Solution


Atekon Technology Co., Ltd.

The Application of NA200 in Hydraulic Plate Bending Machines


Release date:

2020-04-07

The hydraulic plate bending machine equipment structure primarily consists of a frame, foot pedal switch, bending angle positioning mechanism, horizontal stop-and-locate mechanism, lower-pressure bending mechanism, and electrical control system, among other components.

  The hydraulic plate bending machine equipment structure primarily consists of a frame, foot pedal switch, bending angle positioning mechanism, horizontal stop positioning mechanism, lower-pressure bending mechanism, and an electrical control system, among other components.

  The bending angle positioning mechanism consists of a servo motor and a chain drive system, allowing for fine adjustments or automatic height adjustments to ensure precise height positioning. The horizontal stop mechanism is composed of a servo motor and a lead screw drive system, enabling accurate positioning of the workpiece width—whether through manual fine-tuning, automatic alignment, or even automatic selection among multiple steps during continuous bending operations, seamlessly achieving multi-position bending and positioning. The downward pressing action during bending is carried out by a hydraulic system, which can be operated via a foot pedal switch to enable three operational modes: jog, single-cycle, and continuous motion.

  

 

  (Image sourced from the internet)

How it works

The bending machine's operation process can be divided into three modes: jog, single-cycle, and continuous.

Step-by-step operation: Select the step-by-step mode, gently press the foot pedal to move forward slowly. As the bending mechanism presses downward, it will automatically stop when it hits the limit switch. During the downward movement, releasing the foot pedal allows for slow, controlled advancement, pausing at the current position. To return to the starting position, firmly press the foot pedal to initiate the return stroke; the bending mechanism will automatically retract upon contacting the upper limit switch, halting the motion. Finally, releasing the foot pedal during the return phase will bring the mechanism to a smooth stop at its current position.

Single Cycle: Set the holding pressure time, pressure-relief time, and the horizontal stopper's forward and retraction distances; adjust the horizontal stopper position accordingly. Select the single-cycle operation mode, lower the bending mechanism until it triggers the upper limit switch—then automatically return to the upper limit switch position. Step on the foot pedal for slow advancement, causing the bending mechanism to descend automatically. When the lower limit switch is triggered, the horizontal stopper mechanism retracts by the preset distance while simultaneously initiating the holding-pressure phase. Once the holding-pressure duration is reached, the system automatically releases the pressure. After the pressure-relief period ends, the bending mechanism returns to its original position, and at the same time, the horizontal stopper advances by the preset distance. Finally, when the upper limit switch is activated, the single bending cycle completes.

Continuous (Work Step):

(1) Set the holding pressure time, pressure-relief time, and the horizontal material-stop advance/retract distance; then adjust the position of the horizontal material stop properly.

(2) Set the number of steps and the positioning of the material stop for each step, as well as the number of bending operations.

(3) Select the continuous operation gear; when the bending mechanism descends without triggering the limit switch, it will first automatically return to the limit switch position. Then, step on the foot pedal for slow forward movement, causing the bending mechanism to descend automatically. Once the mechanism hits the limit switch, the horizontal material-stop mechanism will retract by a preset distance while simultaneously initiating automatic pressure-holding. When the pressure-holding period ends, the system will automatically release the pressure. After the pressure-release time elapses, the bending mechanism will automatically return to its original position, and at the same time, the horizontal material-stop mechanism will advance by a preset distance. Finally, upon contacting the upper limit switch, one bending cycle is completed, ready for the next bending operation.

(4) Once the current bending step is completed and the limit switch is triggered, the horizontal stop position automatically adjusts, allowing the system to proceed to the next bending operation.

(5) Once all work-step actions are completed and the limit switch is triggered, the continuous bending operation will come to an end.

Program Flowchart

System Architecture

This system uses the CPU201-2401 from the NA200 PLC series for control. The CPU201-2401 unit itself features an integrated 14-channel 24VDC input and 10-channel transistor output, with two common terminals for the outputs. The output channels are powered by a 24VDC drive supply and include two high-speed outputs, capable of operating either as PWM (100 kHz) or PTO (100 kHz). Additionally, an RS-232 communication port is available for connecting to a touch screen.

System I/O Allocation Table:

Signal Type

Device Name

PLC Address

Signal Type

Device Name

PLC Address

Discrete signal

Input signal

Upper Travel Switch

%I0004

Discrete signal

Output signal

Fast forward

%Q0005

Continuous Selection Button

%I0005

Slow progress

%Q0006

Tap-to-select button

%I0006

Return trip

%Q0007

Lower limit switch

%I0007

Angle Stepping Pulse

%Q0001

Single-selection button

%I0010

Angle stepping direction

%Q0008

Slowly pedal

%I0011

Feeding-step pulse

%Q0002

Return trip pedals

%I0012

Material-blocking stepping direction

%Q0009

Launch

%I0013

 

 

Stop

%I0014

 

 

  The equipment features a highly cost-effective NA200 PLC, providing a comprehensive solution that replaces the original single-chip microcontroller-based control system. This upgrade eliminates interference and instability issues, ensuring smoother operation and enhanced control performance. The equipment demands high precision in angle adjustment and material-stop positioning; therefore, it employs servo motors for both angular adjustments and automated material-stop positioning, delivering accurate movement and reliably meeting the stringent requirements of complex processes.

Keywords:


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