smac actuator with Labview

[Dodskie]

Is it possible to use smac actuators with LabView? I'll be using the smac actuator for a soft land routine and I don't know how i can control or manipulate the actuator using labview. tnx

[Brian_Beal]

You will need a motion controller.  I have used SMAC actuators with Delta Tau PMAC's and Labview.  I also used a softland routine.  You need to switch between closed loop position and open loop torque modes on the fly.  Let me know if you need more information.

[Dodskie]

Can you provide me more details or specifics of the smac actuator you are using and the motion controller? tnx

[Brian_Beal]

I won't be able to get you the SMAC specifics for a couple of weeks.  They traveled about 2 inches, did not rotate, had encoder feedback, and used a special interface/amplifier.  The controller was a Delta Tau PMAC2 PCI, but any Delta Tau controller would work, as would any higher end servo motion controller.

[Dodskie]

The application I have in mind is to use an eddy current probe to measure the coating thickness of an anodized aluminum substrate. The eddy current probe needs to contact the surface of the UUT for it to start measuring the coating. I need to control the contact force on the UUT and probe so as not to damage the coating. Can I use the actuator as the force sensing mechanism for this setup/application? Can I mount the probe directly to the actuator arm or do I need another sensing mechanism to limit the contact?

[Brian_Beal]

I used spring loaded probes, but the ultimate force still was controlled by the SMAC.  The SMAC cannot really measure force, but it can put out a repeatable force.  It all depends on how well the SMAC is tuned, and how fast you need to have your process.  For the contact sensing, I moved the actuator down at a set speed and then watched following error.  When following error exceeded a certain amount, I switched the controller to open loop and output a set torque(force).  My SMAC's were also spring loaded, which made them easier to tune for a vertical application.

[McCarty]

Hello Dodskie,

If your application requires a high-end servo motion controller, I suggest you consider a 7350 series motion controller.  This line of motion controllers seamlessly integrates with LabVIEW via the NI-Motion driver software.  

Best Regards,
T. McCarty