Scalable performance in automation system

Thanks to modern engineering and the use of prefabricated software modules, machine builders can benefit from a shorter time-to-market.

Machine builders are increasingly seeking scalable performance in their automation landscape, especially when it comes to controllers. Lenze understands the markets needs very well and has fundamentally revised its controller portfolio in recent months. At SPS, the automation specialists from Hamelin presented the c430 the smallest model in their new controller product family.

For basic motion control in compact machines the c430 is the right choice. The customer can switch from the c520 or c550 to the c430, without losing any code, promises product manager Andreas Werner. This makes it possible to automate in a much more targeted and efficient way and to scale up (or down) performance if necessary.

Many machine builders do not need high-performance systems in every case, or the requirements only grow over the years, adds Werner. He sees applications primarily in the wood and metal industry (for example, for saws), in the packaging industry (wrapping and strapping), paper industry (crosscutting) and in the textile sector (winding, spinning). The new controller comes with EtherCAT, OPC UA and Profinet.

Interaction and visualisation

Like all Lenze controllers, the c430 also features the FAST UI runtime. In interaction with the engineering tool EASY UI Designer, machine builders can quickly develop good machine visualizations. The automation specialists have been investing in their visualization expertise for several years.

Good visualisation is crucial for the success of a machine. High usability promises process stability, greater operational efficiency, answers to the shortage of skilled workers in industry and thus creates competitive advantages for the customer, explains Jannis Pille, product manager for automation systems.

He is responsible for the topic of visualisation at Lenze and, together with his team, consistently relies on web-based visualisation. To match this, Lenze has expanded its portfolio with new web panels that can be used in the field as well as in the control cabinet. In Hall 7, Stand 391, trade visitors can experience the interaction of controller and visualisation.

Lenze automation system

Around the c430, c520 and c550 controllers, Lenze offers an innovative and open automation system, from the field level to the cloud. User-oriented engineering supports the customers. Lenze relies on ready-to-use software modules from the FAST application framework as well as templates and applications that enable customisation while reducing development times.

A central element is the EASY System Designer, which efficiently supports the development process of a new machine from the initial idea, through the concrete drive design, to the PLC programming interface. In the PLC Designer, users start with a created hardware tree; at the same time, FAST software modules reduce the scope and complexity of programming.

With applications on the edge layer, additional functions are added to the machine, enabling condition monitoring and process optimisation, for example. Lenze provides the right tool for managing and rolling out these apps with the NUPANO Open Automation Platform. Cloud solutions such as the Asset Performance Platform facilitates cooperation between the OEM and the machine operator in the event of service, round off the range.