Siemens SIMATIC Microbox 420-T Technology controllers: A combination of PLC and motion control functionalities.

Mechanical and plant engineers are increasingly challenged to offer more flexible and more productive machines despite high price pressures. To facilitate mechatronic solutions, technology functions focusing on motion control are being implemented to a great extent in automation systems, drive systems as well as in PCs. The technology controllers in combination with the PLCopen-compatible motion control blocks are particularly well suited for coupled motion sequences of multiple axes. Along with position-controlled single axis positioning, primarily complex, synchronized motion sequences are possible, e.g. gearbox synchronization, cam disk synchronization and print-mark correction. As a result, the technology controllers can be used for a host of new applications, such as Processing lines, Throughput machines, Cross-arms, Simple gantries, Filling, Wrapping, Roll feeds, Flying shears, Carton erectors, etc.The new SIMATIC Microbox 420-T is one such platform that is suitable for open-loop control, motion control and PC applications. It is compact, flexible, ready-to-run DIN-rail mounted PC (IP50 degree of protection) and it combines