The automation interface in TwinCAT 3 automation software enables remote control of the TwinCAT engineering system and automatic generation of programs and configurations. Depending on the degree of automation, manual processing of control projects and the associated errors can be reduced or avoided. The quality of the software engineering is increased, while programming time and costs are reduced by the automation of project generation.
Automation of machines and plants is becoming increasingly complex and time-consuming. The resulting engineering costs are also growing in proportion to the complexity of the project. This is reflected, among other things, by the increased costs for developing a configuration and programming the PLC. These costs can only be reduced if the complete software or parts of it can be automated. Such automated code generation can also contribute towards a reduction of errors in the configuration.
Remote control of the engineering system
This is where the TwinCAT automation interface comes in – it provides the user with a programming interface that can be used for the remote control of the TwinCAT system. This allows almost all offline and online functions to be controlled externally. The error-prone and cost-intensive generation of I/O configurations and programs can be simplified in this way.
The automation interface consists of a large number of programming routines that are available to the user in the form of classes and methods. These enable TwinCAT projects to be generated, changed and saved in a standard and flexible manner – in conjunction with a source code database such as Team Foundation Server, if desired. The resulting application possibilities are extremely varied and can range from a simple application for automating everyday and recurring TwinCAT tasks to complex, user-defined engineering tools that only use the regular TwinCAT development environment in the background.
Automatic generation of programs and configurations
A further situation where the automation interface can provide valuable assistance is in environments where the TwinCAT configurations on a machine must be changed several times a day – for example because a different PLC program must be executed. An application can thus be tailored precisely to the user’s workflow via the automation interface. It also allows machine operators who are not proficient in using TwinCAT to change configurations at the simple push of a button.
The integration of the TwinCAT engineering system into the Visual Studio developer’s environment opens up a multitude of further application possibilities for the automation interface. This is because the openness of Visual Studio and TwinCAT enables customised plug-ins to be written by the programmer in addition to providing direct integration into the development environment and ultimately into the daily work routine.
Fortifying the state in a time of cyber siege
IT in Manufacturing
In an era where borders are no longer physical, South Africa is being drawn into a new kind of conflict, one fought not with tanks and missiles, but with lines of code and silent intrusions. The digital battlefield is here, and cyber space has become the next frontier of conflict.
Read more...Levelling up workplace safety - how gamification is changing the rules of training
IT in Manufacturing
Despite the best intentions, traditional safety training often falls short, with curricula either being too generic, too passive, or ultimately unmemorable. Enter gamification, a shift in training that is redefining how businesses train for safety and live by those principles.
Read more...Reinventing data centre design: critical changes to meet surging Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
AI technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible which, in turn, is presenting data centres with a whole new set of challenges. Fortunately, several options are emerging which include optimising design and infrastructure for efficiency, cooling and management systems
Read more...Watts next - can IT save the planet
IT in Manufacturing
The digital age’s insatiable demand for computing power has collided with an urgent and pressing need for sustainability. As data centres and AI workloads consume unprecedented energy, IT providers are pivotal in redefining how technology intersects with environmental stewardship.
Read more...South Africa’s digital revolution:
IT in Manufacturing
South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its technological evolution, poised to redefine itself as Africa’s leading digital powerhouse. Over the past two years, political leaders and media narratives have painted a picture of rapid digital transformation, underscoring the government’s ambition to position South Africa at the forefront of innovation.
Read more...Smart manufacturing, APC and the SA marketplace Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturers are prioritising the integration of smart technologies into their daily operations to stay one step ahead of the competition. In South Africa, some experts believe the country has the potential to leapfrog its global peers through the creation of smart factories.
Read more...Schneider Electric’s Five-Pillar Strategy takes the guesswork out of equip Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Field Service Cycle, otherwise known as the Five-Pillar Strategy, is a structured approach to managing the lifecycle of equipment to prolong asset lifespan while reducing the total cost of ownership for customers.
Read more...Beckhoff’s XPlanar boosts productivity in medical device assembly Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.
Read more...Laying the groundwork in IT/OT
IT in Manufacturing
In the realm of manufacturing, the core mandate is to deliver value to stakeholders. For many in the industry, this is best achieved through a risk-averse approach. Only upon establishing a robust foundation should a business consider venturing into advanced optimisation or cutting-edge technological innovations such as industrial AI.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version