It was great seeing so many folks at the FABTECH and METALCON International shows. We had some good discussions with people on the value of mining production data, a capability that many manufacturers are only scratching the surface with today. It's gratifying to know that people recognize our expertise in this area and want to talk about it as they realize its importance in a competitive future.

If we somehow missed talking to you at the shows, we sincerely apologize. It can get busy and we realize sometimes there's not much time to wait if you want to see everything. Please, if you were one of those who might have passed by when we were busy and you weren't able to return, give us a call with your questions or comments. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you.

We were especially pleased by the response to the latest version of the XL200 Series Controller at FABTECH and METALCON. In this month's issue, we provide a bit more detail on the SERCOS digital interface and the benefits it delivers. There's much more to the story than we can provide here, but we can answer any questions that you might have regarding SERCOS and what it means to your specific application.

We value your feedback. If there something you'd like to see in a future newsletter, send us an email at feedback@amscontrols.com.

in this issue
	In the Spotlight: Tom Gunn SERCOS Takes XL200 Controller To Next Level In Machine Control Web Reporting Enhances Eclipse Production Management System Finding Your Hidden Roll Former

SERCOS Takes XL200 Controller To Next Level In Machine Control

A great new feature of the XL200 Controller is a SERCOS digital interface to servo systems. SERCOS delivers an unmatched combination of speed, accuracy, and flexibility. (SERCOS is an acronym for SErial Realtime COmmunications System.) With traditional closed loop systems, the servo drive was controlled by an analog voltage that corresponded to the desired torque or velocity command. Feedback to the controller was provided by encoder signals. Configuration and troubleshooting of the servo drive required serial communications to a PC. With SERCOS, the analog, encoder, and communications cables are replaced with a single fiber optic cable. Not only does the fiber optic cable simplify wiring, but it also eliminates any worries about cable length or electrical noise and allows multiple servo drives to work with a single controller. The XL200 can send and receive torque, speed, and position data as well as drive parameters, status information, and diagnostics (bus voltage, motor temperature, bleeder power, etc) through the SERCOS interface. SERCOS was originally developed for the needs of multi- axis machining centers where high speeds and precise coordination of several motors are required. The XL200 takes advantage of these capabilities for applications involving roll feeds, flying presses, dynamic punch tool positioning, machine configuration, and combinations of the above. The 120 MIPS coprocessor provides the computational horsepower and SERCOS provides the flexible and precise servo communications. A large number of servo equipment manufacturers offer the SERCOS interface for their digital drives. Examples of servo drive suppliers that have embraced SERCOS include Indramat (Bosch Rexroth), Rockwell Automation, Yaskawa, Pacific Scientific, Kollmorgen, Giddings and Lewis, Parker Hannifin, Sanyo Denki, Beckhoff, IIS, Samsung, and Hitachi. SERCOS is an open standard that requires that drives support a base set of common functions and parameters. While many drives also support more advanced features which may not be compatible across all brands, the XL200's generic support for SERCOS is limited to the base feature list. This is done to ensure the widest possible servo drive compatibility. If we decide to support a unique feature offered by a particular brand, this will be done through a new motion control driver (we'll explain the XL200's motion driver system in a future article). We at AMS are very excited about the capabilities that SERCOS brings to the XL200. Our customers should benefit from faster and less expensive installations, a wider variety of applications and control schemes, and powerful but easy to use diagnostic tools. For more information about SERCOS, check out www.sercos.com (North American site) or www.sercos.org (worldwide site). We welcome any of your questions regarding SERCOS.

Web Reporting Enhances Eclipse Production Management System

The Eclipse Production Management System now has Web reporting capability for viewing key production performance metrics anytime and from anywhere in the world. AMS customizes Web reporting specifically to a manufacturer's needs. Drill-down capability can be built to review machine performance at any facility. Automated, push e-mails can be created by the manufacturer to provide routine reporting on maintenance events, material consumption and machine performance. Customizable reports can be generated with integrated outside data. Web reporting promotes interactive reporting that is accessible to authorized personnel throughout an organization. It can overcome unnecessary information barriers for personnel who have a need to dig deeper into layered information. On a practical level, this might involve an individual who may be receiving a report synopsis, but has a need for information in the larger report itself. With Web-based reporting, they can get that information with the click of a mouse rather than taking time to make one or two necessary phone calls to request that same information. We are happy to talk to you about how Web reporting might benefit your company. Example Reports »

Finding Your Hidden Roll Former

Andy Allman, Vice President-Engineering, recently delivered a white paper entitled, "Continuous Improvement For Roll Forming". You can see Andy's paper with this link. Continuous Improvement For Roll Forming »