This case study highlights the flexibility of our stock range of motor controllers and also how we work cooperatively with a range of organisations to deliver projects.
In this case we worked with S3 Design in Manchester and SFD to deliver a rotating display to a high end London retailer on a very short lead time. If you have a similar project you can contact us directly here and we will be happy to advise on the best way forward.
The motor control aspect of the project was very straightforward. The idea was to create a customised rotating prism display system for a high end retail outlet in London.
The unit required synchronisation of all 3 prisms and also needed to be programmable to change the times and angles displayed. An initial specification of 5 second turn and 20 second pause every 120 degrees was received. This was specified by the final end user and was considered the optimal ratio between the columns moving and being stationary to provide the required level of customer intrigue.
From the initial enquiry we worked to specify a motor and controller package which would be able to manage the required torque and also operate smoothly and efficiently.
Based on the specified weights of the various prisms we opted for the ZD10 programmable stepper motor driver and the ZDN2315GB geared stepper motor. Due to it’s popularity we have since packaged this geared stepper motor and controller up into the ZD10N2315-30 package.
The central challenge with this project was time as the timescales for the project were very short.
In order to achieve this we worked with S3 Design to develop the bearings and mechanical systems which would enable the prisms to rotate reliably and effectively.
The bearings and mechanical assembly were then custom built by S3 Design on a very short lead time.
Following this initial design stage we were then required to install the unit on site in London. Working together with Alan from S3 Design we were able to achieve this in one day (albeit quite a long day!).
Working on this project really highlighted the benefits of using programmable stepper motor controllers which can quickly be changed.
Once the units were set up the customer then requested the display time be reduced as once they were running they felt that it appeared to be too slow.
As a result of the on site technical support we offered and the programmable drivers we have designed we were very quickly able to modify the programme to meet the customer’s requirements.
The key to this project was essentially within the flexibility of the ZD10 stepper motor controller that we used. By allowing swift modification of key parameters on site it was possible to deliver the required solution at very short notice. In addition, working collaboratively with Alan from S3 Design and sharing our knowledge of the various issues which can arise in the project proved to be particularly beneficial to delivering the project.
