3D machine control systems

The use of 3D machine control systems in earthworks is already common practice, but road pavers, too, are increasingly being equipped with this technology. For its SUPER pavers, VÖGELE delivers the right solution to tackle every application.

Niveltronic Plus 3D takes the Niveltronic Plus system for automated grade and slope control into the third dimension. Its 3D data interface allows the use not only of conventional sensors such as sonic and mechanical sensors but also of 3D sensors for grade control. To make this possible, Niveltronic Plus 3D must be connected to an external 3D machine control system.

The open interface allows the use of different positioning systems from leading manufacturers such as Leica, TopCon and Trimble. Niveltronic Plus 3D enables road pavers to use 3D sensors for grade and slope control.

Navitronic Basic represents the next dimension in 3D machine control. It can perform more than just conventional grade and slope control. Over and above this, Navitronic Basic also controls the screed position fully automatically.

In order to achieve the highest level of paving accuracy, the screed’s position is precisely controlled via the screed’s extending units. To do that, displacement sensors on the extending units determine the current width of the screed. The user then has two options for adjusting the positional accuracy: Define the extreme left or right end of the screed as a fixed reference so that paving takes place along that specified line. Set a fixed pave width which will then be maintained in exactly the preset position over the full length of the section being paved.

The precision control of the extending units enables the screed's width control system to compensate easily even for deviations caused by steering the paver. With Navitronic Basic, the paver operator controls the paver's direction of motion manually. The specified route and paver position are shown on the display of the 3D machine control system, allowing the operator to guide the machine very precisely with no artificial reference.

Navitronic Plus represents the most advanced level of 3D machine control for road pavers. It offers the same performance features as Navitronic Basic: fully automatic control of grade and slope as well as of the screed position. However, it also controls the steering of the VÖGELE tracked paver. This makes the Navitronic Plus a true 3D machine control system, available only from VÖGELE in this form.

Automatic control of the paver’s direction of motion: The Navitronic Plus controls the steering of the tracked paver directly via the machine control system. This means that the road paver, whose position is continuously detected by the laser-based total station or GPS, is guided fully automatically along the specified route. The paving team can monitor the paver’s position and detect any deviations from the specified line on the display of the 3D machine control system. The 3D machine control system is a registered patent of JOSEPH VÖGELE AG.