Software-based control technology offers the highest degree of flexibility for the entire process chain of a packaging line

PC Control for packaging machines

Beckhoff is exhibiting its automation and industry solutions for the packaging industry at the Interpack 2008 for the first time. The international trade show mainly focuses on machines for packing foodstuffs, drinks, pharmaceuticals and cosmetic articles as well as non-food consumer goods, for which Beckhoff offers a universal and consistent control platform with PC Control. At the Beckhoff booth, the focus will be on the sectors Industrial PC, automation and motion as well as EtherCAT, the high-speed fieldbus system.

Using PC-based control technology by Beckhoff, the entire process chain of a packaging line can be automated: all processes, from filling, forming, sealing, labelling, collecting and re-packing to palleting, can be realised throughout with Industrial PCs and the TwinCAT automation software as the control platform.

Open and freely scalable automation technology

Beckhoff offers open and flexible automation solutions on the basis of PC-based control technology. The scalability of the hardware and software components makes customised solutions possible, which, as compared to conventional controllers, significantly increase the productivity and flexibility of packaging machines. The range of products from Beckhoff includes high-performance IPCs, a large variety of electronic I/O terminals, the EtherCAT high-speed fieldbus, the TwinCAT automation software and flexibly deployable Servo Drive Technology.

TwinCAT integrates PLC and Motion Control functions and controls the individual process steps of the packaging machines with high performance. In addition, various software modules for different technical packing tasks are available: cam plates, corresponding to the laws of motion in accordance with VDI directive VDI 2143; ‘flying saw’ for synchronising the position and speed of the packed goods and the machine, as well as the interpolating movements of several axes.

EtherCAT – top performance right down to the I/Os

The basis for the ultra-fast process communication is the EtherCAT Industrial Ethernet system, which is ideally suited for use in packaging machines. The fast communication between the I/O signals and the controller – without special hardware – offers the machine manufacturer undreamt-of possibilities: Motion Control with multiple axes, synchronised through distributed EtherCAT clocks, with nanosecond precision.

Fast control technology increases machine efficiency

With XFC technology (eXtreme Fast Control Technology) Beckhoff presents a new, fast control solution: XFC is based on an optimised control and communication architecture comprising an advanced Industrial PC, ultra-fast I/O terminals, EtherCAT and TwinCAT. This technology opens up new process optimisation possibilities to the user and increases the efficiency and precision of packaging machines. In this way, the Distributed-Clock functionality allows high precision printing mark control, for example; the Time-Stamp EtherCAT Terminals offer very fast touch-probe inputs of 1 µs.