For the mechatronics learning topics (Basic to Professional), real production equipment, a mechatronics system, is provided, which consists of 3 stations. All 3 work stations can be used individually or be connected to form a larger system. The work stations described here are made of industrial components (industry standard).
The stations have interfaces (compressed air, power, data, Ethernet) to connect more stations. For connected stations, the emergency stop for each individual station is effective for the entire connected system. The individual stations are fully installed and fully functional on delivery.
The modular mechatronics system (mMS4.0) features the assembly of a cube-shaped housing. Thus, 2 housing cubes are prepared, connected to each other or fit together and stored. In order to provide various product types, a different color is used for each housing cube.
This station features a storage system. The finished housings are placed in a high rack storage system by a cartesian robot with a pneumatic gripper (4-axis system).
Notes for Station 3:
Station 3 “high rack storage” can be converted to a CNC system. This is possible without any change to the control hardware, but only by switching the firmware (different flash card).
Station 3 has its own control (IndraLogic L45).
The (industry-standard) control offers several specific possibilities:
1. PLC programming according to IEC61131-3 with the languages Instruction List, Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart, Structured Text
2. Convertible into a CNC control via Flash card (Station 3)
3. As preparation for Industry 4.0 (i4.0) learning topics: the control can be accessed with other programming languages (e.g. VisualBasic, C++, C#, Java, …) using OpenCore Engineering and control via a software program (e.g. LabView, MatLab/Simulink, Excel, Power Point,…) is possible. This is possible without PLC programming. By using high-level language programming it is possible to read data directly from the PLC, even parallel to a running PLC program (conversion of Big Data). Example of an i4.0 application that is possible with the control described above: direct control of a system with a LabView program (from the appropriate LabView lab) via the control, without needing to translate into a PLC programming language.
The following practice topics are addressed:
▶▶ Getting to know the system and PLC program
▶▶ Understanding the emergency stop circuit
▶▶ Commissioning of electric servo axes
▶▶ Monitoring and control of drive controllers with PLC
▶▶ Connecting power
▶▶ Moving to a specific point
▶▶ Loading and storing a workpiece (cartesian robot)
▶▶ PLC programming according to IEC 61131-3
The exercises are available online.
Exercises with solutions are available to the trainer.
The work station is equipped with the following components:
▶▶ Setup on an 800 x 550 mm aluminum profile plate
▶▶ Base: profile carriage 800 x 800 x 1350 mm (L x W x H) with electrically pre-wired control box, with the following and other components:
▶▶ IndraLogic L45 PLC, IEC 61131-3 compatible, convertible to CNC (see description above)
▶▶ Safety relay for emergency stop circuit
▶▶ Energy supply for 24V power supply
▶▶ Industrial machine control desk with quick-connect for grooved panel/perforated panel
▶▶ Maintenance unit for compressed air
▶▶ Conveyor with 24 V DC motor w/ 800m length to achieve transfer to next station with same conveyor
▶▶ High rack storage with at least 3 x 5 positions
▶▶ Cartesian robot for placement on high rack storage system, consisting of 2 electric servo axes, one pneumatic gripper, one pneumatic rotary axis and a pneumatic axis for moving the gripper to the conveyor or into the storage area
▶▶ Protective housing with door made of aluminum profile and plexiglass for Station 3. The door must be equipped with a safety latch
▶▶ Decentralized fieldline I/O, connection of system components with PLC via cable with M8 plugs
▶▶ Housing cubes made of aluminum, PVC (white) and PVC (black)
▶▶ IndraWorks programming software (one license)
▶▶ Documentation CD (operating instructions, operating diagrams, etc.)
▶▶ Ethernet switch for other needed network participants, e.g. PC, route, RFID etc