Automated and semi-automated human assist assembly solutions for the medical manufacturing device business
In 1995, Sprint Technology Inc. (STI), a California Corporation, spawned an engineering company called Linear Design Group Inc. STI realized the need to diversify into niche markets and the value of promoting its electro-mechanical engineering abilities and project management skills.
Linear Design Group provides automated and semi-automated human assist assembly solutions for the medical manufacturing device business. Their interest in AutomationDirect has grown substantially due to AutomationDirect's commitment to delivering low-cost innovation, and their release of many specialty modules. Linear Design Group currently uses the DL05, DL105, and DL205 series of PLCs, as well as a variety of specialty modules. Zac Istre, Senior Engineer for the company says, "Just recently I was given the opportunity to explore the idea of using Ethernet as a means of transmitting I/O signals. At the time we were creating wiring harnesses with upwards of 37 conductors. On a few occasions we had to make two or three per machine. Using the DL250 in combination with the H2-EBC (Ethernet base controller) and the T1H-EBC (Terminator I/O Ethernet interface modules) we have been able to dramatically lower the wiring and design time on each machine. Not to mention this method of wiring has increased the cosmetic appeal and allowed for us to standardize our machines and control boxes. The best part is that we no longer have to create wiring harnesses, all of the I/O is handled over one Category 5 cable. The added feature of the Ethernet master module automatically mapping all of the I/O to memory is a fantastic time saver."
Linear Design Group also enjoys the added benefit to using Ethernet-based I/O to build one control box and have it control several separate machines. This method saves the company money because in the past they would have to build a separate control box for each machine in a multi-machine system.
They've also had great success with the H2-CTRIO high-speed counter module. Istre says the module is typically configured for 2-channel pulse output. The setup on the module is extremely easy and lets him set up profiles by means of a graphic interface. "Being able to see a graphic representation of a Trapezoidal Profile is a great aid in making critical calculations. Having the ability to install several H2-CTRIO modules allows us to control several axes at one time. This is a nice bonus since in the past we were limited to one or two axes of motion, depending on the PLC we chose."
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