Baumüller’s b maXX softdrivePLC offers efficient decentralized solution

As part of the firmware, the b maXX softdrivePLC runs directly in the inverter, and is suitable for single and double axis applications.
Photo by Baumüller Nürnberg GmbH

With the combination of motion control and PLC functions in the controller, the automation specialist from Nuremberg has created a decentralized control architecture that makes the structure of distributed intelligence very easy within the machine, and makes uncomplicated programming possible without additional tools. The b maXX softdrivePLC from Baumüller makes separate control hardware unnecessary for certain applications, and makes control programming according to IEC 61131 quite simple, decentralized in the controller. From simple calculations to highly complex control algorithms, control tasks can thereby be run in the regulator, with high synchronism and cycle times up to 62.5 microseconds. The advantages of this solution are cost savings due to the reduction in hardware, and the cost-efficient outsourcing of high precision processes.

New extended variants

As an extended variant, the softdrivePLC can now be completely integrated into the Engineering Framework ProMaster. So that a freely configurable project tree and all the tools to create the machine and system topology, such as the PROPROG 5 programming environment, the ProCAM cam editor and much more, will be available to the user.

Servo-pump in a package

Among other things, a part of the softdrivePLC is the servo-pump functionality, which can be integrated as a preprogrammed software package and be expanded by the machine manufacturer or user with additional function blocks. The servo-pump library has recently been expanded to include new functions, and, thanks to observer rules, can now be used for rubber machinery, presses and special purpose machines, in addition to injection molding machines.

The b maXX softdrivePLC runs as part of the firmware in the Baumüller b maXX 5000, b maXX 3300, and the decentralized b maXX 2500 drive concepts.

For more information, please visit http://www.baumueller.com.

• CID: 1613