Based on powerful, state-of-the-art Industrial PCs and EtherCAT as a universal fieldbus system, an all-in-one solution from the controller to the drive technology is available to the user in the Beckhoff automation platform. In addition, its openness and consistency permit the integration of, for example, parts tracking, operating and CAD/CAM interfaces, production data acquisition and local databases. All requirements of the furniture industry are met, with production lots down to a size of 1, and in addition, PC-based control offers sufficient potential for the future development of new machine functions.
TwinCAT 3: efficient engineering and maximum performance
The TwinCAT automation software integrates a uniform engineering tool for the software mapping of all control functions from safe drive technology to complex CNC functions.
TwinCAT combines all control and motion functions as well as the complete engineering tool chain on one software platform. The object-oriented extensions of IEC 61131-3 enable the perfect modularisation of the programming code, the software encapsulation of machine functions and, in conjunction with that, improved structuring, simpler maintenance, re-usability and expandability of the software. With support for multi-core and 64-bit operating systems, TwinCAT taps into new performance reserves for the integration of additional machine functions such as condition monitoring into the central controller.
TwinSAFE: using synergies from safety and drive technology
In TwinSAFE Beckhoff offers a universal safety solution from the controller, the I/O to the drive technology. All safety functions can be programmed or configured on the uniform TwinCAT engineering platform. The range of application of TwinSAFE is enlarged with the new all-in-one EK1960 safety controller. The TwinSAFE Controller integrates a complete safety controller including I/O level in a compact design. Safe data transfer is ensured by the TwinSAFE protocol in compliance with SIL 3 of IEC 61508 or the performance level of ISO 13849-1.
Multi-touch panel: simplifying machine operation
In the new multi-touch panel series Beckhoff offers a modern and user-friendly operating concept allowing intuitive machine operation á la iPhone; the elegant, contemporary device design visually upgrades the machine. Display sizes from 7 to 24 inches are available in the classic 4:3 as well as widescreen formats. Pushbutton extensions for electromechanical operating elements and customer-specific designs supplement the broadly diversified range.
One cable technology: strengthening competitive advantages
The AM8000 servomotor series with one cable technology (OCT) combines power and feedback system in a single standard cable, resulting in reduced hardware and commissioning costs. OCT is also supported by the new EL7201-0010 servo terminal. The servo terminal further extends the modular compact drive system. In addition to solutions for stepper and DC motors, the servo terminal is also designed for highly dynamic positioning tasks thanks to integrated, fast control technology. Extremely high performance is ensured by full EtherCAT integration.
Seamless automation system upgrade ABB South Africa
Industrial Computer Hardware
ABB has launched the ABB Ability Symphony Plus SDe Series, a portfolio of hardware products that help modernise existing process control system installations with minimal risk and disruption to plant operations
Read more...Flexible EtherCAT communication interface for DALI-2 Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The EL6821 EtherCAT Terminal from Beckhoff allows up to 64 DALI/DALI-2 slaves and 64 DALI-2 input devices to be connected. The TwinCAT 3 System Manager makes it easy to configure and parameterise DALI devices flexibly.
Read more...EtherCAT-based control technology for building automation Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Modern non-residential buildings place many high demands on building automation. This can be optimally implemented with EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff, which provides an efficient central automation architecture thanks to ultra-fast data communication.
Read more...PC-based control for university studies Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The IDEA box developed at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences is designed to introduce students to the topic of Industry 4.0 in a simple and practical way. At the core of the corresponding demo case is PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Complete system for transparent energy monitoring Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical Power & Protection
Transparent energy monitoring reduces both machine downtime and the necessity to oversize the corresponding components. Added to these advantages are simplified preventive maintenance, and increased production efficiency. The wide range of PC-based control technology from Beckhoff offers a solution that can be optimally adapted to individual applications.
Read more...Condition monitoring in a forging press retrofit Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Significantly increased vibration on machines can result in many forms of negative impacts such as reduced system performance or damage to the machine and foundation. Using the example of retrofitting a forging press with a maximum press force of 2000 tons, Wölfel Engineering explains how efficiently the process was tailored and implemented with PC-based control and measurement technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Thermoforming machine automation Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Hamer has joined forces with Beckhoff to develop a thermoforming machine for water-based cellulose pulp to produce fully recyclable and environmentally-friendly cellulose packaging.
Read more...TwinCAT Chat integrates LLMs into the automation environment Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
Large language models offer a number of benefits for both automation engineers and enterprise management. For automation engineers, LLMs have the potential to revolutionise the development process by automatically generating and completing code. From an enterprise management perspective, LLMs promote knowledge transfer within the organisation.
Read more...Compact and integrated EtherCAT stepper motor drives Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
The integrated ASI8100 stepper motor drive from Beckhoff’s range of compact drive technology products up to 48 V DC combines a stepper motor, stepper motor output stage and fieldbus connection in a space-saving design. As an EtherCAT slave, it can be placed directly on the machine without a control cabinet or upstream I/O level, allowing for highly compact, control cabinet-free machines.
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