At K 2013, Beckhoff Automation GmbH presented its XMold, an integrated control system for the automation of hydraulic, servo-electric or hybrid injection molding machines.
The XMold process is based in XFC, or the company's eXtreme fast control technology, which is based on the EtherCAT high-speed communication system.
XMold also can run high-speed applications and complete production cells.
Standard functions of injection presses, such as switching over to holding pressure, are included in the TwinCAT programmable logic controller framework software.
Beckhoff, of Verl, Germany, also is touting EtherCAT for analyzing and monitoring compressed air, in a standalone, compact device for use in the field.
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