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ROUND UP
S
iemens
Drive Technologies Division
presents the first combination of a robot
and Sinumerik control for CNC (Computer
Numerical Control) 6-axis machining. The
combination of the Sinumerik 840D sl con-
trol and a KUKA robot unlea¬shes robotic
freedom to high-performance applica¬tions,
such as composite machining. The familiar
Sinumerik Operate interface takes care
of operation and process integration. The
Sinumerik 840D sl CNC control enables
optimal integration of a robot for CNC
tasks. Combining CNC with robot control
provides a direct method on the one hand
to utilize the integrated CAD-CAM process
chain from modelling to the finished NC
program and, on the other hand, to benefit
from robot-specific kinematics and safety as-
pects. Siemens and KUKA, the world leader
for indust¬rial robots with PC control, will
be presenting this unique combination at
the AMB International Exhibition for Metal
Working in September 2012 in Stuttgart.The
focal point is the cell for machining carbon
fibre com¬posites (CRFP) and metal. In this
process, the CRFPs are reworked and bonded
to the metal.
The six degrees of freedom of a robot
make 6-axis machining possible, thus achiev-
ing high versatility and extremely dynamic
kinematics.The connection between the Si-
numerik 840D sl high-end CNC fromSiemens
and KUKA‘s KR C4 control is made using a
motion interface in the interpolation cycle.
Profinet handles communication and safety
integration.The NC programs are produced
by Siemens directly from the CAM system
NX CAM.
With its broad portfolio, KUKA offers the
right mechanical features (in terms of range,
accuracy and robustness) to handle all appli-
cations.The KUKA KR C4 is a homo¬geneous
blend of motion and safety control guaran-
tees optimal dynamics combined with safety
for man and machine. The link-up with the
Sinumerik 840D sl motion control makes the
robot control ideal for sophisticated machin-
ing tasks, opening up new markets, such as
com¬posite machining. Besides the solution
for machining with robots, there is already a
solution for handling with Sinumerik.This al-
lows tracking and control of the sequences of
machine tool programs and robot programs
in parallel channels on the Sinumerik Oper-
ate interface. It is thus possible to car¬ry out
programming in the familiar NC environment
and also operate the robot under manual
control and perform diagnostics.
Enquiries: Keshin Govender. Email keshin.
govender@siemens.com.
W
AGO's new 753-647 I/O module not
only controls 64 DALI actuators, but
also connects to up to 64 sensors.This elimi-
nates the need for installing a sensor-only
parallel bus. Reduced installation time and
a clearer network structure help increase
DALI’s operational efficiency.
WAGO's focus on user-friendliness drove
the design and development of the 753-647
module. Firstly, the graphic configuration
interface expedites and simplifies commis-
sioning and management of DALI networks.
The software's most prominent features are
a simplified project overview, optimized
device addressing, efficient volume process-
ing and comprehensive functions for data
backup and restoring. Secondly, an ‘easy
mode’ can control the most varying switch-
ing and dimming functions and light scenes
within the network solely through control of
digital data points, for devices and groups
alike.This enables DALI lights to be control-
led without any complex programming.
A 12 mmwide module (753-620) provides
200 mA power supply to each DALI module.
Generally, a single controller operates sev-
eral DALI modules within a project. WAGO
has developed a cost-effective solution for
this. An external 230V DIN 35 rail mount
power supply (787-1007) provides an output
current of 1 100 mA, enough to supply up to
five parallel modules within a fully equipped
system. WAGO is represented locally by
Shorrock Automation
.
Enquiries: Dino Singh.Tel. 012 345 4449 or
email sales@shorrock.co.za.
A
new tool from
Rockwell Automation
conveniently allows manufacturers to
use mobile devices or computers to calcu-
late potential savings derived from variable
frequency drives to power pumps and fans.
Manufacturers can use the online energy
savings calculator or download the free
mobile application to their iPad, iPhone,
BlackBerry or Android systems. Rockwell
Automation is committed to providing a
comprehensive approach to meeting com-
panies’ sustainability objectives to reduce
energy waste. That is why the company
designed these simple, online and mobile
calculators. Now manufacturers can quickly
and easily plug in information about their
own systems to discover energy-savings
opportunities, which is often the first step
in pursuing them. With this new tool, users
can compare conventional methods, such as
valves for pump control and dampers for fan
control, to variable frequency drives and see
estimated cost savings of installing anAllen-
Bradley PowerFlex drive. The tool offers
two ways to calculate energy consumption:
users can enter the minimum pump or flow
percentages, annual operating hours, cost
per kilowatt and other information about
their own factory, or use the sample data
provided by Rockwell Automation and built
into the tool.
Enquiries: Jeff Sandison.Tel: 011 654 9700 or
email jksandison@ra.rockwell.com.
Using robots for CNC machining
More DALI via I/O Bus
Online and mobile application energy-saving calculators
Control systems and automation
Electricity+Control
September ‘12
18