Conform™ automation with gap sensing and control

Kafeel A. Khawaja, Lakmal D. Seneviratne

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The paper presents the results of an investigation into the automation of the Conform™ Extrusion process. For the Conform™ extrusion process to run efficiently and achieve high product quality, it is critical to maintain a wheel-tooling gap within close tolerances of a pre-defined value. An active high temperature gap sensing system is discussed that is implemented on copper Conform™ machines. The results from gap measurement tests, using a capacitive sensing system, are presented. The operator sets a desired gap using an LVDT-based feedback PID controller with a hydraulic actuation system. The benefits of the sensing system and the need for an automatic gap control system and associated benefits are also discussed. A micro-controller based feedback system is being developed, at present, for providing automatic control to maintain a required gap, specified by the operator. By providing gap sensing and semi-automatic control, less flash (waste) is produced. This will be improved further with automatic gap control. The research is carried out in collaboration with Holton Machinery Ltd, a leading manufacturer of Conform™ Extrusion machinery.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publicationRobotics, Automation, Control and Manufacturing
Subtitle of host publicationTrends, Principles and Applications - Proceedings of the 5th Biannual World Automation Congress, WAC 2002, ISORA 2002, ISIAC 2002 and ISOMA 2002
Pages147-153
Number of pages7
StatePublished - 2002
Event9th Int. Symp. on Robotics and Applications, ISORA 2002, 8th Int. Symp. on Manufacturing and Applications, ISOMA 2002 and 4th Int. Symposium on Intelligent Automation and Control, ISIAC 2002, Held within the World Automation Congress, WAC 2002 - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: 9 Jun 200213 Jun 2002

Publication series

NameRobotics, Automation, Control and Manufacturing: Trends, Principles and Applications - Proceedings of the 5th Biannual World Automation Congress, WAC 2002, ISORA 2002, ISIAC 2002 and ISOMA 2002
Volume14

Conference

Conference9th Int. Symp. on Robotics and Applications, ISORA 2002, 8th Int. Symp. on Manufacturing and Applications, ISOMA 2002 and 4th Int. Symposium on Intelligent Automation and Control, ISIAC 2002, Held within the World Automation Congress, WAC 2002
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando, FL
Period9/06/0213/06/02

Keywords

  • Conform™
  • Extrusion
  • Gap measurement
  • High temperature sensing

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