Automate the guide rail position to accomodate various package sizes.

Moving products from one point in the process to another is a rather common occurrence in many packaging lines. Guide rails are often used for this simple task of gathering products before the next stage. When running multiple sized products, however, changing position becomes necessary. Balluff offers a simple, flexible, and cost effective solution for automating the size change process. A BIW pulsed-inductive linear position sensor used in conjunction with distributed modular I/O enables a virtually unlimited variation of sizes that can be run on a single line and automates the adjustment process as well. An industrial analog input hub makes wiring simple with a standard 3-conductor cable and also eliminates an additional analog input card that a typical servo system would require.

■ More flexibility – allows users to run various sizes of product down the same line
■ Low cost – uses a DC motor rather than a servo and uses distributed modular I/O, eliminating an extra analog card
■ Simple to install – can be run back through an analog input hub, using a simple 3-conductor cable

In this example, the customer was unable to do automatic size change with their current setup. By implementing Balluff’s solution, they are able to increase the flexibility of their production line with minimal cost. A Balluff BIW is coupled to a ball screw assembly that moves the guide rail in and out to allow for various sizes of product. The BIW provides absolute position feedback throughout the entire motion of travel. This allows for precise positioning even under a loss of power. The ball screw is driven by a simple DC motor, making the total cost of the system under $1000. This feedback allows the customer to run many different product sizes on the same line.

Part Number	Output Type	*Available Lengths (mm)
BIW1-C310-M *_ _ _ _-P1-S115	0...20 mA	0075, 0100, 0130, 0150, 0175, 0225, 0300, 0360, 0375, 0400, 0450, 0500, 0600, 0650, 0750
BIW1-E310-M *_ _ _ _-P1-S115	4...20 mA
BIW1-A310-M *_ _ _ _-P1-S115	0...+10 V
BIW1-G310-M *_ _ _ _-P1-S115	-10...+10V

Ordercode	Description
BCC04MC	8-wire, shielded, female field attachable - to BIW
BCC034K	3-wire, shielded, male, 2 m cable - to hub
BNI0007 BNI0008	4 analog + 8 PNP input hub, 4...20 mA (10 bit) 4 analog + 8 PNP input hub, 0...+10 V (10 bit)
BCC05MH	4-wire, double-ended, 5 m cable - hub to master
BNI004A	EtherNet/IP distributed modular I/O master