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Machine designers can build better machines if they focus on tuning their motion controller for optimal performance. This paper discusses several proven techniques for motion system tuning and performance optimization, with examples drawn from real applications. Specific topics to be covered include guidelines for optimizing hydraulic vs pneumatic systems, techniques for using graphical development tools to provide feedback for the tuning process, suggestions regarding choosing system architectures that provide support for smoother, more precise control (e.g. setting up systems to control via both position and pressure information), and guidelines for selecting the best control algorithms (e.g., optimizing the use of P, I, D, and feedforward functions, use of special functions such as splines) to optimize motion.

This session will discuss the basics of hydraulic and pneumatic motion controllers and will review the selection criteria to be evaluated in choosing a motion controller for your application. Specific criteria that will be discussed include: 1 Connectivity. The highest performance systems use fieldbuses for communications between motion controllers and PLCs or industrial computers. One of these is Ethernet, which is expanding in use quickly from the office to the factory floor 2 Precision. For smoothest, most precise motion, the best new motion controllers can combine position and pressure control. 3 Optimization. New motion controllers are supported by visual development tools that allow for quick tuning to optimized motion profiles.