TwinCAT CNC – High-performance CNC solution for complex applications
Complex tasks – new solutions
TwinCAT CNC offers complete CNC functionality as a pure PC-based software solution. TwinCAT CNC covers the complete range of classic CNC path control, including high-end systems for complex motion and kinematics requirements. The powerful, continuously evolving PC platform and the hard real-time base of the TwinCAT realtime kernel provide the foundation for the CNC software.
TwinCAT continuity
TwinCAT CNC is based on TwinCAT PLC, the IEC 61131-3 software PLC. If TwinCAT NC PTP is used as the basis; powerful motion functionality for positioning tasks is also available. Parts programming is carried out according to DIN 66025 using high-level language extensions. TwinCAT CNC expanded TwinCAT NC I with classic CNC features. Up to 64 interpolating axes and comprehensive coordinate and kinematic transformations are possible.
Open for I/O and drive systems
In the CNC world, TwinCAT CNC offers unique openness towards the I/O periphery and the drive system through the consistent utilisation of Fieldbus technology. A variety of I/O modules can be connected via all common fieldbus systems. The drive systems can be connected with the CNC via an analog/encoder interface or directly via a digital drive interface (e.g. EtherCAT, PROFIBUS MC, SERCOS or Lightbus). This offers maximum openness and independence in the choice of I/O and drive systems for the user.
Versatile machining
The required axis and spindle functions, interpolation and feed functions, tool and help functions according to DIN 66025 with specific expansions are available for a variety of machining technologies (e.g. milling, drilling, handling, special machines).
Interpolation with 64 axes
Complex machining tasks often require path movements involving a large number of axes and spindles. TwinCAT CNC can operate with 64 axes and controlled spindles that can be distributed across up to 12 CNC channels. In a CNC channel, up to 32 axes can be interpolated simultaneously, enabling even the most difficult motion tasks to be solved.
Spline interpolation
In order to reduce the NC blocks, programming with spline functionality is required particularly for freeform surfaces. Apart from the classic linear, circular and helical interpolations, TwinCAT CNC offers convenient spline interpolation, optionally based on Akima or B-splines.
Real-time transformations
Complex machine kinematics with difficult machining tasks require real-time transformations within the CNC for simple and flexible operation and programming. They are used, for example, for defining different coordinate systems within the machining process or for generating automatic compensating movements of rotary axes. A classic application is 5-axis machining.
As an option, TwinCAT CNC provides special CNC functions:
- RTCP function (rotation tool center point)
- TLC function (tool length compensation)
- kinematics selection from the kinematics library
- definition of different coordinate systems
- tool alignment in the chosen coordinate system
- linking/transition of coordinate systems
CNC configuration and diagnostics
with TwinCAT System Manager
System operation for commissioning
| Technical data | TwinCAT CNC |
|---|---|
| PC hardware | standard PC/IPC hardware, no extras |
| Operating systems | Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista, Windows NT/XP Embedded |
| Real-time | Beckhoff real-time kernel as a component of TwinCAT |
| Run-time system | CNC, including TwinCAT NC I, NC PTP and PLC |
| Number of axes/spindles | 8 path axes/6 controlled spindles, with a maximum of 64 axes/12 controlled spindles (optional), 1 CNC channel, with a maximum of 12 CNC channels (optional) |
| Axis types | electrical servo-axes, analog/encoder interface via fieldbus (e.g. EtherCAT, Lightbus, PROFIBUS, CANopen), digital interface via fieldbus (EtherCAT, Lightbus, SERCOS interface, PROFIBUS MC) |
| Geometry functions | linear, circular, helical interpolation in the main planes and freely definable planes, 8 interpolating path axes per channel, a maximum of 32 interpolating path axes (optional), look-ahead function |
| Axis functions | coupling and gantry axis function, override, axis error and sag compensation, measuring functions |
| Programming | DIN 66025 programming language with high-level language extensions, mathematical functions, programming of parameters/variables, user macros, subroutine techniques, spindle and help functions, tool functions, zero offset shifts |
| Operation | automatic operation, manual operation (jog/inching), single block operation, referencing, block search, handwheel operation (motion/superposition) |
| Debugging | online monitoring in the TwinCAT System Manager |
| I/O system | decentralised I/Os via freely selectable open fieldbuses (EtherCAT, Lightbus, SERCOS, PROFIBUS DP/MC, CANopen, DeviceNet, Interbus) |
| Connectivity | variable access via OPC, Beckhoff ADS OCX/DLL |
| Ordering information | |
|---|---|
| TwinCAT CNC | licence for using the CNC path control software based on TwinCAT PLC or TwinCAT NC PTP |
| Options | |
|---|---|
| TwinCAT CNC Axes Pack | expansion to a total of 64 axes/controlled spindles, of which a maximum of 32 can be path axes and a maximum of 12 can be controlled spindles |
| TwinCAT CNC Channel Pack | 1 further CNC channel, expandable to a maximum of 12 channels, channel synchronisation, axis transfer between channels |
| TwinCAT CNC Transformation | Transformation functionality (5-axis functionality), kinematics selection from kinematics library, RTCP function, TLC function, definition of various coordinate systems, linking/transition of coordinate systems |
| TwinCAT CNC Spline Interpolation | path programming via splines with programmable spline type, Akima spline, B-spline |