At EMO 2013, Beckhoff will present its scalable CNC package. The open TwinCAT 3 architecture offers users the option to use C/C++ or Matlab®/Simulink® as programming languages for real-time applications, in addition to IEC 61131-3. In other words, users can choose the language that is best suited for the task at hand. Modules written in different languages can interact in real-time via the TcCOM interface. Microsoft Visual Studio® provides a platform for the configuration, programming and diagnostics of all TwinCAT modules.
With PC-based control Beckhoff offers an open and scalable hardware and software platform for CNC applications. On the software side, TwinCAT covers the engineering framework and real-time control with runtime systems for PLC, NC, CNC and/or robotics.
In the engineering environment, Visual Studio® offers a tool for the rapid and convenient development and testing of algorithms. The flexible runtime concept enables customer-specific modules to be added safely and flexibly based on the TcCOM rules. In the runtime, methods from one module can be called up directly from within another module. Event-based direct communication is defined in the TwinCAT Component Object Model (TcCOM). Users can supplement or replace certain CNC components with their own code segments. With C/C++ and Matlab®/Simulink®, further languages are available that are particularly suitable for expressing complex algorithms in a simple manner. As a result, users have a range of convenient options for implementing and protecting their know-how and intellectual property.
TwinCAT CNC: Utilising performance reserves for high-speed cutting
With support for multi-core processing and 64-bit operating systems, TwinCAT 3 opens up performance reserves that can, for example, be used for the high-precision control of HSC (high-speed cutting) milling machines. Thanks to the fast control technology and user-friendly programming of the Beckhoff CNC, the potential of HSC machining centres can be fully leveraged: higher dynamics, an improved surface quality and increased flexibility in parts processing.
Among other benefits, TwinCAT 3 enables the integration of additional functions in the control system, such as Condition Monitoring. Measuring terminals integrated in the I/O level sample machine vibrations which are then evaluated using the TwinCAT Condition Monitoring Library. In this way, malfunctions can be detected before failures occur, and events can be analysed. This increases the availability and optimises the utilisation of machine tools.
[info] Beckhoff at EMO 2013 in Hanover, Germany: Hall 25, Booth F33
www.beckhoff.com [/info]