DESCRIPTION

Technical Description

The IA 520 training system presented here represents a fully functional CIM cell (CIM = Computer Integrated Manufacturing). The system allows an automated manufacturing process to be created. The IA 520 demonstrates the basic processes of handling (robots), manufacturing (CNC machining), and control (PLC). An overhead robot on a travel unit supplies two CNC machines with raw parts taken from a magazine. The machined dimensions of the parts are checked in an inspection station before the parts are placed in a finished parts store. Defined planning and control data is used to control various machines. The relevant data is stored in a software program, and is processed by the control units of the individual machines. A PLC system monitors and controls the process. The manufacturing cell is equipped with all necessary sensors and control devices.

The control and programming software for the CNC machines, the robot, the travel unit and the software for the PLC (monitoring and control) are installed on two PCs. The sequences in the CIM cell can be altered by modifying the PLC programming. Using a patchboard, control inputs and outputs can be interconnected such that the machines can be flexibly configured and custom concepts implemented (such as the integration of additional elements). A demo program for a manufacturing process is included.

Safety devices prevent reaching into the working area during operation of the CIM cell.

The well-structured instructional material sets out the fundamentals and provides a step-by-step guide through the experiments.

Learning Objectives / Experiments

- creating part data
- writing a CNC program 
- programming an industrial robot, including teach-in
- programming a travel unit
- programming a PLC
- analysis of process sequences
- intermeshing individual sequences
- investigation of the kinematics of robots
- development of safety concepts
- starting up and shutting down automated systems
- response to malfunctions