The PLC and HMI are central to an automated drilling machine because they coordinate the mechanical
sequence, sensors, servo axes, spindle and pneumatic systems.
Octagon Manufacturing Technology develops machine-control concepts using PLC-based automation,
including Mitsubishi control architecture where specified by the project.
PLC Functions
The PLC can manage:
- Emergency and safety-related machine permissives
- Servo enable sequence
- Axis homing
- Manual jog operation
- Automatic cycle sequence
- Component clamping and declamping
- Spindle control
- Drilling feed control
- Peck drilling logic where required
- Sensor monitoring
- Fault and alarm conditions
- Cycle completion
- HMI Functions
The HMI can provide screens for:
- Axis zero setting
- Home all axes
- Individual axis homing
- Feed-rate setting
- Drilling operation parameters
- Spindle ON/OFF
- Spindle speed setting
- Manual continuous jog
- Step jog
- Machine status and alarms
- Application-Specific PLC Logic
A drilling machine should not use generic logic without considering the actual machine sequence. Each axis,
spindle, clamp, sensor and safety condition needs to be mapped to the machine's electrical and mechanical
design.
For example, a drilling cycle can be structured so that the machine first verifies the component and clamp
condition, then enables spindle operation, moves the programmed axis, performs the drilling sequence and
finally returns to a safe condition.
This integrated approach allows Octagon to provide not only the machine hardware but also the automation
logic needed for production operation.
