Smart control, global maintenance

Control configuration made easy

The RKX software makes it easier for users of the drive control system to configure individual control profiles. © RK Rose+Warrior

A total of eight RK MultiControl II duo drive controls regulate the lifting column system of the Leo joining table. Each control unit controls two to four lifting elements. Synchronization is handled by an integrated synchronization bus. The system is operated using the specially developed RKX software. The software makes it easier for users of the RK MultiControl II to configure individual control profiles and allows them to be saved. "With the standard version of the RK MultiControl II, eight control units and up to 32 lifting columns - four per control unit - can be networked with each other," explains Daniel Prenzel, the RK Rose+Krieger service employee responsible for Leo Feinwerktechnik. The control system is operated via PC or laptop, with the menu structure making navigation particularly easy. A clearly structured user interface and supporting aids such as explanatory videos contribute to this. The system also offers numerous individual setting options, including drive group management, relative and absolute positioning and integrated collision detection.

RK Rose+Krieger configures the software according to the customer's individual requirements. They can then make additional settings themselves and save them as profiles. The profiles can be called up at any time and no longer have to be entered manually on each control unit, eliminating a potential source of error.

Real-time data and remote maintenance

RKX stands out from comparable solutions thanks to two features in particular: The software displays motor currents and other operating parameters in real time - even in bus systems with up to 32 drives. In this way, distortions and other irregularities in the system can be detected immediately and eliminated at an early stage. Time-consuming measuring work such as connecting current load cells to each drive can therefore be significantly reduced. RKX provides all the data for the entire system at the touch of a button. Even more convenience is provided by the option of having service work carried out by RK service personnel anywhere in the world via digital remote maintenance - depending on internet availability and regulations in the plant. "The joining table, which is located in China, could be moved up and down from Minden - for example to clear blockages," explains Daniel Prenzel. The service technician can also reinitialize the lifting column(s) and start up the system remotely. However, reading out and exporting service and error histories as well as motor currents is typical. The evaluation of the currents usually already provides an indication of the possible cause of the fault. In this way, height adjustment users can identify and rectify long-term problems, which extends the service life of their entire system.

Recognize and eliminate weak points

Machine manufacturers such as Leo Feinwerktechnik in particular benefit from these features. "The height-adjustable joining table is a new development. We had to try out a lot of things. The control software from RK Rose+Krieger not only helped us with assembly, but also with identifying and eliminating weak points in the design," says Martin Leo. He had initially planned the height-adjustable joining table without the RKX control system. However, the more lifting columns were installed, the more frequently faults occurred, even though the load limit had not yet been reached in purely mathematical terms. "When the service technicians from RK Rose+Krieger came to help, they brought the new control software with them and discovered that the initial energy required to set the columns in motion was above the load limit. Without RKX, we would never have been able to do this," says Martin Leo. The control system also facilitated the coordinated movement of the individual lifting columns of the joining table during assembly.

Another advantage for machine builders like Martin Leo: if he builds an identical height-adjustable joining table in the future, he can simply transfer the configuration of the first table saved with RKX to the new system. If it is not an identical table, but a similar one, the saved configuration can be quickly and easily adapted using the new software.

Martin Leo is satisfied with the cooperation with the linear technology specialists from RK Rose+Krieger. The decisive factors were the design of the lifting columns, the user-friendly control software and the reliable service. If the lifting column system used in the joining tables proves its worth, Leo plans to continue using RK Rose+Krieger products in the future. "There are always follow-up orders and we like to concentrate on just a few suppliers when procuring machine components," he explains.