Automated System for Workpiece Leveling on a Machine Tool

摘要

The paper presents a concept, a mathematical model and a control algorithm of an automated system for workpiece leveling. In the proposed solution, a workpiece is placed on a set of electrically-powered variable-length supports. The location of each support is not known before the leveling. A current orientation of workpiece is measured by a precise biaxial inclinometer. The leveling is performed in three stages which involve subsequent extensions of supports and measuring the resulting orientation. This system allows determining the location of each support and the required displacements of each support that are necessary for leveling the workpiece. The system is controlled by an industrial PLC. A single power source and motion controller as well as a distributed demultiplexer, which activates each support, are used to reduce the cost. The supports were manufactured and tested for accuracy and repeatability according to ISO 230-2:2014. The proposed solution can be used for layout and for leveling workpieces on a machine tool table.