FMS-Force Measuring Systems

FMS Force Measuring Systems AG is the market leader in the field of web tension measurement, control and specialist for web guiding solutions. For the wire industry they are the only manufacturer offering a complete range of technologies for force measurement, data processing and radio
transmission of signals.

FMS has developed a large range of products so there is sure to be something to meet your requirement, in addition they offer a complete customised service.

FMS PRODUCT RANGE

Web and Wire Tension Control

Constant Tension Monitoring & Control with FMS Products
Winding/unwinding, slitting, coating, printing and many other production processes require constant material tension. With current drive solutions, sensor technology, BUS systems and amplifiers tension control has become state of the art in converting lines, metal, paper and wire manufacturing and processing. Nowadays, tension measuring load cells are part of the standard equipment in running web production lines.

Closed Loop Tension Control
Closed loop systems deliver superior accuracy and can be simply achieved with the range of FMS Force Sensors and Controllers in combination with an electronic brake or clutch from our suppliers Magnetic Technologies and Merobel/Andentex

 

How closed loop works:

  1. Force sensors measure material tension.
  2. The tension controller amplifies the measured signal from the force sensor and calculates an output value.
  3. The drive, brake, or clutch converts the output value from the tension controller into a corresponding torque or speed.
  4. Brake or Clutch Torque is increased or decreased maintaining constant tension.

Closed loop advantages:

  • Reliability & Repeatability
  • Accuracy – Improve Product Quality
  • Efficiency – Improved Control Process
  • Increasing Production Rates
  • Reduce Material Wastage

In this video example of a closed loop system you will see and FMS BKS309 Amplifier/Controller, FMS Force Sensor and a Magnetic Technologies Electric Hysteresis Brake.

Force Sensors/Load Cells and Controllers

Force Sensors
Force sensors, load cells, force transducer or force measuring bearings are used to measure compression, force, strain and load. The proven principles of the FMS design such as double bending beams and the use of strain gauges (SG) in full-bridge circuits and the integrated overload protection means FMS always meet the expected requirements.

Features:

  • Strain gauge in full-bridge circuit to compensate for temperature influences.
  • Measuring body and housing made of stainless steel or high-strength aluminium, mechanical overload protection, robust with high repeatability.
  • Nominal Forces from as little as 33N to a Robust 17,985N!
  • Large range of configurations and sizes for a wide range of web & wire tension measurement.
  • For elevated temperatures, aggressive environments, special installation conditions, vacuum applications.

FMS Measuring Amplifier

All force sensors required a signal amplifier, an amplifier can be used to simply display the force measurement for manual control (open loop), or the amplified signal can be input into a processing system. If you are looking for a controller, then the amplifier is built in already. From the first analogue measuring amplifier EMGZ 306, (which is still produced today), to the latest generation of devices with connection to fieldbus and Ethernet networks, FMS has delivered countless numbers of measuring amplifiers all over the world.

  • Configuration directly on the amplifier, via a web browser, a network protocol or a mobile device with Bluetooth on some models.
  • DIN rail mounting, panel mounting, field mounting with increased IP protection rating.
  • All force sensors with an input resistance of 350 Ohms can be used.
  • Analog, digital, for fieldbus and Ethernet networks.
  • FMS ATEX, Explosion Proof Version.

FMS Web & Wire Controllers

FMS controllers can be used in most web and wire processing or finishing webs applications. With its design as a plug & play unit, the tension controller can be configured with minimal effort, for example, for rewinders or unwinders.

  • Easy configuration via control panel and LCD Display.
  • Extended parameters can be accessed via a web browser.
  • Can be used as brake controller or controller for drives
  • Optional EtherNet/IP interface
  • Available for wall mounting (IP65), DIN rail and panel mounting.

Segmented Tension Roller FMS-segFORCE®

Measuring the tension of individual, parallel web sections in your slitter / rewinder or the tension profile across the entire width of your web has never been easier than with the FMS-segFORCE measuring roller. The FMS-segFORCE® allows up to 50 measuring point at the highest sensitivity.

Slitter / Rewinder

  • Easy identification of faulty winding shafts or differential shafts.
  • Clear display of the tension values of each individual web section.
  • Extreme flexibility in terms of number of segments, widths, position.

Coating Lines

  • Tension profile delivers a better understanding of the process.
  • Fast detection and elimination of process or material related faults and malfunctions.
  • Fast quality assessment of the delivered parent rolls.

RTM X42 Radio Transmitted Tension Control

FMS have developed the RTM X42 Modular System for wire tension monitoring for tubular and cage type stranders. RTM X42 measures the tension of individual wires or strands in cage or tubular type stranders. Both the machine operator as well as your quality management receive access to these important process parameters. The tension values are displayed via the optionally available RTM X42.CC Control Centre or in your existing PLC.

Features

  • Tension monitoring of individual strands or wires
  • Modbus interface as standard
  • 1-42 measuring channels, which can be extended as required by the combination of several systems
  • Reliable radio transmission

Advantages and Potential

  • Determination of the most important quality and process parameters
  • Universally compatible with every machine control (gateways can be found in our accessories program)
  • Modular and adaptable to every system size
  • Wear-free and low-maintenance, no wiring or slip rings necessary
  • Increase in productivity
  • Reliability and long service life
  • Maintenance-free operation
  • Lowest life cycle costs

Web Edge & Line Guiding Systems

FMS manufacture a quality range of web edge and line sensor, controllers, steering frames and linear actuators for Closed Loop Web Guiding systems.

A precisely positioned web is the key for a web-processing system. Whether in the bonding of packaging, in the multi-layered construction of hygiene articles or in positioning precisely for printer heads, the lateral position of the web is always an important process parameter.

  • Increase Processing Speeds
  • Reduce Wastage
  • Better Quality and Quality Control
  • Less Downtime

FMS Web Sensors

US01B & US04B (Ultrasonic)

The Ultrasonic Sensor Series US01B & US04B is used in many web guiding applications where the material edge needs to be detected fast and accurately. The sensors are suitable for all sound-reflecting materials. They are characterized by their reliable and trouble-free detection of transparent films and reflective materials. The sensors are highly insensitive to plain changes and are not affected by ambient ultrasonic noises or dust. They are factory set and don’t need any adjustments or calibration.

AZS01B & AZS04B (Optical)

AZS BlueFlash sensors are optical edge sensors for the detection of all opaque materials. They are used in web guiding applications where the material edge needs to be detected fast and where demanding accuracy is required. The used linear, high resolution material edge mapping system provides to BlueFlash clear advantages compared to ultrasonic sensors. Positioning marks provide a quick and precise alignment of the sensor to the reference line.

DLS2 Line Sensor

The DLS 2 digital line and edge detection sensor is self-adjusting and easy to apply in all types of web guiding applications. In line detection mode, the sensor can handle a solid line, an intermittent line, and also a line that is adjacent to or crossed by a pattern. When a break in the line is detected (as in the case of an intermittent line pattern), the web guide will remain locked in that position until the line pattern is again recognized by the sensor.

FMS Web Guide Controllers BKS309

The FMS BKS309 web guide controller is easy to use, powerful, fast and packed full of features and options. They can be integrated into some of the FMS Steering Frames below as well as separated from the unit. Separated Controllers are available in DIN Rail Mount, Panel Mount and Wall Mount Configurations.

The This is also available in the three different mounting configurations DIN Rail, Panel or Wall.

BKS309 MS Master/Slave controller, also known as a chase and follow setup where you detect one web and line up a second one such as a laminate to match.

BKS309 DC allows the control of DC motors as we use them in the actuator FMS-winderGLIDE BKS.D.7.

FMS Web Steering Frames & Actuators

Steering Frames

A precisely positioned web is the key of a web-processing system. Whether in the bonding of packaging, in the multi-layered construction of hygiene articles or in positioning precisely for printer heads, the lateral position of the web is always an important process parameter. Mechanical guides are often used to hold the material in the process area. The FMS range of Steering Frames have an inbuilt controller that works with the FMS Sensors.

BKS015 for Web Widths 100 to 350mm

Guiding control modes include edge Left, edge Right, and Centre Guiding (using two sensors). the powerful stepper motor and ball screw spindle offers both high precision and a fast, accurate response. the electronic control unit is integrated into the steering frame, while the operator interface panel can be provided on either side of the frame and oriented in any of 90° increments to best suit the application

BKS030 for Web Widths 600 to 1800mm

A powerful stepper motor with a ball screw spindle adjusts the steering frame free of play and very precisely.  the rollers are manufactured and balanced to high standards. a wide range of material sensors allow edge, centre or line guiding.

BKS042 Virtual Pivot Point for long spans, 600-1600mm

An important feature of the webDIRECTOR design is its virtual pivot point that can be position outside the steering frame. This speciality enables the BKS042 to correct large deviations in the running web.

Web Actuators

FMS Linear Actuators are used to control winder and unwinder reels. They feature a fast and precise BLDC Stepper Motor, are easy to use, reliable and come in a range of correction ranges and thrust forces. All Series below feature and adjustment speed of 25 mm/s