SMAC

SMAC Technical Help FAQ

SMAC prides itself upon its technical expertise and customer support. Listed below are a few commonly asked questions, but if you have any specific application that you would like to discuss please feel free to speak to any of our applications engineers on the CONTACTS page.

Q: What extra software do I need to run and program my controller?

A: None. All controllers can be programmed with nothing more sophisticated than a 486PC and an RS232 cable. Programming is done with a simple form of machine code using 2 letter mnemonics in a text editor such as note pad and then "cut and pasted" into Hyperterminal.

Q: What kind of power supply do I need?

A: All actuators run on either 24v or 48v DC and our coils draw no more than 3 Amps. Check with your distributor to discuss which voltage is best suited to your application.

Q: How many points along the stroke length can it move to?

A: Infinite. The actuator can be taught to move or home to any position or number of positions along the stroke length.

Q: Can I change speed mid-stroke?

A: Yes, not only is it possible to change velocity mid-stroke, you can also move instantaneously between the three operating modes......Position, Velocity & Force

Q: What is the maximum force I can exert and how fast can it move?

A: We insist that our actuators operate within a 40% duty cycle. Speed is naturally dependant upon the actuator in question, but speeds are typically in excess of 1m/s

Q: What is a "soft land"?

A: The soft land is a routine which allows the actuator rod or gripper jaw to land on the surface of a component with a low programmable force. This is particularly useful wherever delicate or high value components are being handled. The routine consists of a controlled low force approach in velocity mode, while the position error is constantly monitored. Once contact is made the position error builds up until a pre-programmed figure is reached resulting in the rod maintaining position on the surface of the component.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click on Text relative to your question ! all answers open in a new window for your convenience
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On the LAC-1 or LAC-25, what are some of the ballpark PID's for my actuator?	Details
How do I wire the I/O for the LAC-1 or LAC-25?	Details
What are the PIN OUTS for the LAC-25?	Details
What are the PIN OUTS for the LAC-1?	Details
What are the PIN-OUTS for the LAA-5?	Details
I can't communicate with the controller?	Details
How do I download a program?	Details
I'm commanding the actuator to move but it will not go (Using SMAC controller)?	Details
What is 40% duty cycle?	Details
What size power supply should I get?	Details
What type of safety's are recommended?	Details
Sizing actuator for application?	Details
How do I set up my computer?	Details
What type of software do I need?	Details
SMAC Sample Test Program	Details

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SET-UP

Position Mode ! Position Mode will allow the actuating rod to be moved to chosen positions along the stroke using acceleration, velocity and force. It is possible to make absolute, relative and "learnt position" moves.

Velocity Mode ! Velocity Mode allows the actuating rod to be moved with a given velocity, acceleration, force and direction. Typically used for "soft land" routines.

Force Mode ! Force mode is open loop, using no feedback from the controller. Actual position can still monitored, but has no effect upon the output.

Duty Cycle ! SMAC insist that all units must be operated with a 40% duty cycle, this can be calculated as follows:
% of max force applied x % of cycle time it is applied = % duty cycle
eg.
100% force x 40% of cycle time = 40% duty
60% force x 50% of cycle time = 30% duty
40% force x 100% of cycle time = 40% duty

NOTE:

Failure to observe this duty cycle recommendation will usually result in the actuator sustaining damage through overloading.
Overloading will overheat the coil and may cause it to deform and touch on the magnet housing

Runout ! Shaft run out is typically <50 micron.

Resolution & Repeatability ! Resolution when applied to SMAC products is defined as as the smallest position increment produced by the encoder. Our standard encoder resolution is 5 micron, although most actuators also have the option to be fitted with a 1 micron or 1/2 micron encoder. Repeatability, sometimes referred to as reproducibility, is the ability to of a system to return to a given position with little or no deviation. One of SMAC's principle advantages is the absence of any mechanical backlash which is inherent in so many stepper and ballscrew systems. In addition our encoder reads the true linear position rather than converting the stepper motors rotary encoder signal to the linear ballscrew movement. With correct PID tuning our actuators are repeatable to 2 encoder counts.

Controller Reporting and QA Functions ! The controllers can output pass/fail and product performance figures, which can then be used in statistical QA and production analysis.

THE SMAC REBUILD PROGRAM
Actuators no longer covered by the SMAC Guarantee can be rebuilt under the SMAC Rebuild program. Our continued research and development program extends the life of our actuators making them even more reliable under adverse operating conditions. Actuators returned under this program are completely disassembled, inspected and rebuilt to current operating standards wherever possible, tested and returned within a few days for a reasonable charge (typically 35% of standard list price). All rebuilt actuators carry for 90 days from date of shipment from our factory the same Guarantee as provided for new actuators. SMAC products have been tested and found to be fully compliant with EN 50082-2 & EN 55011 Group 1, Class A