…says Ajey Phatak, Head - Marketing, Beckhoff Automation Pvt Ltd. With solutions that can improve overall OEE and provide connectivity with higher level software, Beckhoff is helping the industry to become Industry 4.0 compliant. In this interview, Phatak explains importance of automation for machine tools industry. 

 

How do you serve machine tools industry in India?

Beckhoff offers an open and flexible automation solution for machine tools. Besides industrial PCs, I/Os & fieldbus components, drive technology and the TwinCAT automation software, the range of products encompasses a uniform, scalable and modular control system. TwinCAT integrates real-time control with PLC system, motion control and programming environment in a single package. Programming is based on the IEC 61131-3 standard.

 

Beckhoff offers two solutions for interpolating path movements in the TwinCAT NC I and TwinCAT CNC. TwinCAT CNC offers complete CNC functionality as a pure PC-based software solution. TwinCAT CNC covers the complete range of classic CNC path control, including high-systems for complex motion and kinematics requirements. The powerful, continuously evolving PC platform and the hard real-time base of the TwinCAT real-time provide the foundation for the CNC software. 

 

In the CNC world, TwinCAT CNC offers unique openness towards the I/O periphery and the drive system through the consistent utilisation of Fieldbus technology. A variety of I/O modules can be connected via all common fieldbus systems.

 

How do you intend to further tap the Indian machine tools industry?

The demand for automation solutions using Beckhoff PC based control is growing and Beckhoff conducts various programs for machine builders and control system designers about Beckhoff hardware & TwinCAT programming. Machine builders who have to export the machines are keen to use Beckhoff because of global presence and worldwide knowhow availability. The advantage of customised solutions with Beckhoff PC based control is known to very few and this awareness needs to be increased. Beckhoff is trying to reach out SPM & other large scale CNC machine manufacturers. Industry 4.0 enabled machines have become a reality with Beckhoff PC based 

control technology.

 

How important is the role of automation in machine tools industry? 

Role of automation is very important and directly linked to production, job reworking and overall manufacturing efficiency because the core of this efficiency is machine cycle time & consistency. The machine cycle time decides the production cycle time. The machine cycle time depends on PLC/motion cycle time and, hence, the control system becomes the key area which decides the production efficiency, machine uptime down time and rejections.

 

Slowly but surely machine tools industry has started demanding automation. But lack of innovation in machine design is bottleneck. Innovative and modular designs have to be the basis for implementing automation.

 

Are SMEs in machine tools industry open to invest in automation solution as well? 

Unfortunately low cost automation is what SMEs are demanding. The approach seems to be short sighted and not towards increasing OEE (overall equipment effectiveness). High performance automation needs sizable investment with a long term view and not short term objectives. Beckhoff offers PC based automation in a scalable form factor and offer variety of options to be implemented for modular manufacturing. However, the scope of automation must be for all aspects of manufacturing activity that concerns efficiency. Beckhoff offers solutions that can improve overall OEE and also provide connectivity with higher level software used by manufacturers. Beckhoff offers solutions for enabling Industry 4.0.  

 

What are your plans for IMTEX Forming 2018?

Beckhoff is indeed participating in IMTEX Forming 2018 and will demonstrate PC based CNC control solution, compact IPC, one cable automation, high speed measurement automation, virtual HMI, etc.