Controls and drives address COVID and more

MELSERVO-J5 components from Mitsubishi Electric support fast communications and a 3.5-kHz response rate for precise and responsive motion with short settling times. Use of CC-Link IE TSN facilitates IoT functions and time synchronization across all connected devices at 1 Gbps. Series components also satisfy single-axis to 256-axis systems — with all motion modules programmable in a single software environment.

Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX open automation platform now includes advanced I/O to accommodate various field and control interfaces. That in turn supports horizontal and vertical integration and expands the functions of ctrlX CORE controls.

Motion controllers range from single-axis smarts to programmable automation controllers (PACs) that synchronize hundreds of axes and plant data communications. These precision command centers are central to today’s motion-system innovation.

Just consider how controls deliver flexibility to packaging applications ... MELSERVO-J5 ac servomotors, amplifiers, and motion controls from Mitsubishi Electric Automation allow (among other things) a quick-tuning function for tuning of servo mechanisms in about 0.3 seconds. Here, the servo amplifier sets the speed loop gain and suppresses machine resonance through the servo on command. No tuning experience is required because gain values are automatically generated … reducing machine setup time and effort. Additional functions and features include an advanced vibration suppression function, multi-axis servo amplifiers, expanded predictive maintenance capabilities (powered by Maisart AI) and a 31.25-μsec communication cycle time with multi-network compatibility with CC-Link IE TSN and EtherCAT.

This Mikron mask-making machine (which fits in a 20-ft shipping container) can produce 50 to 100 protective masks a minute. CMMT servo drives and EMMT electric motors from Festo connect to the machine’s central controls. Other Festo components on the machine include DFM guided drives (shown here preparing the earloops) as well as ADN pneumatic cylinders, MPA valves, MS6-SV-E safety valves, and DSNU round cylinders … all components in stock worldwide and available within 24 hours. Such availability is key in systems for addressing COVID-19.

In fact, EtherCAT (with PC-based control) will also support the advanced motion of more than 3,000 axes on the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) in the Chilean Andes once the telescope construction is completed in eight years … and prevent obsolescence with standardization and upgradability. The GMT will capture images of astronomical objects sharper than currently possible by reducing distortions introduced by the terrestrial atmosphere.

Supporting the advanced motion systems of the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) optics will be a 1,300-ton precision base structure from Ingersoll Machine Tools and MT Mechatronics of the Camozzi Group. The precision steel optical support structure will allow frictionless movement using hydrostatic technology.

Besides rotating the telescope’s 22-story-tall enclosure, flexible mirrors must be moved with the utmost precision to implement adaptive optics and collect images with the highest possible resolution. 170 pneumatic actuators support and move each primary mirror. Here, EtherCAT provides flexible topology and scalability, along with the ability to incorporate up to 65,535 EtherCAT devices in one network to satisfy GMT system specifications.

Functional Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) also imparts functionality to the telescope’s interlock and safety systems. More specifically, FSoE provides the GMT with safety-rated TÜV-certified communication over standard EtherCAT networks as well as numerous options for distributed safety I/O based on Beckhoff Automation’s TwinSAFE I/O modules. It also allows integration with the Beckhoff engineering environment and industrial PCs (IPCs).

Engineers building the GMT are using off-the-shelf industrial components in their telescope design — including Beckhoff CX2020 CPU and EtherCAT I/O modules as well as AS1020 stepper motors. EtherCAT will support the GMT’s systems for its primary mirrors, atmospheric dispersion compensator, enclosure, mount, and building automation.