Controlling DC servo

[jon dieterlen]

I have an older (1993) boring machine that has 2 DC motors with rotary encoders, 1 to set the drill head position, and the second one sets the boring depth. The PLC board that controls these motors has stopped functioning. I took it to a shop that repairs PLC's, but was unsuccessful in repairing.

The manufacturer is in Italy and no longer supports parts for this machine.
Is there some way I can control these motors without mortgaging the farm?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Jon

[Al_The_Man]

What make of PLC?
The requirements are probably not that complicated, one positions the head the other is a programmed feed rate for boring or drilling, so you don't need interpolated motion.
If the existing PLC is not supported you could use a PLC with servo control, or use something like Mach maybe for cheapness, you would need new servo drives probably.
Alot depends on your capability if you wish to do it yourself.
Al.

[jon dieterlen]

Thanks for the reply. The second actually just moves a stop for drilling depth. The head is fed into the material by a pneumatic cylinder. This is a woodworking machine. The feed rate is controlled by the flow to the cylinder.

The make of the PLC is technint.

Seems to me it would be a matter of controlling the two motors.

I would not be opposed to replacing the motors and encoders if I could find something that could be retrofitted.

Jon

[Al_The_Man]

Automation Direct is one of the cheapest ways using the existing drives and motors.
PLC's or stand alone motor controllers.
The best way to buy industrial controls--low prices, fast shipping and superior service.
You could contact them for advice on what would be the best items to use in your application.
Al.