Machine, motion control: Software simplifies complex applications

By Control Engineering Staff December 19, 2006

Latest PiCPro software from Danaher Motion, able to support up to 64 axes of high-performance motion, is designed to program the company’s MMC-D64 machine and motion controllers.

Wood Dale, IL —Latest PiCPro software from Danaher Motion is described as able to support up to 64 axes of high-performance motion. Designed to simplify the integration of machine and motion control applications, PiCPro is used to program Danaher’s MMC-D64 machine and motion controllers and provide connectivity with the company’s MMC Smart Drives and AKM servo motors.

Software combines IEC 61131 ladder logic or structured text programming with 100 MHz Ethernet motion control. Flexible instruction set is optimized for continuous motion, including standard functions for gearing, camming, and automatic registration correction. Standard functions are said to provide all the tools necessary to automate machinery in typical printing, packaging, and converting applications. Integrated development environment for logic, motion, and drive set-up and maintenance is reported to reduce system start-up time up to 90% over traditional systems.

MMC-D64 digital motion controller provides real-time data to the application program over a digital motion control network, connectivity options for interaction with third-party devices for data transfer and sharing, and I/O expansion capabilities. Products are designed to work seamlessly with Danaher Motion’s MMC Smart Drives (available in 230- and 460-V packages ranging from 500 W to 65 kW continuous output power), AKM rotary motors, and DDR and cartridge DDR direct-drive motors.

—Control Engineering Daily News Desk Jeanine Katzel , senior editor