Beckhoff at Ligna 2009: Hall 19, Booth D20

Ligna: PC Control for woodworking machines

At Ligna 2009, which will take place in Hanover, Germany, between 18 and 22 May, Beckhoff will present its industry solutions for the wood industry and a range of product innovations in Hall 19, Booth D20. With comprehensive and versatile high-performance functions that are integrated into automation- and industry-specific software modules, Beckhoff enables manufacturers of woodworking machines to respond quickly and individually to complex requirements, based on a high-performance, standardised PC-based platform and TwinCAT automation software.

The Beckhoff control solution for woodworking machines includes Industrial PCs, I/O devices (Bus Terminals, Fieldbus Box modules), Drive Technology, EtherCAT and TwinCAT automation software. The multi-purpose control package is complemented by industry-specific solutions in the form of high-performance software modules for different processing steps, including drill optimisation or user interfaces for a number of machine types.

The Beckhoff hardware platform always includes the latest processor technology, currently for example Intel® Atom™, Core™2 Duo and Core™2 Quad architectures, resulting in continuous enhancement of Industrial PC performance. For the users, this means that they do not need a completely new automation concept in order to serve the next evolutionary phase of mechanical engineering, but rather that PC-based automation offers them adequate possibilities for development.

For less complex machines Beckhoff offers a comprehensive and downward-scalable product range based on Embedded PCs and Bus Terminal Controllers. The same TwinCAT engineering platform is used for all hardware configurations.

With “large” drive technology to a complete solution

At Ligna, Beckhoff will present a range of new products. The focus is on Drive Technology, since woodworking machines place high demands on drives. The AX5000 Servo Drive series was extended with versions with rated motor currents up to 170 A. The Industrial PC and I/O product lines will also feature some innovations and additions. Furthermore, Beckhoff offers innovative safety solutions. This is an area that is becoming increasingly important. The full integration of all safety functions into PC-based control technology without additional complex and costly measures offers users maximum flexibility.

In addition, the Beckhoff booth also focuses on services for woodworking machines, including solutions for upgrading older machines with cutting-edge, PC-based control technology, solutions for production data acquisition, and machine- and company-specific adaptations of TwinCAT modules.

www.beckhoff.com/ligna
www.beckhoff.com/wood