PC-based control technology offers the ideal solution for meeting these challenges efficiently. Whether machining, etching, surface finishing or laser processing, with its scalable and powerful software and hardware portfolio it offers tailor-made control solutions for these applications: from pure sequential control to high-performance CNC systems. The heart of the system is the industrial PC, which is always equipped with new processors and advanced components, has excellent real-time performance, can provide powerful computing power, and can even implement very complex multi-axis positioning algorithms. At the same time, the PC controller has the openness required for a seamless connection to the control system and thus meets the decisive criteria for enabling networked production in the 21st century. EtherCAT ensures ultra-high-speed communication with connected field devices, as well as high-precision synchronization of movements and processes, providing significant competitive advantages for the use of technologies such as lasers. The TwinCAT automation software finally combines PLC, NC and CNC functions as well as the development environment in one system, which can be used to control single machine tools as well as complex manufacturing systems.
Technical highlights help improve your CNC machine tool processing efficiency
Productivity and machining efficiency remain the main criteria for judging the success of a machine tool design. PC-based control technology enables machine tool builders to have a modular automation package at their disposal, which contains components that can be precisely expanded in terms of performance. TwinCAT maps all required functions such as PLC, CNC, analysis and connectivity in a common software environment. This reduces interfaces and saves integration costs. Customers can develop CNC functions with the help of standard editors, and integrate them into the real-time stack of the CNC system kernel in the form of TcCOM modules, and effectively protect the data from third-party access, or they can choose to move the entire development environment to the cloud. This supports distributed development teams and reduces the diversity of the machine tool builder's IT software. Predictive maintenance and continuous optimization of the process flow ensure increased machine productivity. TwinCAT Analytics is the ideal software tool for this purpose, with the ability to add relevant data by configuring cycle-synchronous analysis chains, either locally or in the cloud.
The highly scalable drive portfolio offers the right solution for a wide variety of motion tasks. Whether rotary or linear motors, whether centralized or distributed: advanced control algorithms precisely implement CNC position specifications, ensure high-speed and high-precision workpiece machining, and reduce non-productive time through quick tool and workpiece loading and unloading . All I/O components can be flexibly connected to actuators and sensors, which is also an important feature of I/O products. I/O modules are available supporting all common fieldbuses and signal forms in degrees of protection from IP 20 to IP 67. The EJ plug-in modules, which significantly reduce wiring effort, are especially suitable for series production applications.
The mode of operation also often determines the production efficiency of a piece of equipment. Provide many different types of control panels to meet the individual needs of customers. It can not only provide customers with exclusive button assignment, but also customize the entire panel completely according to customer requirements. On the software side, TwinCAT HMI enables a modern user interface based on current web technologies.