Feed-to-Stop Control
Our FTS™ software module is engineered specifically for controlling roll-feed applications.
Our FTS™ software module is engineered specifically for controlling roll-feed applications. The program is embedded within the controller of a Unico drive, eliminating the need for an external control rack.
When used in conjunction with a programmable controller, the drive forms a powerful automation work cell that can either stand-alone or be easily integrated with other Unico automation cells to build a complete control system for a metal-processing line. Embedded control reduces system complexity while taking full advantage of the exceptional performance, flexibility, and ease of use of Unico drives.
Overview
Features
Literature
Overview
Single-Stroking Profile Mode
In this mode, the feeder follows an internally simulated profile using the feed initiate and cut
engage inputs to control the feed cycle. The feeder starts the feed when the feed initiate input
is set. When the feed is complete, the feed complete output is set. The shear can then be cycled
to clear feed initiate and set the cut engage bit. When cut engage is set, the feed complete
output is cleared. As the shear continues to cycle, the feed initiate input is again set to
start another feed.
Synchronous Profile Mode
In synchronous profile mode, the feeder is electronically line-shafted to the press or shear. It
follows an external reference signal, typically a pulse generator or a resolver mounted on the
press or shear. By taking advantage of the full feed angle, this mode results in higher
production rates while minimizing slippage. The feeder responds quickly to changes in line
speed, allowing the line to accelerate rapidly without the risk of jamming. The feeder never
operates faster than is necessary, thereby minimizing violence in the loop between the feeder
and the leveler.
Trapezoidal Mode
Trapezoidal feeding smoothes the command by rounding the sharp corners of the velocity profile.
While most feeders operate in a profiling mode, the trapezoidal mode can be used to attain the
lowest speed for a given length.
Jog Feed
Jog feed is a manual function useful during set-up that jogs the feeder forward or reverses one
part length. When the length is reached, the drive stops and remains in position until the jog
feed input is received again. The drive can also be jogged any distance forward or reverse.
Single Feed
The single feed function feeds one length at a pre-programmed speed. The single feed input must
be toggled for subsequent single feeds.
Back-Up
The feeder can be commanded to reverse slightly after the shear or press has gone through the
bottom dead center. This reduces material drag on the rising blade and improves blade life. It
also helps prevent damage to the leading edge of the material.
Micro Adjust
The micro-adjust feature minutely adjusts the feed length by adding or subtracting a programmable
offset to the current feed length.
Quick Length Change
Lengths may be quickly changed on the fly by entering a new length into the next length
location, then setting an input to make the changeover.
Multiple Part Counting
The operator can specify the number of parts to be counted in applications where multiple pieces
are cut or stamped with each feed or die hit.
Batching
The operator can set up batches consisting of a number of feeds of a given length that the drive
will perform before stopping.
Early Warning
An early warning output is set when the batch is nearly completed. The output can be used to
alert the operator or to slow the line down.
Velocity Clamping
The feed velocity may be clamped to a reference or input velocity. In conjunction with loop
control, this feature can be used to control line speed on shear lines.
Pilot Pins
Pilot pins are typically used to align the indexed feed within a die. The feeder reduces its
torque limit when the pilot pin is engaged in the material to allow the alignment to occur. When
the pilot pin is released, the feeder can either reset its position using the newly aligned
position as its zero points or maintain its current position.
Press Cam Outputs
The program monitors the feedback device on the press or shear and generates up to eight outputs
that can be configured to turn on or off at specified press positions. These outputs can trigger
various other line functions and replace mechanical cam switches.
Reject
A reject function is provided to allow the operator to reject material of in specified lengths.
A reject output may be used externally for proper counting and stacking.
Feed and Delay
A programmable delay allows the user to adjust the time between the completion of a feed and the
firing of the shear to meet machine requirements.
Line Pulse Generator
While most feeders operate using a line pulse generator (LPG) to track material movement, some
lines do not have a measuring wheel or operate without an LPG at certain times. An input allows
the user to selectively enable and disable this functionality.
Programmability
The control can be customized to a specific installation using UEdit™, a powerful Windows-based
programming tool that lets users add their own ladder logic and function block programming.
Features
Inputs & Outputs
A variety of input/output functions are provided for integrating the feed-to-stop control with
external devices. The user can select the functions required by a given system and specify their
corresponding hardware or serial I/O points.
Inputs
- motor on
- fault reset
- manual
- auto
- auto run
- jog forward
- jog reverse
- jog feed forward
- jog feed reverse
- feed initiate
- motion enable
- cut engage
- line pulse generator enable
- single feed
- profile
- single-stroking profile
- back-up feed
- pilot pin
- load length
- acceleration 1
- tuning 1
- fast stop
- batch reset
- clamp velocity
- reject
- micro adjust reset
- micro adjust positive
- micro adjust negative
- reset position
Outputs
- relay outputs 1-4
- outputs 0-31
- serial outputs 0-15
- motor on
- no fault
- manual
- auto
- motion
- reverse motion
- forward motion
- feed plus delay
- batch complete
- line pulse generator enable
- profile
- single-stroking profile
- pilot pin
- reject
- feed complete
- press reference
- feed initiate
- feed error
- cut engage
- early warning
- cam 1
- cam 2
- cam 3
- cam 4
- cam 5
- cam 6
- cam 7
- cam 8
- motor rms warning
- thermal warning
Literature
Corporate Headquarters
- Unico
- 3725 Nicholson Rd.
- P. O. Box 0505
- Franksville, WI 53126-0505
- 262.886.5678
Join Our Team
- Drop in your resume at –
- hr@wodehousecapital.com
- + 91 22 66336600
Contact Unico Support
Reach us for any enquiry
Disclaimer
Please see our Privacy Policy which outlines the types of information we collect and how we use it, and that we will respect your wish to opt-out of our communications at any time.
Corporate Headquarters
- Unico
- 3725 Nicholson Rd.
- P. O. Box 0505
- Franksville, WI 53126-0505
- 262.886.5678
Join Our Team
- Drop in your resume at –
- hr@wodehousecapital.com
- + 91 22 66336600
Talk to our Sales Team
Our sales professionals are eagerly awaiting your questions. Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch. If you’re looking for product support click here
Disclaimer
Please see our Privacy Policy which outlines the types of information we collect and how we use it, and that we will respect your wish to opt-out of our communications at any time.