Hands-on mechatronics
with RT 460

Modern mechatronics combines mechanics, electronics, sensor technology and automation technology. GUNT's hands-on approach applied in the RT 460 trainer offers a practical mechatronics training system for automation technology.

 

The learning objectives follow the course plans for mechatronics and control engineering. They can be worked on a modular basis as individual projects or as a complete project spanning several weeks. Work can be carried out either as a team or as an individual assignment.

» data sheet of RT 460


Digital planning: GUNT Skills Media Center

The Skills Media Center is a didactic platform developed by GUNT that offers specific learning materials for GUNT devices. By combining hardware on an industrial level with digital data packages, we support the future professional development of students.

Illustration showing an overview of various screenshots from the GUNT planning software used to create the various plans and lists

Ready to plan: GUNT planning software for RT 460

The level or flow control for the RT 460 device is planned independently using the GUNT planning software in the Skills Media Center and documented digitally. During the creation of individual plans, knowledge of mechanics, electrical engineering, electronics and control engineering is applied, interlinked and consolidated. Different configurations are achievable within a defined scope using the pipe elements and components provided.

 

 

Highlights of the GUNT planning software

  • easy start of planning with no installation required
  • accessible anytime and from anywhere via standard web browsers

 

  • GUNT planning software with a full range of
    software tools for planning with:
    • predefined grids
    • tailored libraries
    • PDF templates with tailored drop-down lists

 

  • structured documents for digital project documentation

 

 

A view over someone's shoulder at a laptop displaying an open signal flow diagram

Signal flow diagram

Visualisation of the mathematical and logical relationships involved in level control

 

  • combination of mechanics, electronics and software
  • planning the flow of information and the controlled system
  • selecting the type of control

Once the level control has been tested, the selected control is checked and adjusted if necessary. The signal flow diagram can be adjusted retrospectively in line with findings.

 

 

Two people standing in front of the trainer comparing plans on the laptop with the parts list on the tablet

Piping diagram

Complete, digital planning of pipes and components

 

  • spatial arrangement and positioning of the actual industrial components
  • selecting the right pipe elements
Illustration of planning documents for mechanical assembly – piping diagram and parts list

Parts list

PDF template for creating a digital parts list

 

  • overview of all pipes and components supplied
  • drop-down list for selecting the components supplied

 

 

RT 460: illustration of planning documents for mechanical assembly – piping diagram and parts list

Wiring diagram

Digital creation of the wiring diagram for the planned level control system

 

  • planning of signal and control lines
  • specifying connections
  • assignment of functions in the PLC
Illustration of planning documents for electrical assembly – wiring diagram and terminal diagram

Terminal diagram

PDF template for creating a digital terminal diagram

 

  • diagram showing available terminal blocks
  • drop-down list for selecting terminals and planned components

 

 

A view over someone's shoulder at a laptop displaying an open process schematic

Process schematic

Illustration of the concept, material flow and chain of effects in customised level control

 

  • illustration of:
    • material flow
    • components used
    • measurement and control points
  • identification of measurement and control points
  • visualisation of the controlled system and the flow of information

Once the level control has been tested, the selected type of
control is checked and, where necessary, amended. The signal flow diagram can be adjusted retrospectively in line with findings.

 

Ready to teach: prepared didactic materials

 

An overview featuring screenshots of various teaching materials, such as manuals, videos, e-learning courses and exercises

The GUNT Skills Media Center offers access to the GUNT planning software as well as prepared didactic materials.

 

  • device-specific information: manuals, data sheets, videos
  • E-learning course: fundamentals of control engineering
  • exercises with password-protected solutions

 

» further information about the GUNT Skills Media Center

 

  • device-specific information: manuals, data sheets, videos
  • E-learning course: fundamentals of control engineering
  • topic-based exercises with password-protected solutions

 

» further information about the GUNT Skills Media Center

 


Hands-on mechanical assembly

Easy assembly based on the custom parts list. Simple handling of components on the assembly panel with grid.

 

Ready for assembly

  • prefabricated pipe elements
  • high-quality, industrial components
  • simple assembly thanks to the grid on the assembly panel
  • tool-free connection thanks to Tri-Clamp pipe connections

 

  • space-saving storage of all components on the trainer
  • all components can be found effortlessly thanks to custom-fit foam inlays
  • portable and flexible thanks to a closed water circuit

 

  • repeated assembly and disassembly
  • sustainable use
  • long service life
  • long-term availability of components

 


Hands-on electrical assembly

Safe wiring using the terminal diagram on a pre-fitted switch cabinet with 24V extra low voltage (ELV) connected.

Close-up of hands preparing electrical cables for connection

Easy preparation: tools and materials included

Close-up of hands wiring cables in a switch cabinet

Easy wiring: pre-fitted switch cabinet

Close-up of hands plugging a cable into a distributor box

Simple connection: flexible distributor boxes

Two people wiring the switch cabinet of the trainer, following the terminal diagram

Ready for assembly

  • pre-fitted switch cabinet
  • working safely with a 24V extra low voltage (ELV) power supply at the front switch cabinet

 

  • including all necessary tools and materials for preparing the required cables
  • safe operation thanks to separate, protected electrical system (230V) and service access at the rear

 

  • repeated assembly and disassembly
  • sustainable use
  • long service life
  • long-term availability of components

 


Hands-on configuration

The trainer is equipped with a PLC and a touch screen for operation and control. The PLC software is tailored to the individual components. A graphical representation of the measured values is integrated into the user interface. The clear layout, featuring informative symbols, makes it intuitive to use.


Screen mirroring with the RT 460

Illustration of the screen mirroring function on GUNT devices

The integrated router enables the user interface to be displayed on up to 10 additional devices.

 

  • mirroring the user interface on additional end devices: PC, tablet, ...
  • independent menu navigation for all end devices

 

» Remote learning with GUNT devices

 

Configuring the components in the PLC

  • direct use of the pre-programmed PLC
  • configuration of certain actuators via Modbus, I/O-Link or manually

 

  • selecting, switching on and switching off the components
  • configuration of the PLC's inputs and outputs for controlling the used component
  • configuring component characteristics
  • selecting and configuring the control system: two-point, P, I, and D control and their combinations; cascade control

Screenshots of the pre-programmed PLC of RT 460


Hands-on tests

Commissioning

The individual assembly is checked for leaks. The correct control of the components via the PLC is verified.

Two people standing in front of the trainer observing the level in a transparent tank

Testing and optimisation

Various control systems and controllers are selected on the PLC's touch screen, and the control parameters are set. For example, a step change function is applied to the controlled system and the measured values of the step response are recorded.

 

The experiments range fromtwo-point control, to P, I or D control and their combinations, to cascade control.

Data acquisition via the integrated PLC

Screenshot of the PLC user interface showing the function graph of a step response

Data is acquired via the PLC and saved to the internal memory. Stored measured values can be easily transferred from the trainer to the end devices via the integrated router. This allows experiments to be followed and analysed individually.

 


Digital project documentation

Digital planning and data collection enable all planning documents and measurement analyses to be stored in one digital project folder. Alternatively, the documentation can be provided in paper form using printouts. The standardised and consistent structure of the documents makes it easier to compare and assess individual projects.

 

Documents from the Skills Media Center

  • plans, drawings
  • lists

Data from the integrated PLC

  • screenshots
  • CSV data for creating tables and graphs from stored measured values

 


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