Everything under control

Automation specialist Lenze is looking to cater to the growing demands of Industry 4.0 with a new generation of extremely powerful controllers.

As industrial digitalization progresses, there is a greater need for more flexible modular machinery and equipment. In practice, this normally also means more demanding software requirements, which is increasingly taking projects to the limits of current controller capacity. Lenze is now aiming to take controllers into a whole different performance class with its new c500 series. Tried-and-tested motion control technology can now even be used in extremely complex projects thanks to this series, which complements the current c300 and 3200 C models. This is set to provide the first genuine alternative to solutions that have to date been reliant on industrial PCs.

The key component of the c500 series is the most powerful CPU currently available for highly compact designs. The processors from market leader Intel look certain to be able to handle the ever-increasing requirements relating to general control tasks and motion applications without any problem for the foreseeable future. This is sure to deliver significant advantages for OEMs. Besides no longer requiring industrial PCs and the associated additional programming and connectivity outlay, mechanical engineering companies can now apply their know-how in a familiar environment and also benefit from the intelligent standard software modules of the Lenze FAST Application Software Toolbox. For instance, the high-performance controllers support problem-free continued use of existing programs and/or program modules to IEC 61131-3. One example cited by the company is the development of printing presses. Maximum precision is required to synchronize their numerous axes, which places huge demands on timing. This is destined no longer to be a problem thanks to the new generation of controllers from Lenze. According to the manufacturer, their performance will always be sufficient – even for existing applications that continue to grow as part of Industry 4.0 and require additional computing power.