Rationalising PLC multi-axis control
January 2004
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Traditionally, CNC machines have been controlled by dedicated, multi-axis control modules. These dedicated modules were expensive and specifically designed for their particular function. The machine peripheral controls were handled by a PLC, which then had to be interfaced to the multi-axis controller. This often led to the situation where the system, comprising various makes of equipment, made local support difficult for the owner of the machine.
In single axis machines, such as bag-makers or thermo-forming machines so-called intelligent drives were used, requiring highly-specialised programming and making it almost impossible to change the type of servo-drive without a complete re-engineering of the machine control system.
To address this situation, LG developed economically priced precision positioning modules which occupy a normal I/O slot on a rack-type PLC, offering the obvious advantages of compatibility and harmony between peripheral and axis control, with local support, combined with ease of programming. These modules offer 32 bit accuracy, 2-axis arc interpolations, 3-axis linear operation, synchronous /separate/simultaneous operation and can be cascaded to accommodate dozens of axes.
The positioning modules (1, 2 or 3-axis) operate in realtime, outside of the normal PLC cycle time, merely reporting the successful completion of the positioning task/s. A further advantage, is that the machine parameters can be entered via a standard HMI, allowing the client to set machining requirements, log totals or details of completed jobs, etc, and to either print information or to communicate directly with a PC.
This represents a significant step forward over the standard numerical control (NC) or computer numerical control (CNC) concepts, with information, machine control and diagnostics now all incorporated into a harmonious single rack PLC system. The LG positioning modules interface to most makes of servo drive, making this system viable for all CNC machine upgrades (of all accuracy classes).
For more information contact Peter Gross, LG Industrial Systems SA, 021 914 9030, [email protected]
Further reading:
All eyes on the modern DCS platform
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised DCS platforms are no longer confined to hardware-dependent architectures. These systems have evolved to combine the strengths of both PLCs and DCS while adding capabilities that make them more open, resilient and collaborative.
Read more...
Automation solution for waste management at incineration facility
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet is to deliver an automation system to Seongnam City’s incineration facility currently under construction in South Korea. By leveraging intelligent automation, the plant will optimise energy production, minimise emissions and deliver efficient, consistent performance throughout its entire lifecycle.
Read more...
Valmet’s supplies DCS to Europe’s largest electric boiler plant
Valmet South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will supply an automation system to Helen’s Hanasaari electric boiler plant and a thermal accumulator being built in Helsinki, Finland. Once completed, it will be Europe’s largest electric boiler plant.
Read more...
Technology blueprint paves way for e-methanol fuel expansion
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric has delivered the technology stack behind European Energy’s Kassø Power-to-Xfacility, the world’s first commercially viable e-methanol plant.
Read more...
PCS Global delivers turnkey MCC installation in Botswana
PCS Global
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
PCS Global is delivering a turnkey containerised MCC installation for a major copper mining operation in Northwest Botswana.
Read more...
New energy-efficient evaporation line for dissolving pulp production
Valmet South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet will deliver a new evaporation line to Altri Biotek mill in Portugal. This delivery is part of Altri’s €75 million project to convert the Biotek mill to produce dissolving pulp for the textile industry.
Read more...
Valmet modernises turbine automation
Valmet South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Valmet has received an order to deliver a comprehensive replacement of plant DCS and turbine control systems at Ennatuurlijk’s combined cycle power plant in the Netherlands.
Read more...
Hybrid DCS for an evolving industrial landscape
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Today’s industrial automation continues to evolve at a blistering speed, which means traditional DCSs have to keep up to ensure continuous integration into modern, digital infrastructure.
Read more...
IIoT controller for the field and control cabinet
ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.
Read more...
Bringing the benefits of Ethernet to hazardous industrial environments
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Christian Johansson, global product manager for ABB Process Automation explains how Ethernet-APL lets plant owners unlock more value from their process data, optimise performance and promote safer operations.
Read more...
printer friendly version