Achieve Flexible, Precise Control of up to 32 Motion Axes

Delta Computer Systems’ new RMC200 motion controller can perform closed-loop control of up to 32 axes simultaneously.

Machine designers and system integrators are always looking for ways to make machines and sophisticated test systems more productive. Often, this necessitates the use of multiple motion controllers working in tandem. 

For instance,  to speed up the process of handling pipe segments used in the oil-drilling process, a system integrator in Texas is developing a pipe-handling system using two RMC 151E motion controllers (16 dual control loops for position and force control) from Delta Computer Systems , Battle Ground, Wash., that talk to each other via a master PLC.  And a Midwest-based systems integrator is developing a large-scale press that must control and coordinate the motion of 10 cylinders operating simultaneously, transitioning smoothly from position control to force control. 

Some industrial testing machines don’t need numerous axes of control, but do require a large number of sensor inputs to provide feedback to the control loops. One such testing application at a metals manufacturer uses only one output but 32 inputs—a combination of position, speed, and pressure/force signals—to control each product strength test cycle.

To serve the needs of applications such as these, Delta Computer just released the RMC 200 closed-loop electrohydraulic motion controller.  With the capacity to handle closed-loop control of up to 32 motion axes, a single RMC 200 can manage the motion of a forest-product or metals-processing production line, or a complex testing application involving multiple sensor inputs.

The door to this output module used with the RMC200 opens to the right, displaying labels of the connection points. The terminal blocks (green) feature push-in wire connections with latch ejectors (orange) to reduce wiring time and simplify maintenance.

As with the other Delta controllers, the RMC 200 has capabilities for synchronizing the motion of multiple axes, enabling the construction of machines with scalable performance and quick production changeovers.  Also, like Delta’s other controllers, the RMC 200 provides built-in support for controlling pressure/force as well as position, velocity, and acceleration. The controller can transition smoothly between these control modes, enabling consistent, reliable motion.

RMC 200 controllers use Delta’s field-proven RMCTools software for setup, tuning, programming, and diagnostics, making integration convenient for existing users. RMCTools shortens application development and deployment times with a graphical programming interface, a powerful motion plotting tool, and a Tuning Wizard that automates the process of setting control-loop gains.

Furthermore, a programmable “Feature Key” lets RMC 200 users purchase the exact number of control loops needed by an application.  Other physical enhancements include a display screen on the CPU, I/O modules with push-in wire connectors, and fully encased, user-installable modules that “rock-in” to provide power-sequencing capability.  The unit’s modular expandability makes RMC 200 virtually “future-proof,” supporting expanded control and I/O interfacing compatibility as new modules are required by the application.

For more information on the RMC 200, visit www.deltamotion.com.