know, probably take to long to learn a new language unless I can find someone local to program it).
I did find a cheap "Module FX1N-14MT-2" PLC (open board, no case) on eBay, looks like it would work. Uses Misubishi GX Developer Or GX Works2 software that I could likely learn pretty quick.
Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions. I investigated the PI a year ago for another application, main concern is learning C++ or whatever the language was. Do you think there's someone who'd be willing to write a program for it?
We'll likely be building at least 10 of these, up to 15-20 depending on final cycle time & demand. Not "super urgent", if I can't find anything cheap, quick to buy and easy to implement, I'll keep it with just a foot valve.
Thanks,
The Dude