[REVCAM_Bob]

I need an inexpensive way to control 25 air cylinders with a computer....

Looking for suggestions...

I am finding solenoids for no less than about $25 each and control systems i.e. galil etc. no less than about $700

It just seems there should be an easier (and cheaper!) way.....

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[vger]

What kind of air cylinders? single ended spring loaded? double ended?
What pressure 5 PSI, 150 PSI ?
Need pressure modulation?
What size cylinders? 1" dia 0.25" throw?
How fast reaction is needed?

Steve

[REVCAM_Bob]

3/4 dia double acting air cylinders, 80 psi....
reaction time does not need to be fast at all.
It could take 30 seconds to get them all fired if thats what it takes....

[REVCAM_Bob]

no pressure modulation is needed,
cylinder stroke will be 1/2" or maybe 3/4"

Thanks!

[ger21]

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.a...82&catname=air

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.a...52&catname=air

[Al_The_Man]

Is it the pneumatic side or the electric/electronic side you are looking for help on?
If electric, does it need to be a PC? Can it be a PLC? Is there operator input used, or stand alone?
What software do you intend to use if already selected?
Al.

[REVCAM_Bob]

Well both, actually..

Basically I need to a lot more than just that.
I need to read an rfid chip, and based on the code or serial number in that,
fire a specific set of the cylinders...

Trying to find a way to do it with out spending what appears to be 1-2 K
for all the stuff.....

[REVCAM_Bob]

those are really good prices on the valves.. now we're talkin!

[REVCAM_Bob]

Yes there would be operator input involved:
Sequence something like this:

1) special machine is loaded with part
2) rfid tag is then read (probably based on some input from the operator)
3) proper part i.d. is obtained from the rfid system
4) based on this part i.d. the correct cylinders (picture mulitple clamps powered by the air cylinders, and each special part that gets loaded in with its unique i.d. has to be clamped in different places with the proper cylinders)
example: part a might need clamps 1-5, 8-10, and 20-25 clamped, and
part be might need clamps 1,5,12,25 etc.....
5)these cylinders are now clamped into place

6)The part is then worked on, and then brought back to this setup station.....
and the cylinders are all released.. again probably based on a button or something, could be a manual air valve overide at this point, but I don't think that would work, probably easier to to reverse air on all cylinders using the controls system.

7) remove finished part from system, and insert a new one. repeat all steps...

[REVCAM_Bob]

I forgot this: somehow the system would have to be able to be programed.
i.e. to tie the correct cylinder sequence to the proper i.d. tag...

We want to use rfid for security purposes i.e. hopeing to sell this system,
and don't want people just to punch in an i.d. number, we want them to pay for each time they set up a new part.... not quite sure how we are going to do that other than try to make them buy the rfid tag...... ugh

[Al_The_Man]

Depending on what RFID hardware you have already and if there is not a required need for much of an HMI etc, I would seriously look at a PLC solution, Many PLC's are integrating RFID technology and have the conditioned I/O for the solenoid control in the form of relay or SSR output.
Designing from the ground up using MicroChip products could also be a cheap solution, but more time consuming.
There are PLC deals to be picked up on ebay such as Omron and Mitsubishi etc.
PLC's also can be fitted with 2-3 line display with keyboard such as supplied by Maple systems for simple HMI.
Al.

[REVCAM_Bob]

Thanks Al!

[Zig]

Look at Unitronics PLC controller which incorporates a two line HMI a bunch of digital IO expansion capability for a few shekels.

[budP]

We want to use rfid for security purposes i.e. hopeing to sell this system,
and don't want people just to punch in an i.d. number, we want them to pay for each time they set up a new part....
not quite sure how we are going to do that other than try to make them buy the rfid tag...... ugh

Let me get this straight, you want to sell a cnc machine and the buyer will not have any acess to the controlling software?

If you go belly up the owner of the machine will not be able to use it, I think a person would be nuts to purchase a deal like this.
Why do you think that a person would want to reveal to you some special setup that he has spent lots of time and money developing amd
how in the world he would try different setups if every time he wanted to try something he would have to pay you.

good luck
bu