Posted to News on 15th Jun 2020, 12:47
Roll feed and winding web length measurement
Wachendorff LMSMA length measurement systems optimise length, position and speed feedback in numerous roll winding and web-based machinery applications. The length measurement system includes a novel spring-loaded arm design that facilitates straightforward mounting, fast pressure adjustment and suitability for use with any surface material. Variohm EuroSensor is Wachendorff's exclusive UK distributor, and the LMSMA series is based on the German manufacturer's industrial incremental or absolute rotary encoders for linear positioning resolution ranging from 1mm to 8 microns per pulse. LMSMA is available in four standard design options, each with a choice of four incremental encoder resolutions to suit the required linear positioning requirements. The units feature a choice of 200mm or 500mm measuring wheels, and the encoder/wheel assembly is mounted on the special spring-loaded arm. It can be mounted onto a machine using its integral base-plate, or alternatively mounted via a pre-assembled anodised aluminium angle-bracket. Both options are designed for use with commonly available profile rail systems.
The four standard products use Wachendorff 's WDGI 58B series encoders with HTL/TTL output for A, B and N channels. As well as the measured length, web speed and position can be derived from the encoder pulses, and an IP67 protected aluminium housing with stainless steel shaft and fittings means that the encoder is suitable for use in harsh industrial environments. The complete assembly is robust and a choice or three measuring wheels is available to suit various web materials including paper, foil, metals and textiles. The WDGI incremental encoder may be substituted with its absolute counterpart, the WDGA series, with EnDra (multiturn) and QuattroMag (single turn) magnetic technology for more exacting accuracy: a choice of communication profiles including CANopen CiA 301, PROFINET, EtherCAT is available. For operators to benefit from minimal material changeover times, fast pressure adjustment and reduced machine downtime, the design of the spring-loaded arm includes a novel preloading mechanism which does not require the wheel measurement assembly to be removed from the machine. A single captive-screw allows the wheel to be rotated towards the roller and, with interlocking teeth on its base-plate, fixed firmly in position in incremental steps of 5Nm to ensure optimal adjustment.
Further, for the setup, maintenance and adjustment of other areas on the machine, the complete wheel assembly does not need to be removed but can be easily swung from its fixed position to a resting position by using a single locking pin. After adjustment the locking pin can be re-set and measuring wheel is once again at its pre-set optimum force setting. Variohm says that the application possibilities for the LMSMA series length measurement systems extend to the production, processing or printing of plastic and metal foils, carpets, vinyl flooring, textiles, paper and board as well as conveying lines for materials such as wood and other machinery processing long-length products.
As a Wachendorff distribution partner, and with partnerships with many other sensor suppliers as well as its own design and assembly expertise, Variohm says it provides comprehensive sales and application support across a wide range of position, force, pressure, load, and temperature sensor technologies for demanding measurement application solutions in industry, construction, agriculture, motorsports, research and more.
Go to www.variohm.com for further information about Wachendorff LMSMA length measurement systems.
