Issues with Belt Guidance and Device Controls in the Automated Conveyor and Drive Belt Perforation Process

• Published in: IOP conference series. Materials Science and Engineering Vol. 1016; no. 1; pp. 12018 - 12025
• Main Authors: Wojtkowiak, D, Talaśka, K, Domek, G, Wilczyński, D, Górecki, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.01.2021
• Subjects: Actuators; Algorithms; Belt conveyors; Belt drives; Control algorithms; Control equipment; Control methods; Measurement methods; Mechanical properties; Multilayers; Perforating; Position measurement
• ISSN: 1757-8981; 1757-899X
• DOI: 10.1088/1757-899X/1016/1/012018

The perforation process for multi-layer composite polymer belts presents numerous challenges due to the varied mechanical characteristics and geometrical parameters of the entire range of belts used in the industry. Many problems can be minimized or eliminated with correct development of construction features of the machines for high precision mechanical belt perforation. Regardless of the construction solutions employed in the devices, a major factor influencing the quality of the final product as well as machine reliability is the method of controlling their operation as well as the correct guidance of the belt throughout the entire flow of material in the manufacturing process. The present work provides an analysis of the assemblies ensuring correct belt guidance and presents the causes and effects of incorrect development of these systems. Furthermore, it touches upon the aspects involving the control solutions for such equipment involving the definition of actuators and controllers, the selection of sensors and methods of measuring linear displacement of the belt and perforating head position together with the control algorithms for carrying out different patterns of perforation.