The Flexible Manufacturing System 9, "AE-PLC-FMS9" is a modular system composed of four workstations: the "AE-PLC-A" Feeding Workstation for Pieces, the "AE-PLC-CF" Sorting Workstation, the "AE-BR" Robotic Arm Workstation and the "AE-CNCT" CNC Turning Workstation.
The objective of the "AE-PLC.FMS9" system is to provide pieces with different colors and materials to the sorting system, where the pieces are classified depending on the specifications of the manufacturing process. Then the robotic arm is able to pick pieces from the sorting workstation and place to the CNC turning system, where the pieces are turned.
The process of the "AE-PLC-FMS9" is explained in the following lines:
- First, the feeding system provides the pieces of different colors and materials to the sorting workstation. The sorting system classifies the pieces at three different places depending of the piece characteristics detected.
- Then, the Robotic Arm Workstation pick the sorted pieces and placed in the CNC Turning Workstation. Once the piece is turned, the Robotic Arm pick again the piece from the CNC machine.
Each workstation is locally commanded by a PLC device and, in turn, a central PLC coordinates all workstations. The communication network between workstations and PC is based on the Ethernet protocol.
The "AE-PLC-FMS9" system design by EDIBON allows the users to learn the basic concepts of automation as the operation of an Ethernet network or how to program a PLC and about other areas as pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, etc.
The Robotic Arm and the CNC machine included in the "AE-PLC-FMS9" system, contains the control console controller and the programming software in order to program and operate with them.
The optional "AE-AS" software is design to teach the students how works real automation software. This software allows making 2D and 3D processes simulations, supervising and controlling SCADA systems, programming and communicating PLCs, simulating hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic devices’ operation, etc.