Short run, frequent start/stop applications, or applications where precise tension control is not required.
Not necessarily. The Montalvo X-3400 Controller is a hybrid controller that utilizes analog signal processing for the actual tension control loop, while utilizing a digital interface for programming that simplifies programs and offers many optional features. Analog signal processing is real-time. Digital signal processing is limited by processor clock-speed. While modern processors are extremely fast, none are as fast as analog. That being said, digital processing may be fast enough for many applications. Montalvo offers a fully digital load-cell based system with our S4 system.
Calibration can be strictly reserved for when a problem is present. If the system needs more frequent calibration than twice yearly, it could indicate a problem with the load cell system, either mechanical or electrical. However, if you wish to calibrate more often you can do so at your leisure.
If a controller is not correctly and consistently managing web tension, and is exhibiting fluctuations, the easiest way to determine if it is the tension control system or some other factor creating the problem is to put the controller into its manual mode. If the tension stabilizes, and becomes more or less constant, this indicates a control loop problem. If there is no or minimal difference in the tension between closed-loop automatic control and manual mode, this typically indicates some mechanical issue in the system such as bad idler roll bearings, surging drives, core slippage or some other mechanical issue.
The board can be easily reconfigured, but it might be best to send it to us. We will reconfigure, and test the board to verify that it is functioning correctly.
