Overview

 

The Y Axis Conveyor mechanism is selected.

Users can navigate to any stage of the system using the Navigation Tree above.

For each stage, the specfic image is selected above right, and an axis toolbar with specific action buttons is displayed. In this case, the 'Conveyor Drive Mechanics' and 'Motion Sequence' buttons.

Summary performance details are also provided in the bottom right portion of the form.

The screenshots shown below are of the Conveyor Mechanics.

 

 



 Mechanics - Drive

Drive

Choose from the 12 drive mechanisms on the left toolbar.

There are actually 14 mechanisms, since both the Center and Surface Driven Winders can be configured for long flat materials as well as Spooling long small diameter materials like cables and wires.

Note: The number of mechanisms depends on the program version.

In this example, the Conveyor mechanism is chosen.

For each mechanism, there is an extensive list of parameters to define the mechanism, grouped under appropriate tabs.

Users can specify the Drive inertia values directly, or click on the Inertia & Mass Calculator button to calculate inertia and mass values. All inputs in the calculator are saved with the project.

 



 Mechanics - Belt

Belt

You can even specify specifc belt properties.

The belt rigidity is used to calculate the total stiffness of the mechanism [Nm/arcmin]. If the belt rigidity is not known, enter 0.

Specify the belt preload tension based on an absolute value in Newtons [N], or as a per cent of the maximum applied force to the belt.

Depending on your design criteria, typical belt preload values range from 50% to 150% or maximum applied force.

 



 Mechanics - Load

Load

Specify load parameters including a counterbalance mass and force.

Load parameters specified here are constant through the entire motion sequence. However, you can vary the load and thrust by each move segment, or even using a formula based on time, position, velocity, etc. This is done in the Sequence form. See our Thrust Formula tutorial for details.

 



 Mechanics - Limits

Limits

Specify mechanical limits in the Limits tab.

The required (Req'd) application values are also displayed.

If any of these limits are exceeded, they are reported in System Check.

System Check ensures all aspects of the system are within rated and user specified limits. System Check can be run from the Main form, and is also included at the begining of all reports including printed, pdf, doc, html, etc.