Product category:
CNC and Motion Controllers
News Release from: Aerotech | Subject: A3200 automation platform
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 September 2005
Automation platform claims a
breakthrough
Aerotech's A3200 automation platform represents a breakthrough in machine control technology that encompasses both a seamless and a scalable automation system.
By combining all of the major machine and motion control functions into a single, software based solution that runs on a standard PC and by providing an open architecture for specialised "bolt-on" modules, Aerotech's A3200 automation platform represents a breakthrough in machine control technology that encompasses both a seamless and a scalable automation system System Integrators and OEMs using hardware based automation solutions typically need to integrate a combination of PLC, HMI and motion control modules from different suppliers and combine them with motorised positioning tables or gantries, mechanical actuators and often pneumatic or hydraulic control systems
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 26 Sep 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Automation platform unites system design
In the packaging and processing industry, integrated motion and control systems offer the advantage of lower system and integration costs, faster time to market and lower life-cycle costs.
Software simulates complex motion
Detailed motion analysis tools and iterative learning control algorithms reduce following error and cycle times over multiple runs.
More complex machines might also involve vision systems for automated parts inspection or position measurement and even the simplest machines would involve specialist modules for such diverse requirements as temperature or pressure sensing, high speed position sensors, tension control units and a whole host of other process monitoring functions.
Although this is the most common approach to automated machine control, the use of several different hardware and software systems can be difficult, time consuming and expensive to build, often resulting in numerous sources of error and limitations in overall system performance.
The A3200 automation platform offers a choice of programming options for 32 axes of decentralised motion interfaced via a high speed IEEE1394 FireWire network with dedicated modules for HMI, PLC and vision.
The complete system has been designed to be adapted to the most demanding production and inspection applications and is supported by software development, diagnostic and commissioning tools which help to ensure a competitive proposition with a lower cost of ownership when compared to conventional hardware based automation solutions.
A typical application for the A3200 automation platform could involve integrating a vision module with the motion system and coordinating a cutting process such as laser machining, drilling or milling.
Further reading
Guide covers automation range
An overview of Aerotech's range of motion controllers includes the A3200 Digital Automation Platform, a software-only, PC- based, Firewire-interfaced system.
System automates laser scribing
The SolarScribe features high-performance direct-drive linear motor technology for maximum production throughput.
Gantry system handles tough positioning jobs
The AGS series gantry is a H frame design based on linear motion guide bearings and direct drive linear servomotors with high-resolution linear scale encoder feedback.
The system would provide all the necessary tools and features to identify the position of the material to be machined and to adjust the position and signal to the cutter all within one system.
The HMI module could be programmed to allow an operator total control in selecting product and machining requirements.
Furthermore, diagnostic and process information can be sent to a central control system via fieldbus and as the system is totally scalable, additional workstations can be added if required.
A real advantage of A3200 integration is the dramatic reduction in wiring and hardware components combined with the potential for much faster software development timescales and increased system reliability.
Depending on application requirements, the A3200 automation platform can operate in real-time (RTX) or under the Windows environment.
Motion, HMI, PLC and vision modules may be programmed in a choice of languages including Aerotech's own AeroBasic, RS274 G-code, C, C++, VisualBasic, Delphi and LabView.
For the creation of process-based user interfaces, a complementary software package provides preconfigured Active X components for Windows leading to a significant reduction in development time.
By using a common language to program all of the machine control functions, the close connection between the individual control modules helps to maximise data exchange flexibility and process structure while maintaining real-time capability.
The FireWire distributed control architecture is used to deliver motion updates for position and velocity to Aerotech's networked servo drives (NDrive).
Each NDrive independently processes position, velocity and current loop closure at 20Khz update rates avoiding the processing bottleneck associated with hardware-based single processor control systems.
Motion control for up to 32 tightly synchronised axes is fully deterministic with no system degradation as the number of axes increase.
Motion capability includes spatial path (real 3D) contouring, cubic splining and interpolated positioning as well as full master/slave and electronic gearbox functionality.
A wide range of PWM and linear servo drives are available in stand-alone or six-axis rack mounted format with peak current ratings from 80V DC at 10A up to 320V DC at 100A.
Open loop stepper drives can also be added to the network.
Drives have integral I/O for over travel, datum or other decentralised switching requirements.
An optional 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface may be used to add third party I/O and PLCs.
The main PLC module may also be programmed with the industry standard IEC61131 interface or via Profibus with Siemens Step7.
The image processing module can be integrated at real-time level via a DLL and includes a wide selection of processing tools for part identification and measurements using the Matrox Imagaing Library.
The advent of the A3200 automation platform means that for the first time, it is possible to use a single computer to solve complex automation tasks.
This unique automation concept is setting a new standard and making it easier to find solutions for high precision, high throughput automation in such diverse applications as advanced laser machining and welding, medical device and life sciences, semiconductor and flat panel production and test systems, optical lens manufacture, rapid prototyping, electronic inspection systems and many more. Request a free brochure from Aerotech ...
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