I need to build a control circuit to run a cutter unit to notch some styrofoam over and over and over.
My control experience is about 25 years out of date, but I think I still do have a decent understanding??.
I know it should be basically a simple circuit to do what I need, but I just can't get this sorted out in my head.
Im using a small variable speed dc motor with a chain drive on it to push/pull a rolling table back and forth about 16 inches. The table has some arms on it with shaped hot wire cutters to notch the foam.
The table would usually start out at the near end in a stopped position. The table is on wheels, runs in a straight line and will follow a vertical profile. The table will always have the same end points and will always follow the same profile.
I have not built this yet, until I get the control worked out.
I am planing on using a DC variable speed motor, geared down to get into the speed range I need which is 15" per min + or - 25%. To fine tune the cut, I have to be able to adjust the speed from one end of the range to the other, but basically once I have the speed working right, it is not going to vary except rarely.
.
For the control:
I need to press a button to start the motor in one direction, let it run forward until it hits a limit switch at the far end where it would stop.
It would stay stopped until I press a button again (same one or different one). At which time it would run back until it hits a limit switch at the near end, where it would again stop.
... and then repeat
Also only while the unit is moving I need to turn on another power circuit for the cutting head.
I know that this should be easily doable with relays and switches.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks
My control experience is about 25 years out of date, but I think I still do have a decent understanding??.
I know it should be basically a simple circuit to do what I need, but I just can't get this sorted out in my head.
Im using a small variable speed dc motor with a chain drive on it to push/pull a rolling table back and forth about 16 inches. The table has some arms on it with shaped hot wire cutters to notch the foam.
The table would usually start out at the near end in a stopped position. The table is on wheels, runs in a straight line and will follow a vertical profile. The table will always have the same end points and will always follow the same profile.
I have not built this yet, until I get the control worked out.
I am planing on using a DC variable speed motor, geared down to get into the speed range I need which is 15" per min + or - 25%. To fine tune the cut, I have to be able to adjust the speed from one end of the range to the other, but basically once I have the speed working right, it is not going to vary except rarely.
.
For the control:
I need to press a button to start the motor in one direction, let it run forward until it hits a limit switch at the far end where it would stop.
It would stay stopped until I press a button again (same one or different one). At which time it would run back until it hits a limit switch at the near end, where it would again stop.
... and then repeat
Also only while the unit is moving I need to turn on another power circuit for the cutting head.
I know that this should be easily doable with relays and switches.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks