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.
PC-based control in the plastics industry Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nissei Plastic, an injection moulding machine manufacturer based in Japan is implementing a worldwide tend towards open automation systems from experienced specialists using PC and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies has unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding (pins). This enables an extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...PC-based control optimises robotic parts handling on plastics machinery Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
NEO is a cartesian robot developed by INAUTOM Robótica in Portugal for parts removal on plastics machinery. Its aim is to increase system productivity. NAUTOM Robótica has entered into a strategic partnership with Bresimar Automação to increase the working speed of the cartesian robots using advanced control and motion solutions from Beckhoff. The result is a comprehensive, future-proof automation solution for its entire family of cartesian robots.
Read more...PC-based control for flat wire motors for electric vehicles Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Special machine manufacturer, ruhlamat Huarui Automation Technologies unveiled the second generation of its mass production line for flexible stators with bar winding. This enables extremely short production cycle and line changeover times, supported by PC- and EtherCAT-based control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Hans Beckhoff receives German Mechanical Engineering Award Beckhoff Automation
News
Hans Beckhoff has received the 2025 German Mechanical Engineering Award. This prestigious award honours entrepreneurs who have set standards in machine and system engineering, driven innovation, and taken on social responsibility.
Read more...Intuitive CNC HMIs with simulation functionality Beckhoff Automation
SCADA/HMI
The TwinCAT 3 automation software from Beckhoff offers two new function libraries for CNC-specific user interfaces. These were used to create an advanced, intuitive HMI application specifically for CNC purposes and to simulate part machining using real-time data.
Read more...PC-based control technology in additive manufacturing Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
As an open control platform, PC-based control supports different engineering approaches, including low-code programming. The machine builder, Additive Industries uses this to create the code for the TwinCAT runtime of its 3D printers.
Read more...Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
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