Master caster electronic automation - some questions
Hello Everyone
I’m at the very start of automating my Master caster. I decided I would program a Single Board Computer (Arduino or Raspberry - cost effective) to operate a step motor for replacing the handle and an electric actuator for regulating the pour. The SBC could read out potentiometers or a dip switch to set the required delays at the mold position and how I want it to shake out the boolits at the end.
Big part of the costs is selecting the torque of the step motor and max current associated with it for feeding it.
I removed the handle, made a kind of 1/2” connection so I could plug a borrowed torque wrench on the axle. Only to find out it is a counter clockwise torque measurement, and most torque wrenches only gives a clockwise torque for fastening stuff.
Here is my question: Can anyone give me an educated guess of a worst case torque that normally is applied on the handle? I assume that mechanics who are familiar with torque measurements can give a rough estimation just by feeling it. Biggest mold I cast is 45acp, dual cavity.
I need an answer on this question to avoid any of the following situations:
- buying a left handed torque wrench (200-300usd, only need it once)
- buying a step motor too small
- buying a step motor too big (can cost over 500-1000usd)
- buying a H-bridge driver too small or too big along with the motor and the power supply (same problem)
Thanks for the input
Kind regards
Master caster electronic automation - some questions
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pebbles
Is there really no one able to help me with a rough torque estimation of the Master Caster?
I would like to know the answer too but I think the answer is going to be more complicated. Notice that there are a couple of popular auto drives that use stepper motors but they use gearing to increase the torque. So, from a power standpoint a large stepper motor should have enough power if geared properly.
The question might be if the stepper motor can gain enough speed (accelerate) to knock the bullets/sprue out of the mold. If not, you “may” need tappers. (And if they have enough holding power to stop immediately without skipping steps)
You can probably calculate the force that the more popular air cylinders create but they have an advantage of accelerating very quickly so it may not be a fair comparison. There is also designs that use electronic motors and a horsepower rating could be helpful.
Again, I’m not much help but if you look closely at some of the auto drives for progressive presses, you’ll probably be closer to an answer.