RGB ENGINEERING

BENCH TESTING

COMPUTERIZED CROWNER RETROFIT SYSTEM

All retrofit crowner assemblies supplied by RGB Engineering are bench tested prior to shipment. The photo  shows a typical setup during the final testing phase. As can be seen, all the components are connected using the same wiring diagrams that will be used for the actual installation. Although the servo loop is not closed, the servo motor is commanded to run using the output from the crowner summing board, which compares the LVDT signal with the FFG computer output. The absolute encoder is also connected to the computer, to make sure it is functioning properly. Using this technique, all the critical hardware components are checked under actual operating conditions, including any optional equipment that was purchased (like the precision infeed handwheel). The FFG/FFP software for the specific customer is used to run the test. In this way, both the hardware and software are checked together simulating the actual operating conditions as close as possible. The encoder can be turned by hand to simulate wheel movement across the roll face, and the LVDT can be adjusted using a test fixture to check a typical response. The Electro-Craft servo drive is tuned and calibrated, and the crowner summing and LVDT conditioner boards calibrated and tested independently, and under full integration with the rest of the control. All inputs and outputs are checked using the diagnostic routines supplied with the software. The system is "burned in" for at least 24 hours after the completion of all testing. The customer is given the opportunity to visit the test facility to witness the final runoff. Many companies elect to send the engineer or technician who will be responsible for the equipment in the plant. This gives them the opportunity to see the demonstration, ask questions, and generally prepare for the final installation in a more relaxed atmosphere than sometimes exists during the machine shutdown phase.