Fundamental Machine Components and Control Systems

Fundamental Machine Components

The essential elements comprising a machine are:

• Structure: The set of elements that protect the other components of the machine.
• Motor: The device responsible for transforming any form of energy into mechanical energy.
• Mechanisms: Elements dealing with transmitting and transforming forces and movements.
• Circuits: Those dealing with matter or energy transport.
• Actuators: Elements of the machine that transform movement into work.
• Control, Regulation, and Monitoring Devices: Elements that allow the machine to operate according to plan.

Machine Classifications

Machines can be categorized based on several criteria:

By Technology Involved

Based on the technologies involved in their manufacture, machines can be:

• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Hydraulic
• Electromechanical
• Pneumatic
• Electronic

By Complexity

Classification based on the number of parts and the variety of effectors produced.

By Automation Level

Classification according to the degree of human intervention required for operation:

• Non-Automatic Machines: When the entire control of the machine is carried out manually.
• Automatic Machines: When certain devices on the machine operate without manual intervention.
• Fixed Cycle Machines: When one or more specific operations occur automatically.
• Programmable Machines: Similar to fixed cycle machines, but changing the cycle does not require modifying the machine hardware.
• Intelligent Machines: In addition to a program, these machines have embedded sensors, enabling them to make decisions and modify their operation.

Systems and Control Circuits

These systems are intended to regulate and control machinery to ensure intended function. Control systems consist of one or more control circuits. Control circuits are devices where input information yields a response. There are two types of control and regulation:

• Control: The response does not affect the input signal.
• Regulation: The response affects the input signal.

Automation Defined

An automatism is a device that starts or stops itself under certain circumstances.

Triggers (Sensors)

A safety device that locks or holds a mechanism. Types include:

• Automatic Interruptors (Sensors): These trigger the machine's motion. They activate upon excessive inclination, pressure (actuated by pushing a small button), magnetic fields (magnetic plates containing two fine wires in a vacuum-sealed glass ampoule), or optical presence/absence of light.

Relay

A relay is an operator composed of two elements:

• An electromagnet that can be activated by a low voltage.
• A switch controlled by the electromagnet, which opens or closes depending on whether current flows.

Developers (Actuators)

Electromagnetically driven developers include those using cam cards and discs.