This describes a special version of MetriLink that monitors eight hose braiders and stops the braiders if the braiding is faulty.

Customer Requirements
Leading hose manufacture required that all of the hose it braids be inspected for diameter and flaws. The system required that the program shut down the braider if a fault was detected.

Recipe Entry - The limits are simple set in table and stored in a database. The operator only has to select the part number to set all of the limits.

Solution
A dual axis laser gauge was mounted to check the outside diameter of the hose after it was braided. If the diameter exceeded the tolerances around the correct braiding diameter, then it can be inferred that the braiding was improperly done. This might be as a result of the braiding material strand broken or as a result of the braid "bunching" up.

The braider stops when a fault occurs and the logs the event. It also logs when the operator re-starts the line.

The set point and tolerances for each line are kept in a database which automatically load the values when the operator selects the proper part number being run on each line.

The operator selects the values form the drop down list under "Product". The diameter and deviation form the set point size is displayed along with the status.

MetriLink also set and resets light a flashing strobe light on each braider when a fault occurs to draw the attention of the operator.

The limits are simple set in table and stored in a database. The operator only has to select the part number to set all of the limits.

Configuration - The operators must log in and log out and permissions are set up to limit access to the advanced features used by the supervisor. Installation and setup is easy with the monitor screen that checks all of the I/O connections.