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The INSPECTOR

short_feed_1000_527

Reliable Short-Feed detection without the air.

While other systems use physical stops and air-pressure to sense a feed issue, the Inspector uses an electrically-isolated probe or cutting tool to sense the end of the part. To prevent false positive sensing, the system is only satisfied if the probe is made simultaneously with an adjustable cam set to the exact point in the cycle when the probe should be made. All cams and probe also must change-state each cycle to verify proper setup and function.

4″ Color Touchscreen Interface

Easy-to-read display for setup of machine and diagnostic readout. Industry-Standard quality hardware ensures reliable operation and easy sourcing for replacement parts.

Protection from costly and dangerous stall-conditions

If the machine-clutch is engaged, and motion is not seen by the Inspector for a preset-number of seconds, the machine will shutdown and display the fault shown above.

Visual and Audible Notification

A flashing red light and warning siren allows your operators to know from a distance when your machine has stopped for some reason.

Stock / Batch / Maintenance Counters

The Inspector will stop your machine when stock / batch / tooling counters are exceeded, and display a message.

Stock-Change Auto-Stop & Bypass

Each time the stock-counter is reset, the machine will cycle once then automatically stop for each spindle to be reloaded. After loading all spindles, the Inspector will automatically disable the probe for the first cycle of each spindle, and re-enable itself for the remainder of the run.

Pump and Main Motor Load Monitoring

Monitor the current-draw of your coolant-pump and main-motor to alert the operator to machine-issues or clogged-pump screens. A warning is displayed on the screen when current-draw exceeds the WARNING setpoint and the machine will stop when current exceeds the FAULT setpoint.

Track Short-Feed Fault by Spindle ID

The Inspector can track faults by spindle-number to show patterns and help diagnose issues on individual spindles which may not be easily recognizable otherwise.

Local and Mobile Remote Monitoring

With the addition of a data-collection server, the Inspector can be monitored from any computer in your plant or even on your mobile device. Verify production is running from the comfort of your home!

Auxiliary Equipment Monitoring

The Inspector can monitor 24v or 110v digital signals in addition to 0-10v or 4-20mA analog signals during the machining cycle. We can even delay or prevent main-motor start depending on auxiliary signal status to prevent damage to equipment. The Inspector is very adaptable, and FORCE can customize a system to monitor the signals you need.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the ‘Window-Cam’?

The window-cam is one of two elements required for the Inspector to know that your stock is fully-fed. It is a cam and limit-switch which is set to be made once per machining-cycle when the probe is expected to be touching the part.

Unless both conditions are made simultaneously, the Inspector will stop the machine for a short-feed condition.

What is an ‘electrically-isolated probe or cutting tool’?

Electrically isolated means mounted in delrin or some other non-conductive material so that the probe and the rest of machine are not electrically connected. Metal conducts electricity, and as such, cannot be used to mount the probe to the machine.

The probe itself can be anything made of metal that touches the end of the part during the machining cycle. Pictured at the top of this page is a piece of drill-rod acting as the probe, but anything made of metal can be used, including any tool which contacts the end of the part.

Who installs the Inspector?

FORCE can be as involved with the install as you like. We can sell you the hardware for self-installation, or we can also quote full installation and startup on your machine at your facility.

Can the Inspector run my entire machine?

No. The Inspector is intended to work alongside your existing controls, and does not replace your current motor-starters, overloads, and push-button stations.

FORCE would be happy to come visit your facility and quote a new electrical panel with PLC control to replace your aging and potentially difficult to troubleshoot relays.

What is needed on my machine to use the Inspector?

The Inspector requires 110v and simply ties into your existing stop-button circuit to stop the machine using a relay. Depending on the wiring of your machine, there is a second relay that can be used if a reset signal is needed to reset your existing controls after a stop.

In order to physically stop your machine, it must be equipped with a “kick-out” or de-clutching cylinder.

The Inspector control-box and two cams w/limit-switches will need to be installed on your machine. Details of probe-installation can vary from application/machine.

FORCE can visit your facility and evaluate your machine for free if you are unsure of the controls and wiring of your machine.

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32 Louck Oxford, MI 48371

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586-531-4044 sales@forcemc.com

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