Motion Control and Industrial Automation

Motion Control

Motion Control encompasses technologies and components that regulate the moving mechanical parts of an automatic system.

Controlled movement refers to systems and technological devices for the control and management of complex movements. Typically, Motion Control techniques are related to positioning machinery and actuators.

Motion control is applied in automated processing lines with planned and modulated events. These types of operations require the movement of the product through moving mechanical parts. Planning and controlling movement becomes crucial during the design and assembly phase of the automatic machine.

Controlled movement is one of the newest sectors where mechatronic application could qualitatively increase industrial performances. Automation, precision engineering, and micro-manufacturing are the environments where the use of controlled movement systems is extensively required.

Current applications in Motion Control

Applications currently included in Motion Control are servo drives, servo motors, actuators, I/O management applications, and support for dedicated communication networks.

The structure and functionality of a complex movement system consist of several individual movements. Each contributes to regulating the desired functionality and performance, as well as efficiency. Mechanisms through actuators are the main components of the movement system.

Adequate measuring instrumentation then makes the operational cycle automated.

For actuators to receive command signals sent, measuring devices and appropriate processing systems must be paired.

Data flow must then be activated. A controlled motion system also includes management software and a human-machine interface.

Importance of controlled movement in automation

When talking about servo motors and servo systems, it becomes necessary to delve into the concept of open and closed-loop systems. The system dedicated to controlling movements in automation is a PLC or Motion Controller or CNC (numerical control).

In this innovative context, the role of Motion Controllers becomes key in the industrial automation landscape. They are very advanced electronic devices designed with one specialization: structuring the movement of machinery.

The coordination function is extended to the acceleration, speed, and position of actuators and motors. The commands coming from the main control unit, for example, a PLC, are translated into regulatory electrical signals.

These devices contain sensors (encoders) that can provide real-time data on the position and speed of actuators. Thus, it becomes immediate to modify and apply corrections to restore the movement as originally intended. The components of a controlled movement system integrate a motion controller that controls the mechanical trajectories of the actuator. An amplifier also transforms the controller signal into energy transferred to the actuator.

Motion controllers find application space in automated production lines, CNC machine tools, and injection molding and extrusion processes. Leveraging their immense precision, motion controllers are also used in inspection and quality control areas. Complex operations can benefit from flexible support in various applications, allowing motion control devices to be considered a great opportunity for exponential growth.