Paradigm shift: Combining motion performance with PLC functionality

Machine builders who need to optimise machine performance typically rely on a motion controller. A motion controller achieves the fast and precise control of servo motors, often involving the coordination of three or more axes, demanded in applications ranging from packaging to electronics manufacture.

Dedicated motion controllers feature a real-time motion engine, executing motion commands and the coordination of servo motors over a high-speed, deterministic communications protocol. This also enables motion controllers to resolve interrupts at high speed – an approach referred to as ‘touch-trigger’. When there’s an event on the machine that needs to be addressed, the reaction to the signal happens in microseconds. 

Alternatively, a typical PLC scans the programme in a loop, addressing each event in sequence. This approach is ideal for dealing with logic commands, but it lacks the dynamism required for performance motion control. A typical PLC scans in milliseconds, not microseconds, which makes a significant difference to machine performance. This can impact precision, resulting in sub-optimal manufacturing quality. It can also cause more downtime.

Instead, a motion controller can run the machine much more quickly, with much greater reliability, which ultimately increases productivity.

Read the full article in DPA's December 2024 issue