Citation
(1998), "Linear transducer maintains tension in automated system", Assembly Automation, Vol. 18 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1998.03318aad.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Linear transducer maintains tension in automated system
Linear transducer maintains tension in automated system
A Balluff BTL linear transducer has just been supplied by Multiswitch for installation on an automatic core winding and mould handling machine, which is used for the manufacture of pipe couplings for the gas and water industries. Produced by Madin (Ringwood) Limited specialists in automation, design and mechanical handling systems the complete machine performs moulding operations in the production of electro-fusion pipe fittings in a variety of sizes.
The family of Balluff BTL linear
transducers, available in the UK through Multiswitch. An example of the housed
model, shown in the foreground, has been installed by Marlin (Ringwood) Limited
on an automatic core winding and mould handling machine,used for the manufacture
of pipe couplings for the gas and water industries.
The fittings are moulded around a recycling stock of split core pins. At the start of the process, plastic-coated copper wire is wound from a reel on to the core pins, using a motor-driven reel spindle. Tension is controlled by an AC inverter and a "dancing arm", which is fitted with the BTL transducer. Providing an analogue ramp control of 0-10V into the inverter, the BTL alleviates any oscillation of the in-feeding wire by maintaining constant tension.
The BTL linear transducer is designed for ease of external mounting, with the measuring element protected within an extruded aluminium housing. The precise position is detected by a non-contact magnetic element, which, in the case of the Marlin machine, is mounted along the stroke axis of the "dancing arm".