Investigation of the performance of a linear drive in industrial applications

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis is to set-up the linear motor, program it through the host controller which in this case is the PLC, analyse its behaviour for different scenarios and finally compare the practical results with the results obtained from the simulation. The mechanical guideway is adjusted so that the linear motor is able to perform the required trajectory path as programmed by the user. The servo pack is programmed and configured so that all the required parameters are set appropriately. The position controller, speed controller and current controller are designed for optimal performance. A set of experimental tests are carried out using the linear motor with different types of controls such as speed control, position control or force control. The linear motor is put under different loads and given different trajectory paths. As the linear motor is executing the trajectory path, the resulting waveforms are obtained using the servo pack software namely the Sigma Win+. Several experimental tests are carried out in order to further tune the Servopack parameters to enhance its operation. This improved the accuracy and reduced the noise distortion to a minimum.