Parker Hannifin launches fastest standalone single and multi-axis controller

Citation

(2006), "Parker Hannifin launches fastest standalone single and multi-axis controller", Assembly Automation, Vol. 26 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2006.03326bad.001

Parker Hannifin launches fastest standalone single and multi-axis controller

Parker Hannifin launches fastest standalone single and multi-axis controller

Keywords: Controllers, Assembly

Parker Hannifin, the world's leading manufacturer of motion and control technologies, has expanded its range of controllers to include an innovative new stand-alone unit that can be used for both single and multi-axis motion control. Called the C3 powerPLmC- E20, the new unit is designed as a process controller for use with industry standard drives, including digital servo and stepper drives, plus other devices such as frequency inverters, I/O, HMI and pneumatic valves, in a wide range of manufacturing, automation and process applications (Plate 1).

Plate 1 The C3 powerPLmC-E20

The C3 powerPLmC utilises the IEC61131-3 structured international programming language, giving OEMs and end-users an extremely effective and flexible platform for controlling combined PLC logic, data and communications, plus motion and visualisation tasks. Parker Hannifin believes that with an advanced 32bit RISC processor and features such as the ability to process all logic and motion control tasks in parallel via a real-time kernel, the new controller is the fastest and most powerful device of its kind currently available; it has, for example, the capacity to process up to 1,000 instruction list commands in less than 100 ms.

The new PLC incorporates two independent CANopen bus connections, for multi-drive communication, a separate drive interface that simplifies the integration of servo and stepper axes and reduces processing overheads still further; additionally, an Ethernet interface provides remote diagnostics and an OPC facility for connecting Windows- based visualisation and supervisory programmes.

In addition, the simple drive interface means that the new PLC can be configured with connections for up to 64 axes, without detailed knowledge of fieldbus technology, while features such as PLCopen motion control libraries and advanced visualisation options make it easy to use the C3 powerPLmC as part of a sophisticated project management, communications gateway, file handling and network control system.

Additional features include a 64 Mb compact flash card for programme storage, and factory standard RS232, 422 and 485 communications. The new C3 powerPLmC is powered directly from conventional 24VDC connections and can easily be integrated into any control cabinet.

Typical applications range from extremely complex multi-axis tasks, in high speed assembly and process operations in the automotive and electronics sectors, to use in packaging and materials handling systems, where short production runs and frequent changes of tooling or component parts are required.

For information contact: Sharon Beale or Kay Sawtell, Parker Hannifin Electromechanical Automation, Arena Business Centre, Holy Rood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BA. Tel.: 01202 606300; fax: 01202 606301; e-mail: sales.digiplan@parker.com; web site: www.parker.com