New Motion-PLC combines motion and logic

Trio has launched Motion-PLC, a new class of machine controller that combines motion, robotics, and logic. Motion-PLC provides Trio’s advanced motion control performance with the functionality and simplicity of a PLC to reduce the cost and complexity of machine design.

The new controller combines multi-axis motion control and IEC language programming with Trio’s new MS I/O system for flexible I/O expansion.? The first appearance of Motion-PLC took place at the SPS exhibition - see more about SPS in a following story.

Motion-PLC is available in six models to control a range of stand-alone machines up to 16 axes, including robotics integration. The range is for applications that need motion control and machine logic, such as gantries, packaging, and glue laying.

To achieve a complete machine automation solution, control engineers can integrate Trio drives & motors, HMI, and SCARA robots, as well as Modbus TCP, PROFINET, and Ethernet/IP devices.

All Motion-PLC models include Trio’s new MS I/O system, providing compact and robust I/O expansion through a slice interface. MS I/O slices connect directly to all Motion-PLC controllers, allowing up to 16 I/O slices that combine digital and analogue inputs and outputs.?

The MS I/O system can be extended further with Trio’s MSEC EtherCAT coupler, allowing additional banks of MS I/O to be connected via EtherCAT.

Combining motion and logic functions within a single controller minimises the requirement for hardware and cabling, reducing cost and footprint while improving reliability.

The controller’s motion capability is built on Trio’s motion-first automation platform, Motion-iX, and includes a PLCopen motion library. Motion can be programmed in familiar PLC languages based on the IEC 61131-3 standard.

Motion-PLC achieves extensive device integration and control with an EtherCAT port, supporting up to 96 EtherCAT devices. Motion-PLC also offers up to two Ethernet ports supported by an Ethernet switch, enabling application programming plus HMI and PLC protocol support via Modbus TCP, PROFINET IO, and Ethernet/IP.

Find out more about Motion-PLC soon on triomotion.com

Distributor Conference in Germany presents innovations

Coinciding with the SPS exhibition in Germany in November, Trio welcomed partners from around the world for its end-of-year Distributors Conference.

The Conference focussed on new technology including the launch of Motion-PLC as well as the 128-axis Flex-7 Flexible Machine Controller.

Strengthening Trio's centres around the world, the global distribution partners are vital to support OEM machine builders, systems integrators, and end users.

Highlighting the valued contribution of Trio's distributors, an award presentation celebrated Best Trio Application and Highest Trio Sales.

Thanks to all our valued distribution partners for attending the Conference and making it a great success.

SPS exhibition presents new motion solution launches

The SPS – Smart Production Solutions exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, from 12-14 November, was an eventful show for Trio, and included the launch of Motion-PLC plus a host of innovations in motion-first automation.

Over the course of three days, Motion-PLC generated high interest at the exhibition, combining Trio's capabilities in motion, robotics, and machine control with the simplicity of a PLC.

Speaking at the launch, Trio's President, Tom Alexander, said: "Combining motion coordination with the functionality and simplicity of a PLC, Trio’s Motion-PLC is a true paradigm shift in the world of motion and factory automation. Based on Trio’s advanced motion platform, Motion-PLC can increase machine performance, but as it replaces the need for a separate motion controller or PLC, this single controller can improve machine reliability and enhance design simplicity, while reducing cost.”

Trio also presented Flex-7 at SPS, the Flexible Machine Controller for large machines up to 128 axes. The new quad-core controller increases machine automation capabilities by expanding network connectivity and data processing power, combining control flexibility and compact dimensions. Flex-7 features dedicated cores for high-performance communications and motion.

Also on show, Trio displayed PC-MCAT-2, which features Intel multi-core processors running Microsoft Windows alongside Trio’s Advanced Motion-iX core. The PC-MCAT-2 gives OEM machine builders a control solution that allows easy integration of Windows applications together with advanced motion functionality.??

In addition, Trio presented its range of I/O integration systems, as well as servo drives and motors, HMI, and SCARA robots.

Showing further innovation, Trio demonstrated its involvement of augmented reality (AR) for motion-first machine automation. Augmented Reality (AR) enables real-time, remote development of a digital twin, which can make machine design and changes significantly faster and easier to achieve. AR can also enhance machine maintenance as well.

Combining motion performance with PLC functionality

The latest issue of Design, Products and Applications magazine includes an article with Trio President, Tom Alexander, discussing the emerging trend of integrating logic and PLC functions into a motion controller.

The advantages include simplifying machine design, as well as set-up and maintenance. You can read the article here.

In the article, Tom explains that for machine builders of discrete machines with a focus on performance, integrating a PLC as well as a dedicated motion controller has often been required. However, the challenges of interfacing a motion controller with a PLC include design complexity, as well as reliability following deployment.

In response, an emerging trend is to take the performance platform of the motion controller and add the functionality of a PLC. ?A single controller is much faster and easier to program, commission, and maintain, and it also brings down overall cost.

The article in Design, Products & Applications magazine looks at why this trend is happening and the technology that's enabling the development.

Visit triomotion.com for more information and click here to get in touch.