PC-based control from Beckhoff offers users an integrated control and drive platform that covers all aspects from the field level to the IT level, including pre-print, print and post-print. PC-based control enhances production efficiency and flexibility as well as the application scope of printing machines. In view of increasingly complex requirements for packaging printing, traceability of the production process or production of small batch sizes, this aspect is becoming ever more important.
Highly integrated PC Control solution replaces special hardware
Scientific Automation from Beckhoff stands for an extended notion of automation, in which all automation and application functions run on a central PC and are mapped in software. It is based on high-performance PC hardware, using cutting-edge processor technology. The Beckhoff Industrial PC series integrate the latest second-generation Intel processors, i.e. Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7. The CX2000 Embedded PC range now makes multi-core technology available in compact embedded devices.
TwinCAT 3 with active multi-core support, i.e. optimal distribution of the application across the available CPU cores, enables the processor power to be fully utilised. Doing away with special hardware not only simplifies the process communication, but also reduces the costs for hardware and engineering through integration of all functions in a single development environment. High processor power in conjunction with EtherCAT, the high-speed Ethernet system, results in an optimised control and communication architecture, known as XFC technology (eXtreme Fast Control).
XFC and EtherCAT: high-speed-automation in printing machines
Beckhoff offers an extremely fast control solution in the XFC technology: it enables I/O response times of less than 100 μs, resulting in significantly enhanced machine performance. In combination with fast EtherCAT I/Os it is possible, for example, to implement the register control with standard control and drive components, without the need for special hardware and dedicated drive controllers. High-speed communication between the I/O signals and the controller offers machine manufacturers advanced options such as motion control with many axes, synchronised through the distributed clocks of EtherCAT (100 axes in 100 μs), with nanosecond precision. The distributed clock functionality guarantees fast and exact identification of print marks, for example. It is implemented with standard components, and TwinCAT automation software facilitates programming via the common programming languages.
Efficient software engineering is enabled through embedding in Microsoft Visual Studio as an integrated development environment. TwinCAT 3 supports all common programming standards, including C/C++, integration of Matlab/Simulink, and the object-oriented IEC 61131-3 extension, and thus enables optimum programming for the respective task. Ready-made and frequently used IEC 61131-3 blocks for web tension control, winding and unwinding algorithms, register control in conjunction with very fast signal processing and comprehensive motion control functionalities are available as software libraries. This results in significant engineering benefits for the user.
Highly dynamic drive technology for printing and paper machines
With its comprehensive range of scalable drive solutions Beckhoff covers a wide range of applications, including axes for adjusting the print rollers, high-precision drives for the actual printing units, and high-performance winding and unwinding units.
The EL7201 servo terminal for direct connection of servomotors up to 200 W forms a full, compact servo drive that is suitable for letter shop handling, transport and sorting processes, for example. The EtherCAT servo drives of the AX5000 series are designed for higher loads up to 170 A. The new Beckhoff servomotors of the AM8000 series offer optimum dynamics and energy efficiency as well as high availability. One highlight of the AM8000 motors is the one cable technology. This means that only one standard connection is required for feedback and power, which results in a significant reduction of material and installation cost and enables flexible application.
For more information contact Kenneth McPherson, Beckhoff Automation, +27 (0)11 795 2898, k.mcpherson@beckhoff.com, www.beckhoff.co.za
| Tel: | +27 11 795 2898 |
| Email: | info@beckhoff.co.za |
| www: | www.beckhoff.com |
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