![[Flo-Matix Company Logo Image]](images/fmlogo1.gif)
|
|
| Flo-Matix Company designs and builds turnkey fluid systems to customers' needs. Customers specify what they want the system to accomplish, and any special requirements, like space limitations, electrical power available, etc. Flo-Matix uses these specification to determine the way to accomplish the system. They build the system, test it, and deliver it within the time constraints specified. NOTE: Click on any of the thumbnail photos below for full size blowup. |
|
 |
|
| Downloadable Quick Information on Turnkey Fluid Systems PDF file (229K) requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
|
|
|
 Manufacturing Station Control SystemThis is a complete turnkey control system used in manufacturing and testing. The unit consists of a hydraulic power unit (Photo 3), hydraulic control system, pneumatic control system (Photo 1), and operator interface (Photo 2). It is designed to stow underneath the manufacturer's designed two station machine base.   An Allen Bradley SLC 5/03 processor controls all system functions, including all discrete I/O, analog I/O, and communication with the Maple Systems operator interface terminal. A Continental proportional amplifier controls hydraulic pressure up to 3,000 psi. A Tescom proportional regulator controls pneumatic pressure up to 1,800 psi. Operator inputs, such as system pressures, cylinder dwell times, type of test, etc. are made via the operator input terminal. The system includes two-hand-no-tie-down control to begin run sequences and an Eaton digital pressure gauge for operator reference. Controls are separated into an electrical control panel, two pneumatic control panels (Photo 3) and an operator interface panel. |
|
 Actuator Load Test BenchThis system consists of two hydraulic load stations and a common hydraulic system for testing aircraft landing gear and various control actuators (Photo 1). The vertical load station utilizes a 6" bore cylinder for loads up to 40 tons; the horizontal load station has a 3 1/4" bore cylinder for loads up to 10 tons. The hydraulic system provides the horsepower necessary for loading,  and provides an auxiliary supply for hydraulic actuators to be tested. The control system interfaces with a customer supplied PLC and data acquisition computer. It consists of a main interface panel (Photo 2 lower), motor starter panel (Photo 2 upper) and operator interface panel. The operator panel provides the operator with manual control of the system. The main interface panel allows the operator to control the system automatically via the PLC program. The system is designed to run a closed loop feedback control algorithm whereby loading force is controlled via Tescom proportional hydraulic pressure regulators and Cooper load sensors. WIKA pressure sensors, MTS Temposonics position sensors with binary output converters, and an ACT temperature sensor also provide pertinent data to the data acquisition system.  The test bench also provides an automatic oil heating-cooling circuit. A RS-485 serial interface and utility software are provided to program the Tescom proportional regulators via computer (Photo 3). |
|
 Hydraulic Actuator Test Bench- This unit consists of two independent hydraulic stations connected to a common hydraulic reservoir. It is used for manual high pressure leak and performance testing of aircraft control actuators. Each station has a hydraulic pump capable of 4.5 gpm flow at 5,000 psi as well as a 5,000 psi manual hand pump. An operator can select between low and high pressure hydraulic regulators for pressure control, and can adjust system flow via needle valve.  Each station also has a separate air over oil system for low pressure static testing. One station has a separate low pressure auxiliary supply for unique
testing demands. Each station includes power controls, digital and analog pressure displays, flowmeters, and a manual hydraulic directional control valve. A common hydraulic re-circulation circuit is included for oil cooling and filtering. An electrical control panel and transformer panel provides electrical distribution and control logic for the entire system. |
|
  Ford Explorer Floor Pan Drilling FixtureThis system is a turnkey fixture used to drill holes in the floor pans of Ford Explorers being exported to the Australian market. The holes are used for rear seat child restraints not found in American models. The fixture is hung from a tool balancer and placed in the rear of the auto body. The fixture grips the floor pan via vacuum cups and drills via E2 pneumatic drills. Pneumatic cylinders are used to move the drills to the proper locations. The control system utilizes an Allen Bradley SLC 5-03 PLC, Turck proximity switches, SMC valve and vacuum manifolds, and multiple electrical indicators for fixture status. |
|
 Actuator Load Test BenchThis system consists of a hydraulic power unit, a vertical load station, and an operator control panel for testing aircraft landing gear and various control actuators. The load station utilizes a 6" bore cylinder for loads up to 40 tons. The system uses a WIKA pressure sensor to indicate theoretical load force and a Balluff position sensor to indicate cylinder position. Load control is achieved via a manual Tescom hydraulic pressure regulator. |
|
 Compressor Test and Data Acquisition System- This system is used to test small refrigeration compressors. It consists of a 2-station pneumatic test bench, a control computer and an electronic data acquisition system with chart recorder, printer and I/o module. It includes custom software to provide a menu driven operator interface and to provide switching between various transducers and data logging instruments. A statistical analysis software package is included with the system. |
|
|
|
|
|