Plastics News correspondents Michael Lauzon and Roger Renstrom reported these items from NPE 1997, held June 16-20 in Chicago.
Fuji controllers show merit of fuzzy logic
Master distributor Total Temperature Instrumentation Corp. of Williston, Vt., showed the benefit of fuzzy logic algorithms with proportional-integral-derivative Autotune technology in Fuji Electric Ltd.'s new PX series of nine process controllers.
Fuji completely redesigned the controllers, priced from $159-$400, to minimize time in reaching the setpoint and virtually eliminate overshoot.
The controllers learn a process using PID parameters as a starting point and apply a flexible set of if-then rules to appropriate functions. PX-series sizes include 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 DIN, and 72 millimeters
Company introduces analog/digital gauge
Industrial Sensors Inc. introduced what it claims is the first analog/digital melt-pressure gauge.
The DPG 0250 combines the convenience of a traditional analog gauge with the precision and reliablity of a digital readout for precise local pressure measurement. It includes a rigid, 6-inch stem, double overload capacity and 1 percent combined error capability, according to the Winchester, Mass., company.
Industrial Sensors debuted a portable calibration station for testing melt-pressure sensors on the production floor. The CST 2000 weighs only 24 pounds.
The firm's other new products included a nonfilled transducer and a transmitter for food-packaging uses, a series of low-cost melt-pressure transmitters, and a low-cost, microprocessor-based indicator for extrusion operations.
Balluff Inc. displays small transducers
Control equipment supplier Balluff Inc. of Florence, Ky., exhibited the first in a new series of small, accurate, inexpensive transducers.
The BTL-5R linear position sensor, which costs about $500 for the traditional magnetostrictive style, is a drop-in replacement for most transducers and linear potentiometers on injection molding machines. Through magnetostriction, the magnet induces a positioning signal in a filament within the transducer body.
The sensor brings noncontact and wear-free position feedback to control of clamp stroke, injection, die height, ejection and other positioning applications. The BTL-5R is available in stroke lengths to 142 inches and provides linear control of plus or minus 0.02 percent.
Other uses include machine tools, automated assembly equipment and measuring machines.
Vulcan Machinery exhibits servo drive
Vulcan Machinery Group says its new SLC Coiler that was on display at NPE features a coordinated, fully programmable, digital, dual-axis alternating-current servo drive.
The Akron, Ohio, company claimed these features allow a significant increase in coiler response and operating range compared with its previous coilers with analog direct-current motor-driven spindles and independent servo traversers. Vulcan said the dual-axis servo control allows ranges in excess of 2000 to 1.
Vulcan programs the coiler at its factory to eliminate the need to adjust potentiometers during initial setup and for different applications. The coiler's ultrasonic dancer senses the position of the loop of the tubing or profile and adjusts the speed of the coiler drive to maintain this loop.