RTS Wright standardizes on Steeplechase PC-based control for its modular chassis
"Steeplechase open control enables us to customize any of Viper's six workstations to meet customer needs," says Doug Alward, application engineer for RTS Wright. "Modular plug-in options such as conveyors, robots, vision inspection systems, bar code readers, press and probe stations, and pick and place mechanisms, can be easily integrated with Steeplechase in Viper's base program, which operates through DeviceNet."
The Viper's base program has the ability to index pallets by reading an incoming RF tag and writing an outgoing RF tag. The ID of each pallet is maintained as it passes through the stations, and parameters of each operation such as press force, torque, etc., are tracked on an as needed basis.
Viper chassis enhancements include:
- optional SPC data and other trending,
- Ethernet communication capability for any installed mechanism,
- ability to feed two pallets through the system at the same time,
- ability to track different parts on one pallet, including their in and out status,
- and ability to upload birth certificate information to a host computer.
"Once the engineering of the base program is completed, Wright has the ability to add functions without modifying the base program," explains Jeff Fisher, general manager of Steeplechase Software (Ann Arbor. "When adding clip-ons, they simply retool the line, start the recipe, and run the machine."
RTS Wright has plans to develop a tray feeder that will plug into the Viper chassis. The tray feeder includes DeviceNet sensors and is operable within any workstation. Main control of the feeder will reside in the chassis, and require only a simple key entry to implement the feeder operation. Other types of commercial feeders can also be interfaced to any of the workstations.
Viper systems are sold to leading manufacturers in the semiconductor, packaging, electric and electronic, appliance, and personal products industries. Steeplechase provides PC control solutions to leading system integrators, OEMs, and end users in the automotive, material handling, semiconductor, wastewater, and textile industries.
RTS Wright has grown from a tool and die business into one of North America's leading automation systems suppliers and a major integrator of manufacturing systems utilizing robotics, machine vision equipment, and complex software-based control systems. The company is currently focused on three major areas:
- the design and build of turnkey automation systems,
- build-to-print systems,
- and tool and die manufacturing.
Edited by Jim Lardear
Managing Editor, PlantAutomation.com
For more information on PC-based control solutions, please visit the Microsoft Partner Pavilion on Plant Automation.com.