Although it may seem that quarrying and construction machinery has to do only rough work, precise and efficient control technology is essential. This is particularly so for unmanned, remote-controlled machines, such as those being developed by the Portuguese specialist Fravizel. Supported by Bresimar, a Beckhoff distributor, the company selected a compact combination: the CX7000 Embedded PC and EtherCAT Terminals to form the foundation of its robust control solution. Here, Jonas Brinkmann, International Sales, Beckhoff Automation, reports on the application.
The CX7000 Embedded PC controls Fravizel construction machinery used in quarries to cut and process ornamental stone. © Diogo Moreira
Fravizel is a Portuguese company with close to 40 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing earthmoving equipment as well as machinery for quarrying, forestry, and industry, such as diamond wire cutting and drilling machinery. Present on five continents, the company cites its ability to innovate as essential in enabling it to meet the manifold equipment needs of its diverse, worldwide customer base.
A member of the Fravizel engineering team explains why they chose to implement PC-based control in this case. "Beckhoff distributor Bresimar suggested the CX7000 as a potential solution. We were not aware of this embedded PC, so we analysed it and realised it is an extremely compact device that has all the necessary processing and storage functions. It was also compatible with the Beckhoff products and solutions we were already using. In addition, our partnership with Bresimar was very important for technical development, as we received all the support we needed."
A compact, robust control solution
The machines in which the CX7000 Embedded PC will be implemented are unmanned and can only be controlled remotely by specialised operators. The equipment is intended for use in quarries, for cutting and processing ornamental stone. The controls needed to be modernised, so Fravizel began the search for an especially compact and robust solution. It found that the CX7000 and Beckhoff I/O technology were a good option, which also ensured compatibility with the EtherCAT communication protocol already in place. According to the engineering team, the high computing and storage capacity of the compact controller covers all requirements for machine operation.
The CX7000 functions as an EtherCAT master, which enables the broad EtherCAT I/O portfolio from Beckhoff to be deployed in conjunction with a compact and cost-effective device. The controller can thus be used in various systems. The Automation & Control team highlighted that EtherCAT was already being used in communication between the control components of the machines and had proved to be one of the major advantages of the Beckhoff control solution, as it allows for third-party hardware to be integrated much more flexibly than is the case with other systems.
The hydraulic and pneumatic circuits are essential to the proper function of the construction machines. EtherCAT analogue terminals, including EL3004, EL3174, EL4032, EL4034 and EL4038, can be used to control the flow and pressure of the proportional valves precisely, which are important variables here, and to record system performance. The EL1809 and EL2809 EtherCAT digital terminals are used, among other things, as command inputs and for sensors, or as outputs for hydraulic/pneumatic solenoid valves and power and control drives.
Machines with extendable arms, central axis rotation and/or lateral displacement also require positioning control for the various machine segments, which is provided by the EL5001 and EL5002 EtherCAT encoder terminals forming a control loop with absolute encoders. To provide reliable pressure monitoring for the hydraulic and pneumatic systems, EL3024 EtherCAT input terminals collect the analogue signals from pressure, fill level, inclination, and temperature sensors positioned at different points in the machine.
Looking to the future
For Fravizel, it is critical that a control system has longevity and is also suitable for other projects. If more signal types are required, for example, additional EtherCAT Terminals can simply be added to the CX7000 Embedded PC. According to Bresimar, the CX7000, which unites compact design with high functionality, is the right solution for Fravizel and is just the first step into using scalable PC-based control technology from Beckhoff. Bresimar will maintain a close relationship with the customer to create innovative solutions with added value for the equipment Fravizel develops, and to enable growth and knowledge sharing.
For more information visit: www.beckhoff.com
