Software - Motion Control Tips

Beckhoff Automation offers OPC UA integration in TwinCAT Scope software

April 30, 2019 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Beckhoff Automation announces greater integration of OPC UA communication technology into TwinCAT Scope software. In the context of Industry 4.0 and big data applications, machine data acquisition via OPC UA and analytics tools are becoming increasingly important. The information must be presented in clearly and efficiently, and the machine control system also has to cover a wide range of other smart components. TwinCAT Scope software provides optimum support for integrated data acquisition across heterogeneous system environments. A standardized OPC UA communication channel enables this charting tool to analyze data from diverse sources such as TwinCAT controllers and third-party components.

TwinCAT 3 Scope consists of Scope View for the graphical display of signal curves and Scope Server for the actual data logging. The Scope Server can be installed on a target device for autonomous logging (without the View component if desired) or on the corresponding engineering system together with Scope View for remote logging. The latter solution offers the advantage that no additional software has to be installed on the target device. As a result, no updates to TwinCAT controllers are required, and devices without TwinCAT software do not require modification to display their data graphically in Scope View.

For logging measured signals, the Scope Server now not only features a TwinCAT-specific ADS channel, but it also offers support for another standardized communication channel in the form of an OPC UA client. The widespread use of OPC UA in automation technology enables TwinCAT Scope to acquire and display measured data in a vendor-independent way. OPC UA achieves this reliably and securely, especially if certificates are used.

The TwinCAT Target Browser, which is used to manage connected data sources in TwinCAT Engineering, has also been expanded with OPC UA support. It enables browsing in the namespaces of connected OPC UA servers. This feature can be used to select the desired variables for logging by the Scope Server with configuration options for certificate-protected access.

A TwinCAT 3 Engineering installation always includes a Scope View tool and a local Scope Server. Both software components are included free of charge in the basic version, which enables testing of the OPC UA communication. With a rich set of features including multi-core support, triggers, chart synchronization and numerous zoom functions, the tried and tested charting tool is now perfectly suited for an even larger group of users and even more diverse application scenarios with these newest communication enhancements.

For more information, visit www.beckhoffautomation.com.

AMETEK Haydon Kerk Pittman launches new mobile app

April 25, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK Advanced Motion Solutions division, now offers an HKP Mobile App for Apple and Android mobile devices.

The HKP Mobile App offers streamlined user experience that optimizes accessibility and a wide variety of resources: applications suggestions, product data sheets, brochures, catalogs, guides, technical documents, case studies, white papers and more. The app offers convenience and simple navigation: Each resource can be easily shared among colleagues and teams with a Send Asset feature.

Additionally, customers can view the videos without WiFi, locate a sales representative nearest to their location, and contact Haydon Kerk Pittman for technical support or a quote. The HKP Mobile App also lets customers shop the Haydon Kerk Pittman online store for hundreds of products that ship for free and in 24 hours.

Install the HKP Mobile App for special access to deals, promotions, and push notifications. Receive advance notices of new products, demos, videos, white papers and so much more.

Haydon Kerk Pittman is a business unit of AMETEK, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annual sales of approximately $5 billion.

Haydon Kerk Pittman is the joining of three world-class brands in the field of linear and rotary motion. Saw as a leading manufacturer of stepper motor-based linear actuators, rotary motors, lead screw assemblies, brushed and brushless dc motors, and linear rail and guide systems used in niche market applications, Haydon Kerk Pittman has developed industry-renowned brands built upon its technical innovation, versatility, customization, product durability, and dedicated customer service. For more information, visit www.haydonkerkpittman.com.

Seeq to be a Gold Sponsor at CSIA Executive Conference

April 25, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Seeq will join more than 500 control system integrators from April 29 to May 3 in Asheville, North Carolina for the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) Executive Conference. With system integration partners in the Middle East, Europe, North America, South America, and Asia, Seeq is well positioned as a CSIA member, and as a gold sponsor of the annual conference where members collaborate and learn from each other.

Seeq is an advanced analytics solution for engineers and scientists in process manufacturing organizations to rapidly investigate, collaborate, and publish insights on manufacturing data. Customers represent oil & gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, energy, mining, food and beverage, and other process industries.

“System integrators are critical to the delivery of Seeq as an advanced analytics solution. the customers rely upon the experience and expertise of CSIA members to enable solutions for delivering insight and driving results,” says Will Knight, head of Worldwide Partner Sales for Seeq.

CSIA CEO Jose Rivera add his thoughts. “Each year, more than 500 control system integrators and industry partners from around the globe gather at the highlight of the professional year, the CSIA Executive Conference. Attendees have the chance to network, hear outstanding speakers, share best practices, and learn about new products and services. 2019 is the 25th anniversary, and although we continue to honor the past, we’re particularly excited about the opportunities ahead for the members of the association. By offering a multiple-track approach at the conference where we focus on current and emerging opportunities, we are able to cater to the diverse community.”

In addition to training workshops and educational sessions, CSIA will host its Annual Industry Expo where Seeq will be featured in Booth 13. Seeq will also sponsor and participate in the CSIA Fun Run/Walk.

“CSIA not only provides a great environment to learn from others, but also to identify emerging technologies like Seeq. the customers are demanding insights into the data they collect, and they are using Seeq along with the operations expertise to create a more data-driven, agile organization” comments Ian Tooke, Chief Innovation Office at system integrator Grantek, a CSIA member since 2008.

Seeq continues to invest in industry forums, conferences, and partnerships to ensure customers benefit from advanced analytics. System integrators and organizations like CSIA are an integral part of the ecosystem to ensure customers accelerate their digital transformations. For more information, visit www.seeq.com.

Applied Motion Products debuts programming tools for Python language

March 19, 2019 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Applied Motion Products now offers a set of free tools for programmers using Python, the popular computer programming language, to use with its stepper and servo motors to quickly and efficiently integrate motor control into their applications. These new tools, including an application note and sample code, guide Python programmers in sending high-level motion commands, using Applied Motion’s Serial Command Language (SCL), to one or more axes of stepper and/or servo motors. Step-by-step instructions and examples explain how to:

Establish communications between a Python application and the motion control axes
Send commands to one or more axes
Handle replies from the axes including acknowledgments and data requests

Simple and intuitive, the SCL commands are text-based, making them easy to read and understand. Programmers can stream SCL commands to one or more motor axes at a time, creating straightforward sequences of motion profiles on multiple axes. SCL provides commands for motion control including homing, absolute, relative and jog move types as well as input/output control, drive status, alarm status, and much more. SCL commands can be sent over Ethernet TCP or UDP, RS-485, and RS-232 connections.

Based on the popularity of the Python language, the new tools from Applied Motion Products can help users worldwide to incorporate step motors and servo motors into their projects using a simple, yet powerful command set specifically designed for motion control.

To download Applied Motion Python programming tools for its stepper and servo motors, visit https://www.applied-motion.com/news/2019/03/new-application-note-python-programmers.

For information on the company’s motors, visit https://www.applied-motion.com/products.

Application example: Motion components on a typical form-fill-seal machine

November 12, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Form-fill-seal machines are used to package edible powders, dry food, and liquids into bags and pouches. It’s a common machine design that comes in versions for both continuous and intermittent operation. No matter the design, top design objectives for form-fill-seal machines are high throughput with minimal downtime and the ability to reconfigure the machine to satisfy changing production requirements.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. offers an array of solutions in its Pak/iQ suite to improve the builds of such packaging equipment with reliable machine performance and communication of system analytics for IIoT functionality.

Consider the build shown in the illustration.

Bulk food product enter from the top as servo-driven axes pull bag material off roll stock (spools). The funnel hood shapes the plastic sheet into a cylinder. Then a thermal heat sealer melts together bag edges; bags are filled from above as the web travels downward. Vertical film index drives time this function to match the machine’s operation cycles. From there, the bags get their final cutting and sealing — and then go onward to conveyors that carry them away.

On this machine, a PLC (in the form of an iQ-F compact controller) provides necessary functions while helping OEMs keep cost down. Programming of the PLC is through simple parameter setting: iQ-Monozukuri Packaging software gives engineers sample programs, sample GOT HMI screens, and auto-generated function blocks — including those for rotary-cutter, camming, long-dwell, flying-shear, box-motion, and mark-detection tasks.

To command and drive the motion tasks, the machine build uses an FX5 Simple Motion controller, MR-JE Series servo amplifiers, and (on the conveyor) an FR-E700 Series VFD. Two of the MR-JE Series servos are for web-index control; one is for the sealer axis. The three servo-driven motor axes are networked through fiber-optic-based SSCNETIII/H. Servo-network refresh rates to 0.222 msec allow accurate control.

Capabilities of Mitsubishi-outfitted form-fill-seal machines include auto-generated function blocks for camming as well as advanced synchronization that’s easy to configure … for fully synchronous multi-axis performance. The hardware also allows for direct control of the VFD from the HMI.

Coordination of motion automation with robotics — with unifying software and hardware

October 5, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Automated installations feature more robots than ever. But unless it’s a custom or Cartesian setup, robot controls are traditionally segregated from those for automated motion axes. So connectivity between robot and system controller or PLC is via a network — usually based on Ethernet. Then a control system coordinates the machine functions of nearby conveyors or other workcell systems with those of the robot controller.

B&R has expanded its portfolio of modular mapp software components … so now, mapp RoboX and mapp Teach make it faster and easier than ever to get robotic systems configured and ready for operation. mapp RoboX controls any kinematic system with up to 15 axes. Developers get design freedom … yet the robot is simple to parameterize, with visualization and diagnostics already onboard. This saves time in development and during operation. For the next step there’s mapp Teach, which provides intuitive teach-in functionality to define and manage the robot’s movement sequences and quickly get it going. mapp technology consists of individually encapsulated blocks that streamline development of new applications. The components provide basic functionality with graphic configurability — cutting development times by an average of 67% … and all mapp components are connected via mapp links. Each mapp component retrieves the data it needs from other components using a client-server model.

Synchronization can be limited, and integration requires use of separate motion and robot programming — with the latter (if not code generated by teach modes and pendants) in proprietary software.

In contrast, some newer functionalities are helping engineers more tightly coordinate robot operations with motion systems — especially for common applications. These also simplify integration. Epson Robots T3 SCARAs integrate controllers in their bases that (in some versions) run conveyor-tracking software for simple setup of assembly and other automation. DENSO Robotics, Mitsubishi Electric, and Universal Robots also offer conveyor-tracking functions that leverage either sensor networks or machine vision.

Such synchronization is tight enough to allow for execution of pick-and-place, sorting, and other motion-to-robot automation tasks.

Integration of motion and robots (including SCARAs and parallel robots such as delta robots and hexapods) is also possible through unified or unifying software and hardware. That includes robot programming for converting to and from coordinate reference frames more commonly used by motion design engineers. Case in point: Galil motion controllers with an onboard Coordinate Transformation function execute code to control robots without the latencies of other options. Design engineers work with an application engineer to define reverse and forward transformations; then equations are written into the controller’s firmware for quick execution. Beckhoff TwinCAT Kinematic Transformation software also allows programming and reading robot moves in Cartesian coordinates.

Stay tuned to therobotreport.com for more on this topic and other open solutions.

Some controllers for automated installations can command coordinated motion axes while concurrently controlling a robot set to run off a remote host. Lenze Americas modules for controller-based automation incorporate delta robots essentially as motion axes. These unifying controllers and a single programming environment maximize cross-functionality between motion axes and robot.

In a similar way, an Adept Robot Control Library allows control of SCARA, parallel (hexapod) and articulated robots by Omron NJ/NX controls or NY-series Industrial PCs with common instructions and programming.

Consider still another example: Mitsubishi Electric Pak/iQ offerings for the packaging industry include integrated robotics and servo and PLC programming with one piece of software. Onboard analytics help operators avoid unplanned shutdowns; machine learning and continuous-tuning algorithms optimize servo performance. A typical setup might include a robot controlled via a MELSEC iQ Platform … with a Q series PLC and integrated robot controller on the same rack. Then communication between robot controller and PLC CPU is across that rack for top speed and throughput — and simplified robot-cell setup. Networking connects other components such as inverter drives and dedicated safety controllers.

Integrating robotics with other machinery allows top overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by going beyond simple handoffs. The trend is towards complementary control, motion, robotics, and data management. Image courtesy Mitsubishi Electric

New functions in B&R SafeDESIGNER 3.1 include expanded numeric ranges for functions

October 5, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

The latest version of B&R’s SafeDESIGNER tool now makes it possible to process and compare safe INT and DINT signals in addition to linking them mathematically using basic arithmetic operations. Safety-oriented function blocks are also available for converting INT and DINT values in either direction. This expansion now rounds off the full range of numeric functions for the Automation Studio 4 development and configuration tool.

Safety applications increasingly need numeric functions to manage values for pressure, temperature and speed. Since its introduction in 2008, SafeDESIGNER has provided support for safe INT data types and associated arithmetic operations and comparison functions. This range of functions has been continuously expanded ever since.

Monitoring synchronous operation with B&R software

Users of Smart Safe Reaction technology from B&R can now process safety-related speed and position values and use them to initiate safe machine states. These functions are suitable for cases where requirements go above and beyond the possibilities provided by prepackaged SafeMOTION functions. Possible scenarios include integrating additional safe rotary encoders in a safety application or monitoring several power transmission systems for synchronism. In process control applications, SafeDESIGNER has become a widely used tool perfectly suited for the safe processing of pressure, temperature and flow signals.

B&R is a privately owned company with headquarters in Austria and offices all around the world. As a global leader in industrial automation, B&R combines state-of-the-art technology with advanced engineering to provide customers in virtually every industry with complete solutions for machine and process automation, motion control, HMI and integrated safety technology. With industrial fieldbus communication standards like POWERLINK and openSAFETY as well as the powerful Automation Studio software development environment, B&R is constantly redefining the future of automation engineering. The innovative spirit that keeps B&R at the forefront of industrial automation is driven by a commitment to simplifying processes and exceeding customer expectations. For more information, visit www.br-automation.com.

New Add On Instructions for Allen Bradley software from Applied Motion Products

September 27, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

Applied Motion Products has released new Add On Instructions (AOI) for Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix 5000 software to better control industrial devices and motion control components over EtherNet/IP networks. The new Add On Instructions increase the capabilities of Applied Motion Products’ drives and integrated motors within the RSLogix 5000 environment, supporting a faster and easier integration into PLC projects.

Most of the new AOIs use implicit messaging, known as I/O messaging or polling, that simplify sending commands to the drive while making data received from the drive more PLC-friendly. The AOIs also reduce communications overhead to lighten the work required to integrate Applied Motion Products motors and drives into new and existing PLC programs.

Applied Motion offers twenty new AOIs that feature a range of commands and functionality including absolute, relative, jog, and homing moves; motor enable/disable; reading the drive and alarm status; and much more. The company specifically designed these free AOIs for motor and drive users to take advantage of its latest EtherNet/IP firmware.

Applied Motion Products offers a range of integrated motors and drives compatible with popular Rockwell PLCs such as ControlLogix and CompactLogix. Many of these products also feature dual-port Ethernet connections for easy integration into a variety of network topologies. Products include:

StepSERVO™ Integrated Motors: SSM, TSM and TXM series
Stepper Drives: ST5, ST10 and STAC5 series
Integrated Stepper Motors: STM and SWM series
SV200 Servo Drives

For a full list of integrated motors and drives that incorporate EtherNet/IP network communications, the widely used industrial protocol for manufacturing automation applications, refer to the website at www.applied-motion.com/products/series/ethernetip-products.

www.applied-motion.com

Festo Industry 4.0-Enabled technology and engineering productivity tools — and electric and pneumatic automation systems — at IMTS 2018

September 11, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

At IMTS this year, Festo is showing the Motion Terminal, a modular Industry 4.0 device – a single unit capable of replacing 50 different components through the download of various combinations of cloud-based apps. The Festo IMTS Booth is 134357 — in the East Building Level 3.

The Motion Terminal seamlessly integrates computational algorithms and physical components. This new cyber-physical system enables the Industry 4.0 advantages of small lot size manufacturing, adaptability to shorter product life cycles, scalability, resiliency, energy conservation, cloud-based predictive analytics, and more.

At IMTS, Festo also features the latest version of the Handling Guide Online and the new Festo Motion Control Package. These engineering productivity tools slash the costs of Cartesian robot engineering, assembly, and programming as well as shorten time to market for new machines.

Festo showcases the company’s expanded offering of electric automation devices, including the new low-cost linear axes ELGC and mini slide EGSC. These new electric actuators offer an optimal ratio between installation space and working space. Additional IMTS highlights from Festo include:

A portfolio of IO-Link solutions
A host of mechanical grippers
Electric and pneumatic safety systems that lower overall risk of equipment damage and worker injury
A flexible loading system for end-of-line packaging and other applications
The new CPX-E compact, low-cost controller for handling systems.

Festo demonstrates how the company’s global Stars of Automation program lowers downtime and reduces overhead through guaranteed 24-hour shipment of core Festo products. For more information, visit www.festo.us.

Updated Motion Analyzer software from Rockwell cuts system design time

June 7, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

An updated version of the Allen-Bradley Motion Analyzer software tool from Rockwell Automation offers simplified workflows and improves design efficiency. The enhanced software offers an optimized user experience with intuitive navigation and in-workflow product selection. This can help engineers more easily and efficiently develop complete motion control systems for their machines.

Using the Motion Analyzer software, engineers can determine a system’s specifications, evaluate multiple products to find the best fit, finalize the design and create a bill of materials. The tool can also help reduce motion-system design time from a multi-day process to a few hours.

“Sizing a motion system can be time consuming,” said Brett McNalley, product manager, motion solutions, Rockwell Automation. “In the latest release of the Motion Analyzer software, we have simplified workflows to improve user experience. And we have added additional features that make the process of designing a motion system as efficient as possible.”

Key improvements include faster axis definition and sizing, redesigned solution search and configure components features, additional application template profile support, and the ability to import from a legacy motion profile with support of more advanced motion segments.

For more information, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.