Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Embed CNC Easily into MS Studio

The heart of the Beckhoff CNC is the TwinCAT automation suite. The latest generation, TwinCAT 3, makes new engineering options possible with the integration into the development environment of Microsoft Visual Studio. TwinCAT NC I/CNC is fully embedded in the overall system. This covers the entire range of classic CNC path control up to the high-end system for complex motion and kinematics requirements. The TwinCAT “Kinematic Transformation” library enables robot kinematics to be mapped in software and integrated into the controller. This integration offers the option of connecting PLC/C/C++ or Matlab®/Simulink with a CNC system. Since all languages offer appropriate interfaces, both IEC 61131 and a C/C++ application can be responsible for the CNC sequence.

The TwinCAT automation software is a common platform for the control of PLC, Motion and CNC functionalities, visualisation, safety technology, measurement technology, Condition Monitoring and robotics. In version 3 of TwinCAT, the engineering is considerably facilitated by the integration of all tools into one development environment. This development environment is based on Microsoft Visual Studio, into which the configurators and the programming environment for IEC 61131 are integrated. Further languages are available for programming in C and C++. Likewise, Matlab®/Simulink can be used as a development platform for controllers and filters.

Microsoft Visual Studio offers the possibility of using Team Foundation Server to track both changes in the source code and bugs, or to manage software projects. An editor for the convenient configuration and programming of safety applications is also integrated. The safety programs can be written in function block language or in C. In addition, the safe drives can be configured here. Calculation tools for the new machine directive are integrated and facilitate the necessary calculations.

The PC- and EtherCAT-based CNC solution from Beckhoff integrates all machine functions into one hardware and software platform. The universal TwinCAT automation software and the fast EtherCAT fieldbus system, Industrial PCs, Control Panels, I/O components and drive technology combine to offer a complete solution for CNC machining. The CNC solution from Beckhoff is scalable and modular, meeting the exact requirements of modular and multifunctional machine concepts.