June 2019

n HANNOVER FAIR REPORT Secure remote access made easy www.appliedautomation/x-stk 02920 494551 / sales@x-stk.com new Sitemanager 35xx from � Connect multiple devices simultaneously � Intelligent cloud data collection module � Easy and ¿rewall friendly internet access � Persistent store-and-forward database � Drag and drop SCADA tunnelling setup � 3 port integrated managed switch devices with up to two Profibus PA segments and one DP segment to be controlled via Profinet without needing a DP/PA coupler. Softing was also demonstrating a prototype system (called smartLink PN) that allows asset management and diagnostics data to be accessed from Profinet devices via OPC UA. It is due to be released at the end of 2019. SOFTWARE Baumüller has added a simulation tool to its ProDrive commissioning software, allowing users to design and optimise automation and drive systems for machines and to test settings without needing to build a prototype, thus saving time and money. The ProSimulation tool has a graphical interface and can import models from other simulation tools. Once a machine has been commissioned, the software can be used to optimise and troubleshoot the machine. Baumüller has also added a co-ordinated motion library to its ProMaster engineering framework software, reducing the time required to programmotion systems with up to three axes by as much as 80%. The 3D-Axis library includes numerous modules tailored to elementary machine functions and including, for example, visualisation. They can provide functions such as coupling of axis groups, collision monitoring, tool management and geometry compensation. Beckhoff has added support for OPC UA communications to the TwinCat Scope tool that forms part of its TwinCat 3 engineering software, allowing data to be analysed from sources such as TwinCat controllers and third-party components. The Scope tool provides graphical displays of signal curves as well as data-logging functions. OPC UA allows it to acquire and display data in a vendor-independent way. Beckhoff has also added OPC UA support to its TwinCat Target Browser which is used to manage connected data sources, allowing it to browse connected OPC UA servers. On a 220-inch video wall, Delta was demonstrating elements from its IIoT-based Digital Factory Monitoring suite which provides a“360-degree view”of manufacturing operations, including data collection, a Scada facility, and energy consumption. Delta’s DIAStudio integrated engineering software saves time when setting up machinery systems, performing tasks such as selecting, programming, machine tuning and HMI integration using Delta’s PLCs, servodrives, HMIs, VSDs and motors. DIASelector (available for PCs or Android devices) selects machine elements which can be exported to Eplan for project planning and configuration, and then imported into Delta’s DIADesigner to execute programming, parameter setting and management. Finally, the DIAScreen tool offers tag sharing between PLCs and HMIs. Eplan and Festo were showing how their technologies can be used together to shorten maintenance reaction times. In their Productivity Master demonstration, a simulated plant malfunction was signalled on Festo dashboards and communicated to maintenance personnel using Eplan’s Syngineer communications, allowing them to view the current status. Details of the appropriate documentation could be viewed via Eplan’s recently launched eView software. Iconics , the software developer recently acquired by Mitsubishi, was demonstrating how its new Digital Twins for Manufacturing software, based on Microsoft’s Azure digital twin platform, can save time and resources, and boost productivity and quality. It works with Iconics’IoTWorX software to perform real- time visualisation, collection and analysis of data frommanufacturing equipment or IoT sensors, giving operators insights into the health of their plant. Siemens announced a new version (6.0) of its flagship XHQ Operations Intelligence software with enhancements including edge support and a new HTML5-basedWeb browser client which avoids the need to use a Java browser plug-in. The new version also simplifies the integration of engineering data from Siemens or third-party sources. The next Hannover Fair will take place from 20–24 April, 2020. Connector: Softing’s pnGate PB gateway Graphical: Beckhoff’s TwinCat Scope tool No prototypes: Baumüller’s ProSimulation tool Faster maintenance: Festo and Eplan’s Productivity Master demonstration