Q. What
is FLEXY-1 and how could it be useful for the Engineering Diploma?
A. FLEXY-1 'Desktop Factory' is a complete system for supporting teaching
and learning in many essential aspects of the Engineering Diploma. It
is an example of an automated manufacturing process, an integrated
product that provides learning activities across multiple applied
technologies.
It is supplied complete with the Logicator PIC ®-chip flowchart
programming system, interfacing, test units and simulator, plus teaching
materials. As such it is an ideal system for use in the delivery of
the new Engineering Diploma.
Q. What does
it actually do?
A. It
assembles a product - in the case of FLEXY-1 this is a key
ring consisting of two parts. It will assemble the key ring by moving
the two parts under the actuator unit, lifting one part,
placing it precisely over the second part and applying an exact pressure
to press the two halves together. This task is representative
of similar operations within many industrial processes; for
example, assembly work in a car plant, a drugs company, a luggage
system at an airport, or a whole range of flexible manufacturing
examples. All of these will use the same range of technologies.
Q. What can a student learn about engineering from using
a system like this?
A. It will cover the main requirements of any manufacturing
project using key engineering principles.
It has been designed to contribute to many of the the Level 2 Engineering
Diploma teaching elements, specifically those that require a practical industrial application, making use of industrial components.
FLEXY-1 brings a 'miniature factory' into schools and colleges. Key learning points will include
knowledge of Health and Safety requirements
(for example, hazardous materials and processes and methods of
working), a knowledge of codes of practice and
quality standards and key legislation like the EU machinery directive.
It will also provide access to fault-finding techniques by setting faults. The FLEXY-1 system exemplifies many areas of study as a
practical and accessible example of automation.
Q. But surely I can teach the Engineering Diploma using separate pneumatics and electronics trainers?
A. 'Component training resources' can teach students about the individual technologies, but there are very few resources on the market that will teach the additional aspect of the Engineering Diploma which are about functional engineering. Because FLEXY1 is a complete system - a miniature factory - it provides scope to learn about systems level design decisions, fault finding, fail safing, application-related functional skills, algorithmic logic design and advanced programming techniques.
FLEXY1 was specifically designed to teach these aspects of the Engineering Diploma.
Q. What engineering principles does FLEXY-1 illustrate?
A. Amongst the principles that can be illustrated
through studies using FLEXY-1 are: |
 Poke-Yoke
(fail safing)
Safety Circuits
TAC Time
Flowcharts
Ladder Logic |
PIC programming
Function Blocks
Pneumatics
Analogue and
Digital Sensors
Fault finding, etc |
Q. What is special about this compared to other
products in the market?
A. FLEXY-1 is an
example of a range of fundamental manufacturing technologies to support
practical approaches to learning about key engineering principles.
FLEXY-1 is modular in nature and separates clearly the different
functions of a typical automation process - the Control Panel, Conditioning
Unit, Terminal Block and safety relays, Valve Manifold, Vacuum Ejector
Module, Actuator Module, Pneumatic Placement System and Feeder Carriage.
As such it is a functional visual aid. FLEXY-1 is supplied with a class set of simulation and 40 pin PIC ® programmming boards.
Q. What about programming PLCs (Programmable Logic
Controllers)?
Ladder logic has always been difficult for all
but our most able students.
A. We have teamed up with the developers of the most
popular flow chart programming system used in schools and colleges
(Logicator) to provide an intuitive high level design approach
to producing control algorithms. However, for Level 3 students
a conventional PLC and ladder logic can be used in addition if
required.
Q. What is special about Logicator as a control
medium?
A. Logicator has made the programming of PIC ®
single chip computers into a logical
and high level process of design. A flow chart is drawn on the screen
representing the control algorithm for the process. This is then
automatically translated into low-level PIC code and burnt into the
40-pin PIC chip. The program can be tested against an on-screen simulation,
or an electronic simulator, and then with the FLEXY-1 system. An
interface board contains a screen which provides full I/O feedback
for fault finding. Completed control algorithms can be printed out
as a flowchart or converted into a BASIC program as an end product
to the learning process.
Q. Is
it just for demonstration or can students have hands-on?
A. Students can work singly, or in groups, building
up their control program in stages, testing each individual module,
before testing their programs using the FLEXY-1 machine.
Q. What
about training and teaching materials?
A. We will be offering training for key staff in schools
and colleges along with teaching materials and resources, that we
are developing. There will also be updates and downloads available
from the web site.
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