Product News

The new CX7000 Embedded PC from Beckhoff opens up the convenience and efficiency of the TwinCAT 3 software environment to highly compact, DIN rail-mounted controllers. This further enhances the scalability of PC-based control technology from Beckhoff, ranging from mini-PLCs to many-core Industrial PCs. An advanced 400 MHz processor and built-in configurable I/Os mean this Embedded PC delivers an ideal price/performance ratio.

Siemens now offers its popular mid-range CNC, the Sinumerik 828D, with version 4.8 of the operating system. With the release of version 4.8, Siemens offers an array of new hardware and software solutions for its integrated Sinumerik portfolio. The offering comprises integrated industrial software and automation technology designed to enable machine tool manufacturers to leverage the full productivity potential of the digital factory in a mid-range control.

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.

ANCA Motion designs and manufactures flexible control systems, specializing in high-precision solutions for CNC machines. Unique to ANCA Motion is the LinX M-series linear motor, which is housed within a slim body. The motor is highly energy efficient and delivers precision CNC applications or high-speed automation systems every time.

The TNC 640, HEIDENHAIN’s high-performance mill-turn control, is popular with users thanks to its workshop-oriented operational design. Now the TNC 640 is, and will only be, available with groundbreaking touch technology that supplements the TNC 640’s field-proven cycles and functions. It allows the user to operate the control screen with gestures, similar to smartphones or tablets.

Users of the Mitsubishi Electric Automation MELSEC iQ-R automation platform can now achieve even greater productivity and lower cycle times with the introduction of the C80 Series CNC. The rack-based C80 features a CNC-dedicated CPU to maximize the control’s performance.

"Make a complex process simple and intuitive." This was the goal for the specialists at DATRON AG intent on developing an innovative control called "DATRON next." The result is a control system with surface optics that compare to the newest smartphone technology--clearly laid out tiled optics, self-explanatory icons with intuitive control logic, clearly illustrated tools in 3D optics. Simply swiping the colored touchscreen activates an integrated camera within seconds.

Mitsubishi Laser has added the new M800 control technology to its Advanced 800 Series eX-F fiber laser machine. The company says it has been working hard to perfect and offer the new technology for its popular fiber laser machine.

NUM’s latest-generation CNC systems are helping the Star Cutter Co. to maintain its position as a world leader in cutting tool machines. Star Cutter’s new 5-axis tool and cutter grinding machine – the NTG 6RL – is based entirely on NUM’s Flexium+ CNC platform, and fully automates the high-speed production and reconditioning of complex cutting tools.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation introduces the M80W computer numerical controller, the latest in its M8 series CNCs. The M80W features a touch screen Windows-based display that is separate from the control unit, providing expandability and flexibility.

The new M800 EDM control is now included in Mitsubishi wire EDMs to increase productivity and help keep track of production jobs. MC Machinery Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp., says it continues to invest in technologies to better serve its customers and make them more competitive.

Polaris Motion's control system delivers 50kHz servo rates and all the motion axes are synchronized to nanoseconds using Mercury, its real-time Gbps motion network. The result is superior form accuracy, surface finish and better throughput in parts/hour, according to the company.