02 Robots and software to facilitate production

The design of the new machine includes multiple PC-based control solutions, motion control hardware, and general purpose automation software with motion capabilities. Labplas has robots on 15 production lines. The pickup robot and other motion axes are equipped with servo motors controlled by EtherCAT servo drives.

High performance synchronous servo motors provide very low rotor inertia and very high overload capability for dynamic applications. The design is connected to the driver with a single cable, and the power and feedback signals are transmitted in the same cable, thus reducing the number of wires. Fast control algorithm of servo drive, minimum current control, speed control and position control is 62.5μs.

“The servo drive must provide extremely high precision and acceleration for the servo motor, especially the delta robot.” “Fontaine said. At the same time, an integrated functional safety driver card with built-in Safety disconnect torque (STO) and Safety Stop 1(SS1) functions is also used, with the option to add programmatic safety I/O hardware via standard automation software.

VE6050T06

In addition to safety, the automation software serves as a common software platform for PLC, motion control and other requirements of MM production lines. The software’s motion conversion function supports the design and commissioning of various robots, including the delta pickup and placement robot.

“Thanks to integrated dynamic pre-control, high-precision motion through kinematic transformation is possible even at high speed and acceleration, and the automation software suite can control robot and machine production lines in real time.” Ted Sarazin, regional sales manager for Beckhoff Automation.

The software supports programming in multiple languages at the same time, including everything from IEC61131-3 with object-oriented extensions to C, so users can use the right language for each application. Free trial opportunities help determine design requirements and reduce risk before purchase.