Abstract
The results of an investigation into the automation of the Conform™ Extrusion process using mechatronic solutions are presented in this paper. Conform Extrusion is a very versatile manufacturing process, enabling the production of a wide variety of high quality products in continuous lengths. During Conform™ Extrusion, it is very important to maintain an appropriate gap between the wheel and tooling, in order to achieve product quality. An active gap sensing and control system for improving Conform Extrusion product quality is presented. The gap is measured using an air gauge system and controlled using a hydraulic actuation system. A feedback controller is employed to attain the required gap, specified by the user. By providing active gap control, less flash (waste) is produced at the start of the extrusion process when the conditions change from cold to steady hot working temperatures. Alternative gap sensing and measurement technologies have been investigated. In particular, research resul ts on an ultrasonic-based gap measurement technique are presented.
| Original language | British English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 533-538 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| State | Published - 2001 |
| Event | 2001 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics Proceedings - Como, Italy Duration: 8 Jul 2001 → 12 Jul 2001 |
Conference
| Conference | 2001 IEEE/ASME International Conference on Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics Proceedings |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Italy |
| City | Como |
| Period | 8/07/01 → 12/07/01 |
Keywords
- Conform™
- Control
- Extrusion
- Gap Measurement
- Sensors
