Application Specific Function Blocks

ORMEC Application Specific Function Blocks (ASFB) are software tools that provide the core functionality for

common applications. Simply program the SMLC with the features that make your machine unique, then drop in the ASFB to add the application functions you need.

Feed to Length 

The AFB-FEEDTOLENGTH function block library makes it easy to implement full-featured Feed to Length application with a minimum of programming.

Feed to Length applications typically feed material using a nip-roll at a high initial speed for a certain initial distance. They then slow down to a final speed and continue feeding at the low speed for a set final distance or until an external high-speed sensor input becomes true.

The library includes five function blocks which allow the motion to be either distance vs. time based or slave distance vs. master distance based:

• OrmAppFeedToLen - Feed to length while specifying the motion in terms of velocities, with acceleration and deceleration rates.
• OrmAppFeedToLenAtVel - Feed to length while specifying the motion in terms of velocities, with accelerations and decelerations in terms of rate, time or distance.
• OrmAppFeedToLenInTime - Feed to length while  specifying move duration in terms of time with accelerations and decelerations in terms of rate, time or distance.
• OrmAppGearToLenAtRatio - Electronically geared feed to length while specifying the velocities in terms of a ratio to a master axis with accelerations and decelerations in terms of master distance or slave distance.
• OrmAppGearToLenInDist - Electronically geared feed to length while specifying the feed duration in terms of the distance traveled by a master axis with accelerations and decelerations in terms of master distance or slave distance.

G-Code to Motion - Version 3

The OrmAppGcode_v3 function block provides a simple way to incorporate path following in your application. OrmAppGcode_v3 is compliant with the ISO 6983-1 “Data format for positioning, line motion and contouring control Systems” standard, commonly known as G-code programming.

The latest release, OrmAppGcode v3, provides up to three-axis linear interpolation, three-axis (3-dimensional) circular interpolation, two-axis selectable plane circular interpolation, three-axis helical interpolation and rapid traverse. It supports incremental or absolute programming as well as inch and metric units. It includes continuous or single-step operation, feedrate override and a full complement of M-codes.

The three-dimensional circular interpolation allows the X, Y and Z axes to describe an arc on the surface of any arbitrary sphere.

An optional fourth (C) axis, representing a rotation about the Z-Axis, makes OrmAppGcode especially suitable for gluing applications. The C-axis can be programmed for independent motion or to automatically track the X-Y vector angle. This allows the glue dispenser to be automatically aligned with the direction of travel at all times.

Machines built for traditional CNC applications typically use relatively low feed rates and are of solid construction usually using large heavy castings. This approach to the mechanical design is necessitated by the demands of metal cutting applications.

However CNC software is increasingly used for applications other than metal cutting such as gantry robots and material handling. In these applications the mechanical design is often less solid. This makes the structure more susceptible to the reaction forces generated by axis accelerations and decelerations.

OrmAppGcode_v3 linearizes accelerations and decelerations thus minimizing peak accelerations and reaction forces. It also allows the part program to adjust the accelerations and decelerations to suit particular operations in the machine cycle making it more suitable for such applications.

Process Recipe Data Manager

The Recipe Manager function block simplifies the programming required to store, retrieve and edit parameters on the flash hard drive within the SMLC. It allows you to view lists of available “recipes” on your HMI along with information such as the date the recipe was created and the date it was last modified. The number and types of parameters that make up a recipe is completely flexible allowing you to set it up for your specific needs. The function block allows your program to restrict the ability to create, modify or delete recipes.

Reciprocating Flying Sheer Control

This function block makes it easy to implement a full-featured Reciprocating Flying Shear application with a minimum of programming. Reciprocating Flying Shears are used to cut, emboss, print or apply other processes to a moving web.

Rotary Knife/Die Control

This function block makes it easy to implement a full-featured Rotary Knife application with a minimum of programming. Rotary Knives are used to cut, emboss, print or apply other processes to a moving web.

Keyence Vision System Control

On many machines Vision and Motion systems are used together and there is a need to combine control of both systems in software. Ormec’s OrmAppKeyVis Application Specific Function Block library provides a simple way to integrate SMLC and Keyence CV-3000 and CV-5000 series vision systems in your CodeSys project. Keyence vision systems offer multiple communications channels for data and control – Ethernet, serial, USB.

The OrmAppKeyVis library offers both Ethernet and serial connectivity between Ormec’s SMLC controller and Keyence vision systems. With these function blocks multiple vision systems can be controlled from one SMLC at the same time.