Need help with a drill positioning application

[toygasm4u]

Greeting all,
We have an upcoming project that will require accurate placement of 3 drill heads, with two axis each. We will be using (hopefully) linear slides with screw positioning. My thought is that all we'll need is a servo/encoder package to drive the things. This is something I've never attempted before, and I've been volunteered to figure out the electrical side of this equipment. I'm confident I'll figure it out. My question is this:

Based on experience, is there a particular brand that's easier on first timers such as myself? When I was a technician, I used to see systems such as this all the time, but I've never put something together from scratch. I sniffed around Automation Direct's web page a bit. I think my only saving grace will be that I've done some PLC programming throughout my career.

 

[sreid]

Motion Engineering is generally thought to have controllers that are easy to use.

http://www.motioneng.com/

Besides the controller you will need the servo amplifiers, servo motors and encoders. How accurate does the positioning need to be?

We have used Mitsubishi PLCs and motion products for some appliciations. The advantage is products that seamlessly mate up and system help involves only one vendor.

 

[itsmoked]

A large provider I can recommend from experience is Gecko.

http://www.geckodrive.com/index.cfm

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[PLClatin]

Dear toygasm4u:

AMK USA has a starter's package for 2 axis, with integrated servo drives-motors, and a nice little touch panel. It includes a demo program, allowing to enter motion commands from the screen, without external software. Based on your description,it sounds close to your needs. It may be your solution.

http://www.amkdrives.com

Best regards