Control Systems

By increasing modularity and scalability, a new generation of Beckhoff TwinSAFE safety controllers permits optimal adaptation to the specific safety requirements of individual machine concepts. The ability to distribute the intelligence of an entire safety application across multiple TwinSAFE Logic-capable I/O modules means flexible implementation of increasingly modular architectures. These safety architectures can adapt to varied system requirements even more effectively than in the past.

A new solution for human-machine collaboration is now available from automation solutions provider Omron Automation Americas. The Sysmac AI Controller handles several key steps in the data-driven decision process for predictive maintenance, thereby freeing up industrial professionals from tedious calculations, analyses and infrastructure upgrades.

Tormach Inc. has introduced a software upgrade to its PathPilot CNC software package that offers premium functionality standard, at no cost. In addition, Tormach is introducing its new ‘TRY PathPilot’ program that allows new users to program, learn and train on the program for free.

Aerotech’s GL4 scanner controller is optimized for Aerotech’s family of AGV scanners to provide industry leading settling times, long-term thermal stability and micron-level tracking accuracy due to advanced features such as full state feed-forward, 192 kHz servo rates and look-ahead-based velocity control. The GL4 uses advanced interpolation electronics to provide up to 26 bits of effective resolution while onboard real-time 2D calibration ensures accurate beam placement over the entire field of view.

Mazak Corp. has further enhanced the VTC-300C Vertical Machining Center with the addition of the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC and its suite of SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY software solutions. The new control complements the VTC-300C’s full traveling-column design, automatic tool changer and powerful 40-taper spindle, all of which combine to enable fast cycle times and accurate machining for extremely long and heavy workpieces in industries such as construction, agriculture and energy production.

The DMC-40x0 motion controller is Galil's highest performance, stand-alone motion controller. It belongs to Galil's latest generation motion controller family, which accepts encoder inputs up to 22 MHz, provides servo update rates as high as 32 kHz, and processes commands as fast as 40 microseconds-10 times the speed of prior generation controllers.

Motion controller output speeds are reaching an industry-leading 50 µs/5 axes with the introduction of the new CK3M programmable multiple-axis controller from Omron. The company combined enhanced motion control capability originally developed by Delta Tau Systems (now part of Omron) with its own advanced design technologies inside a compact and streamlined housing.

HEIDENHAIN’s newest multimedia online CNC learning program called HIT 3.0 is now available. HIT stands for “HEIDENHAIN Interactive Training” and is used for providing advanced and apprentice-level skilled training for NC users utilizing HEIDENHAIN TNC protocols.

HEIDENHAIN says its top-of-the-line lathe control, the CNC PILOT 640, has been impressing customers for many years with its numerous advantages and is now available with even newer upgrades. Most notably, a new TURN PLUS feature is now standard on new purchases that allows the creation of a lathe program by the push of a button with up to 90 percent time savings.