Sheet metal components come in all shapes and sizes, requiring a wide range of machining processes including rolling, cutting, stamping, folding, drawing, joining, cleaning and finishing. For these diverse requirements Beckhoff offers an integrated, scalable control platform in the form of PC- and EtherCAT-based control. An Industrial PC is used for control, regulation, Motion Control and HMI. This way, the high processor power offered by PC technology eliminates the need for special hardware: position and pressure controllers for hydraulic valves, for example, can be replaced with software. The Industrial PC can deal with highly complex control algorithms without performance implications and still has sufficient performance reserves for additional functions such as Condition Monitoring or safety features.
Find out more about the reduction of expensive special controllers and the use of the new TwinCAT 3 engineering platform at EuroBlech.
TwinCAT: efficient engineering and multi-core support
TwinCAT unites PLC, Motion Control, Condition Monitoring, engineering and HMI on a single platform. Active multi-core support enables additional control hardware, e.g. external hydraulic controllers, to be replaced by the central PC. TwinCAT 3 supports all common programming standards, from C/C++ to the object orientated extension of IEC 61131-3. Existing press-specific expertise can be integrated in the controller via C or C++. The integration of Matlab®/ Simulink® enables applications, e.g. hydraulics, to be simulated before commissioning
EtherCAT for high controller quality
Presses require sophisticated control technology, since high forces are applied at high speeds. EtherCAT, the real-time Ethernet fieldbus, in conjunction with PC-based control, enables smaller sampling rates, so that the machine can run faster and at the same time with higher precision. The technological properties of EtherCAT are optimally supported in the EtherCAT Terminal system. Appropriate terminals are available for all standard signal forms and for special functions such as safety or Condition Monitoring
Multi-touch panels offer maximum flexibility
The new CP2xxx and CP3xxx Control Panel and Panel PC series are characterised by multi-touch displays as well as a contemporary, elegant device design. As built-in or mounting arm devices, the aluminium panels are extremely robust and are designed for use under harsh industrial conditions. Widescreen panels in various sizes and resolutions are available in addition to the classic display sizes in 4:3 format.
Scalable drive technology and servomotor with One Cable Technology
The Beckhoff AX5100 Servo Drive series with rated currents up to 170 A is universally designed for fast and highly-dynamic positioning tasks. The servo drives are supplemented by the new servomotors from the AM8000 series. One of the highlights is the One Cable Technology (OCT), with which the power and feedback system are combined in the standard motor cable.
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