Control Techniques, part of the Nidec group of companies, has released updated versions of its MCi machine controller modules.
The new modules, working in conjunction with Control Techniques’ Unidrive M700 variable speed drives, greatly enhance the drive’s capabilities as a central machine controller. The upgrade also boosts performance of the module, making it up to four times faster than a typical standalone PLC. Users can now execute comprehensive programs that control multiple drives and motors simultaneously across real-time networks.
Both variations of the module, MCi200 and MCi210, offer users the chance to remove external PLCs from their builds allowing for a smaller overall footprint, along with increased usability, faster installation and commissioning times, and a suite of training and support materials.
Programs are quick and easy to develop thanks to the user-friendly Machine Control Studio software, which uses industry-standard IEC 61131-3 programming language to build highly flexible and productive systems.
Unidrive M’s ability to assimilate into existing plants and systems further increases its credentials. Dedicated communication modules ensure the drive can comfortably integrate into systems using EtherNet and legacy fieldbus like PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherCAT, Modbus, EtherNet/IP and CANopen.
Control Techniques now offers advanced machine control capabilities on each drive in the Unidrive M family. Its general purpose drives – Unidrive M200 and M300 – and its Unidrive M600 all come with an integrated on-board PLC, while the MCi modules – combined with the on-board PLC – provide greatly expanded control opportunities to the flagship Unidrive M700.
Dario Dallefrate, global product manager for Control Techniques, said: “Through listening to users of our products, we were able to identify ways in which our machine control offer could be developed.
“These new modules mark the culmination of that process. They now perform considerably faster than before, which means users can program complex scenarios involving multiple drives and motors with total confidence.
“We believe the improved performance and usability will prove extremely useful to machine builders.”
