Participants will learn about different types of motion plans and how they are parameterized.

Activities: Program and execute a basic low-speed move with selected motion plan parameters. 

Participants will learn:

• the mechanical components and alternative technologies that provide the necessary performance functions
• the types of constraint, the types of friction, and the sources of performance limitations.

Activities: Program and execute a high-speed move that is within the performance limits of the system hardware. Implement a touch-probe application and look at positioning repeatability.

System Components: Electrical Motors

Participants will learn:

• the different types and classifications of electrical motors
• the relationship between motor fundamental physics and motor performance
• motor selection processes using product specifications, e.g., motor torque versus speed curves.

Activities: Program and execute a torque-control application

System Components: Feedback Devices

Participants will learn about different motion feedback devices, especially incremental and absolute encoders.

Activities: Program and execute a homing routine and compare relative versus absolute moves.

System Components: Drives

Participants will learn the fundamental operation principles of servo drives and commonly included features of industrial servo drives (e.g., control loops, safety features, communication interfaces).

Activities: Configure and setup a motion control axis. This includes defining parameters of the servo drive, defining parameters in the motion control application software, testing motion, and tuning the control loop parameters.

Participants will learn helpful strategies for selecting components to form an effective motion system.

Activities: Make technology-level selections of motion control components for various case study applications.

Participants will learn how to:

• create more advanced motion control programs with standard PLCopen motion control instructions
• use different operating modes (e.g., position, velocity, torque control) and how to sequence and arrange multiple motion commands
• use an instruction reference manual for incorporating unfamiliar (not demonstrated by the instructor) programing instructions.

Activities: Several activities using different control modes and different buffer modes to manage multiple requested motion instructions.

Register here.

Once submitted, we will review registration details before sharing payment details via email. This process is designed to ensure individuals who are not a fit or may struggle in the program can be contacted directly before submitting payment.

The lessons and activities in this two-day experience are designed for engineering and manufacturing professionals interested in gaining experience in motion control. This workshop focuses on technology and concept exposure and practical implementation skill development. Engineering calculations and analyses are touched on, but the activities in this workshop do not involve engineering calculations. 

If you have any questions about the experience or course, please email us here.

An engineering or technical degree is encouraged but not required. To get the most out of this workshop, participants must have a strong ability to read graphs/plots and be comfortable using a computer.

If you have any questions about the experience or if you are a fit, please email us here.

The registration cost is $2,000 for one participant in the two-day workshop. This registration includes parking, lunches, refreshments, and access to a laptop, various motion control systems, and course materials.

On Marquette's campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The precise meeting location will be shared following registration. Parking will be available.

A laptop will be provided for all participants to use during the workshop. Handouts and worksheets will also be provided.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own notebooks for additional notes.