Unique Features
The following paragraphs describe certain features
of the
iQ
Servo system that may be useful for some
applications.
Teachable Top of Stroke Position
The position from which the press initiates a weld
cycle and to which it returns afterward is called Top of
Stroke. With the
iQ
Servo Press, that position can be
defined anywhere within the available stroke using direct
numeric entry or position teaching.
The benefits of this feature are:
•
Enhanced ability to optimize the required down
stroke, which can be done without repositioning
the thruster on the support column.
•
Setup simplification. In situations where there are
similar applications, the operator may want to keep
the thruster position on the column the same. This
can be done by creating various setups each with
differing Top of Stroke positions, minimizing cycle
times without having to change the position of the
thruster on the column.
•
Application switching repeatability. By avoiding
changes in the thruster position on the column for
different applications, changeovers between ap-
plications are highly repeatable due to digital Top
of Stroke position control.
Setup Switching
A setup contains all the programmed parameters for one
particular process. On an iQ Servo Press, the setup can
be saved digitally in memory. All settings, including
the home position, speed control, Top of Stroke and
others are saved as part of a particular setup.
NOTE
:
The only mechanical adjustment that might be needed
is the repositioning of the thruster on the column. If
the thruster is moved up or down when going to a new
program, Sensing Start Distance (or Trigger Position)
and Travel Limit have to be adjusted accordingly.
One instance of the use of this feature is as follows. A
file is created for the setup of Part #1 and another file
for the setup of Part #2. After running a batch of parts
with the Part #1 setup, a switch to running parts for
the Part #2 setup can be made quickly. Just load the
saved file for Part #2, and the
iQ
Servo Press is ready
for a different operation.
The benefits of this feature are:
•
Time savings due to quick program switching.
•
Enhanced setup repeatability due to digital
parameter control.
Duplicating Process on Multiple
Machines
If welding a high volume of parts, one of the main
goals is to achieve repeatable results. It is likely
that more than one machine will be welding parts
simultaneously. With the iQ Servo, multiple
machines (welders) can easily be programmed
to duplicate a known process. With pneumatic
systems, this presents a dilemma because of all of
the minor mechanical differences that exist from
welder to welder. Another consideration that can
be problematic is government and agency approval
that may need to be completed. ISO acceptance and
FDA audits can be treated with greater confidence in
the process and in the results for the iQ Servo Press.
For a process that is audited on a regular basis or has
a part that FDA needs to inspect, the iQ Servo Press
has advantages of repeatability that can’t be matched
by a pneumatic press.
The benefits of this functionality are:
•
Reduced welder-to-welder variability.
•
Time savings due to elimination of pneumatic
component adjustments.
Page 111
Dukane Manual Part No. 403-587-00
Section 6 - Optional Control
