====== LinACE™ in action ======

===== Our Company =====
Our company established in 1979 as a small family company. Our tradition is tool making, mainly for sheet-metal processing. Part of our business is also industry automation and hydraulics. We are specialized for customized hydraulic presses.

One of our innovative solutions was implementation of the **[[https://www.rls.si/en/products/linear-magnetic-encoders/absolute-encoders/inaxis|LinACE™ absolute linear shaft encoder]]** into hydraulic cylinders. Two presses were equipped with LinACE™ encoders for testing and currently those sensors operate for several years. There were no errors detected yet.


===== Hydraulic punch press =====
Pressing plate is driven by main piston (400kN) and two auxiliary cylinders at sides. Auxilary cilinders have piston rod diameter 16mm. Each auxiliary cylinder has integrated LinACE™ absolute linear shaft encoder. LinACE™ enables us to:
  * Position measuring of the pressing plate.
  * Compact and maintenance free design, also in dirty environment.
  * No need for position switches, limit positions are entered programmatically.
  * Press can stop in any position.
  * Detection of the inclination of the pressing plate (in one direction).
  * Detection of the collision.
  * Monitoring the pressing plate path as a function of time.

{{ :cylinders:hydraulic_punch_press.png?direct&600 |Hydraulic punch press}}
<WRAP centeralign>
**Cross-section of the auxiliary cylinder integrated into the upper part of the press body.**
</WRAP>

\\

{{ :cylinders:hydraulic_punch_press_photo.jpg?direct&600 |Hydraulic punch press}}
<WRAP centeralign>
**Auxiliary cylinder build into Hydraulic punch press.**
</WRAP>


===== Hydraulic sinter press =====
Two small cylinders with LinACE™ absolute linear shaft encoder was used for driving feeder, which delivers powder into hydraulic sinter press. Here was implemented a prototype of servo positioning of hydraulic cylinder.

Two cylinders were designed according to ISO 6020-2, ø12/ø25 * 100mm. End damping was not implemented, but LinACE™ absolute linear shaft encoder was integrated into each cylinder. Length of cylinders is the same as specified by standard.

{{ :cylinders:twin_cylinder.jpg?direct&600 |Two cilinders with LinACE™}}
<WRAP centeralign>
**Two cylinders ISO 6020-2, ø12/ø25*100mm with LinACE™ absolute linear shaft encoder integrated.**
</WRAP>

\\

{{ :cylinders:twin_cylinder_with_proportional_valve.jpg?direct&600 |Cylinders with valve}}
<WRAP centeralign>
**Proportional valve, pressure sensors and hydraulic connection added.**
</WRAP>

\\
Cylinders were then connected to position controller. Additional benefits were achieved:
  * Accurate positioning.
  * Very soft motion for low wear of mechanical components.
  * Collision detected, if path following error was larger then specified.

{{ :cylinders:twin_cylinder_video.mp4?direct&800 |Cylinders in movement - video}}
<WRAP centeralign>
**Two cylinders in movement - view from bottom.**
</WRAP>

~~DISCUSSION|Comments~~