With the introduction of two new functions and two additional process software packages, Beckhoff has significantly simplified the specific application of TwinCAT 3CNC (TF5200) in the field of EDM and additive manufacturing. These latest features include in-line adjustment and extended interpolation capabilities, as well as an additive process package and another specifically designed for die-sinking wire EDM and counterbore machines.
The TwinCAT 3 CNC Online Adaption (TF5262) provides a TcCOM interface for the integration of customer-specific modules for online control of interpolation functions:
Dynamic Contour Control (DCC) compensates for contour errors caused by physical deformation of equipment components by modifying the tool's center point path based on current and past contour elements. The normalization factor, compensation direction, and compensation factor are all calculated in TcCOM.
The tool radius compensation function automatically performs online tool radius compensation based on real-time data such as the current tool radius, path position, and path tangent. In addition, the feature supports dual-path interpolation.
The geometrical feed rate adjustment function is used to calculate the feed factor to achieve a constant surface feed rate.
The TwinCAT 3 CNC Extended Interpolation (TF5263) supports two-path interpolation, which allows two independent contours to be traced in a single NC channel and is therefore ideally suited for wire EDM. In addition, the tapered coupling can be used to take advantage of the synchronization of Path 1 with Path 2 to compensate for the extra modules inserted during tool radius compensation. The originally programmed connection between the two paths remains unchanged.
TwinCAT 3 CNC AM Plus (TF5291) is a software package specifically designed for additive processes. Its extended profile preview function allows the PLC to acquire programmed profile elements in advance and can be activated in the NC program or via the PLC interface. With the TF5291, users can also access future dynamic data such as axis position, velocity, and acceleration at configurable intervals.
The TwinCAT 3 CNC EDM Plus (TF5292) is a process software package designed for die-sinking wire EDM and counterbore machines. It combines the capabilities of the TF5262, TF5263 and TF5292 to provide cylindrical compensation for wire EDM, ensuring one real-time cycle per channel and a setback strategy for die-sinking counterbore machining.
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TwinCAT 3 CNC has now been completely upgraded with new functions and two process software packages.