Modern manufacturing processes deserve mechatronic solutions, which today are available as off-the-shelf products.

A very technical definition describes Mechatronics as the science to optimise the realisation of intelligent motion systems using a multi-domain synergistic design approach. Wikipedia has a simpler definition: Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field of engineering that includes a combination of systems engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering and computer engineering. But an exponent of the science strips it down to the very basics: Mechatronics is making an object or machine move in a very precise manner by combining electrical, mechanical and computer engineering.

Cedrat Technologies, a French company widely acknowledged for ‘Innovation in Mechatronics’, has already demonstrated that mechatronic solutions create high added value in manufacturing processes while being cost effective. The company caters to customers who are advanced machine manufacturers, machine-tool builders, tool makers, spindle suppliers and end users willing to optimise advanced metal cutting, metal forming, extrusion and chemical processes.

Cedrat mechatronics components such as actuators, sensors, drivers and controllers, are specifically designed for manufacturing environments. They are extra flat, powerful and precise and are traditionally used in harsh, heavy-duty and high temperature environments. In addition the motional and sensing performances cover a wide dynamic bandwidth.

Starting from diagnostic services, mechatronic systems are designed to be ‘Plug & Play’ products or integrated as OEM versions in new machines. The scope of solutions is not limited to engineering work. They offer the opportunity of large-scale industrial cost-effective products. The projects of today are the smart products of tomorrow.

Vibration assistance

Advanced materials for extreme applications are more difficult to machine: Super-alloys, hard, brittle, ductile, multi-structure or composite CFRP materials. The requirements for part geometry profiles follow the same evolution in complexity as manufacturing processes improve.

Cedrat Technologies provides ‘Plug & Play’ smart tool holders and embedded actuation solutions for the generation of additional vibrating energy in the manufacturing process. This association increases the removal/forming rate, improves process quality, increases tool life, saves energy and makes possible complex machining. Whereas controlled low frequency vibrations already address cutting/forming applications, high frequency and ultrasonic solutions provide an innovative approach in extrusion and chemistry processes.

Vibration damping

Milling, turning, grinding and drilling processes are limited by chatter vibrations related to the flexibility of the machine tool structure. Such vibrations reduce cutting speeds to well below the capacities of machines or tools. They also result in noise, poor finish, unacceptable tolerances and sometimes tool breakage. Parasitic vibrations are removed by installing intelligent damper units on existing or new machines. The Cedrat solution can be supplied in a ‘Plug & Play’ format for immediate effect or fully integrated. Typical chatter vibration reductions over [1 Hz-1 kHz] are [-10dB; -20dB]. Improved stability of the process is observed in all cases.

Fast & precise positioning

Long and slender parts are distorted during machining. Cutting and forming conditions may also vary during the machining process without being observed and controlled. An additional cutting axis may be necessary to produce complex parts. These distortions lead to unacceptable inaccuracies and decrease process flexibility.

The solution passes through a sensory and active fixture system, which detects distortion and controls active repositioning of the clamp achieving the desired part geometry and tight tolerances.

Cedrat Technologies offers off the shelf mechatronics products including piezoelectric and magnetic actuators, motors, mechanisms, transducers and sensors with corresponding drivers and controllers. These mechatronics products are used for scientific and industrial applications requiring features such as: micro and nano positioning, generation of vibrations, microscanning, fast and precise motion control, active control of vibrations, energy harvesting, etc. Most of products are available in OEM versions for low cost and high volume industrial applications. The company also offers services including design, R&D under contract and training.

Super Technologies Pvt Ltd, Secunderabad. Tel: 040-66338111. Mobile: 099486-59119. Fax: 91-40-27755249. Email: info@supertechnologies.net