Computer controlled coiling machine

A system for controlling the feeding of wire to a workstation for the formation of a coil spring by means of at least one moveable work tool that is disposed at the workstation and that is selectively operated to move to different positions in the formation of a desired spring, said system comprising a feed mechanism for feeding wire to the workstation and control means for controlling the feed mechanism to optimize the rate of spring making, said control means including data entry means for setting the predetermined characteristics regarding wire feed and work tool motion in constructing the desired spring, means for determining, from the entered data, work tool motion intervals, said control means further including;

• means for establishing a first predetermined range of velocity of wire feed during a tool motion interval;
• means for establishing a second predetermined range of velocity of wire feed outside of said tool motion interval that is greater than the first range of velocity of wire feed;
• means for sensing termination of said tool motion interval;
• and, means responsive to said means for sensing termination of said tool motion interval for changing from said first range to said second range of velocity of wire feed,
• whereby wire feed is increased during said second range to enhance speed of spring production.