October 2019

43 www.drivesncontrols.com October 2019 PLC andmotion control functions. Sequences are quick and easy to program via a graphic programming environment known as Pipe Network, which unravels the complex relationships in the cutting process and represents them on a modular basis. Each partial motion can be set independently. The modular approach makes it easy to optimise the cutting process for pipes of different sizes and materials. Pipe Network replaces complex programming by a graphic description created using drag-and- drop techniques. Starting with a virtual master, all functions and relationships between components, as well as all movements and settings, can be defined using graphic description blocks. The graphical environment replicates the cutting machine architecture, including dependencies between the axes of an application. Users can, in effect,“draw”a machine at the same time as programming it. This allows engineers with little programming knowledge to master sophisticated mechatronic drive programming. During the cutting operation, the lever-type supporting disk and cam disk are synchronised, with the blade making a circular movement around the pipe. A superimposed motion involving the cam disk (implemented via a motion task or electronic cams) lowers the blades onto the material and cuts the pipe. With toughmaterials – such as precious metals – a scaled electronic camdisk kicks in as the lowering motion is initiated. This ensures that the blades speed up as they approach the material. The speed then decreases and continues to do so, regardless of the thickness of pipe wall. This precise form of motion control means that even duplex stainless steels can be cut smoothly. n The Variomachine can be seen in action at https://youtu.be/3jLWTS9sBhM MACHINE BUILDING n The cutting operations are supervised by servodrives with built-in motion controls A close-up view of the drum magazine