Software

October 2006

Axis Motion Software
National Instruments (Austin, TX) released NI Motion Assistant 2.0 interactive software for prototyping single- and multi-axis motion control systems. Motion profiles from CAD and drafting programs can be imported using a DXF file format, and the software facilitates the implementation of profiles in NI CompactRIO programmable automation controllers or generation of code for PCI/PXI plug-in motion controllers. After saving a motion profile as a DXF file in a CAD or drafting program, the software can be used to import the profile and save motionspecific commands in an XML file format without writing additional code. Also featured is smart contouring and a graphical, point-and-click interface with 3D visualization capabilities for creating motion control applications using stepper, servo, and piezo actuators.

For Free Info Visit http://info.hotims.com/10952-333

June 2006

Control System Software
SERVOSHAFT motion system control software from Danaher Motion (Wood Dale, IL) enables users to run all three functions of a control system (SCADA function, PLC, and motion control) from their own computers. The software meets IEC standard 61131-3 and supports the SFC, FBD, LD, ST, and IL programming languages. An OPC server enables communication with each SCADA system, and the platform also supports data exchange with PROFIBUS and CANopen.

The motion control solution also included in the package uses a graphical, intuitive programming language that can be used to synchronize over 200 axes. The integrated development tools include a complete set of IEC 61131-3 editor programs and compiler program; the graphic Motion Editor program has access to a comprehensive group of movements. The package also includes online troubleshooting in conjunction with a soft oscilloscope.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5659-347

October 2005

Motion Analysis Software
Renishaw (Hoffman Estates, IL) has introduced QuickView™ software that enables real-time, high-resolution motion analysis of linear or angular positioning accuracy, velocities, or accelerations. The software provides live data display in oscilloscope- style format, three modes of data capture (free-running, singleshot trigger, and multi-shot trigger), exportable CSV data format, and pan and zoom for close-up analysis of selected data. Running on Windows® XP, QuickView can differentiate incoming data to obtain velocity or acceleration versus time traces. Display options enable users to see features on the screen down to 1 nm linear or 0.01 arc/sec angular resolution.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5292-304

August 2005

Machine Driver Software
Written for OEMs to be packaged with new machines, and for end users with one or more machines, the 32-bit LinkMotion™ machine driver software from Solustan (Needham, MA) makes programming motion control boards easy. After creating a design in a CAD or graphic design program, the design is simply sent to the machine as if it were being sent to a printer.

There is no need to learn a new program, create additional controller software, or remember G codes. It is suitable for 2-1/2 D machining operations (e.g., laser marking & cutting, scribing, drilling, engraving, EDM, waterjet or torch cutting, and CNC machines).
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5215-308

Magnetic Field Solver
New features in Integrated Engineering Software's (Winnipeg, MB, Canada) MAGNETO 6.2 2D magnetic field solver software include: a voltage coils/winding feature (specify voltage excitation to calculate current draw), an energy/co-energy by region command (alternate method to calculate force and torque), and a direct link to SPEED motor design software's brushless DC motor module. Quadratic finite elements and angular periodic FEM have also been added.

The software's calculations include force, torque, flux linkage, and inductance for applications like clutches, solenoids, motors, sensors, actuators, transformers, magnetic shielding, circuit breakers, and fuel injectors. For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5215-303

Cam/Profile Design Tool
ORMEC's (Rochester, NY) ServoWire Motion & Logic Controller (SMLC) now has software for creating electronic cams and profiles, plus a Cam/Profile Designer tool. Cams and profiles can be up to 1024 points in length and the interpolation between each point can be linear, quadratic, or cubic. Multiple cams and profiles can be queued and/or repeated, and synchronized to high-speed drive inputs.

The Cam/Profile Designer tool aids users in creating Cam (master vs. follower position) and Profile (axis position vs. time) data, which can be entered directly into Cam/Profile Designer, or imported from a file and edited graphically.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5215-306

June

Robotic Prototyping Technology
KUKA Robotics Corp. (Clinton Township, MI) has released CAMRob software robotic prototyping technology, enabling milling of prototypes and the elimination of pendant-based programming. CAMRob software enables APT or G-codes files to be downloaded, converted to KUKA’s robot programming language, and executed. The Company’s 6-axis robots range from 3 kg to 500 kg payloads, and offer 635 mm to 3900 mm reach, all controlled from a common PC-based controller platform.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5081-307

Servo Analysis GUI
The SPiiPlus Frequency Response Function (FRF) Analyzer™ from ACS-Tech80 (Plymouth, MN) is a servo analysis GUI for the Company’s SPiiPlus motion controllers. Users can obtain the mechanical signature of their machine, identify and compensate for mechanical resonances, and expand machine bandwidth and stability margins. Additionally, OEM users can compare the mechanical signatures between different machines and measure changes in machine performance over time.

Measurement Mode allows for measuring plant FRF, controller FRF, open-loop FRF, and closed-loop FRF in a given system. Its Design Mode allows designing of a controller FRF and viewing the effects on the open- and closed-loop FRFs. Responses are displayed either in a Bode or Nyquist Diagram.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/5081-316

April

Prototyping Software
National Instruments’ (Austin, TX) Motion Assistant Version 1.2 interactively prototypes motion control applications and converts projects into ready-to-run code in C or NI LabVIEW. Motion Assistant features a graphical, point-and-click interface with 3D-visualization capabilities for creating powerful motion control applications using stepper, servo, and piezo actuators.

The software now offers advanced features such as smart contouring, the ability to redesign a user-defined trajectory based on desired move constraints while preserving move geometry. Trapezoidal or S-curve velocity profiles can be easily implemented for moves with complex geometry, helping to minimize jitter on mechanical components and increase machine life.
For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/4834-301