October 10, 2008 -- GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms introduced PACMotion, a motion controller designed to serve the high-end needs of complex motion applications. It is part of an integrated motion and machine logic solution with the performance, flexibility and scalability required for advanced machine automation. PACMotion modules control up to four axes plus a master axis, and up to 10 modules can be placed in a PACSystems RX3i rack for simultaneously control of up to 40 axes. Paired with world-class FANUC Servos, it provides an unmatched solution for machine automation.
Using the unique PACcore architecture, a multi-processor architecture bridged by virtual dual port memory and high speed PCI backplane, PACMotion enables consistent performance and tight axis synchronization of all axes in the rack.
Variability in manufacturing is the enemy of quality and yield. In complex machining operations where many axes need to be synchronized, motion controllers that have a single microprocessor for all functions will see loop update performance degrade as the CPU processes more information for more axes. Longer loop update times can introduce errors and variability in high-speed manufacturing; PACMotion eliminates this variability with PACcore architecture.
As an integrated motion solution, PACMotion simplifies programming by sharing a common database, eliminating complex data exchange between different programs, and reduces the learning curve required with two different programming languages, therefore boosting engineering productivity.
PACMotion serves the needs of high-speed machines with a high number of synchronized axes. Industries needing this feature would include packaging, assembly, woodworking, metalworking, and printing. PACMotion is available immediately.
“PACMotion provides a striking leap in performance,” said Paul Derstine, Motion Product Manager for GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms. “PACMotion delivers the ultimate in scalable motion control combining a distributed CPU architecture integrated across a high speed backplane.”
“GE Fanuc’s PACMotion is the motion controller of choice for OEMs that need an integrated motion and machine logic solution. The proven dependability of GE Fanuc products allows them to deliver unprecedented productivity in their machines through increased efficiency, flexibility, and reliability enabled by unique features such the PACcore multi-processor architecture and simultaneous updating of synchronized axes with no performance degradation,” Derstine said.
“Motion path planning is an incredibly intensive computational process,” explained Michael Harsh, Chief Technology Officer for GE Enterprise Solutions. “Our hybrid distributed architecture makes it possible to add axes but not increase the load on the central processor, thereby keeping the performance exactly the same regardless of the number of axes in a system. For complex motion applications, this is critical.”
According to Himanshu Shah, ARC Advisory Group, “End users and OEMs are continually seeking higher performance from production machinery. PACMotion is designed to bring out that extra performance from the same machine. In fact, it could help provide manufacturers with an edge over their competition in many multi-axis machine applications due to embedded advanced features such as scalability without degrading performance, seamless blending of jerk limited moves anywhere along the motion profile, and powerful diagnostic tools for maximum machine availability. PACMotion should expand GE Fanuc’s opportunities in the machine control market.”
According to Craig Resnick, ARC Advisory Group, “PACMotion demonstrates the continued evolution of PAC platforms such as the RX3i to better address the integration issues confronting manufacturers, machine builders and OEMs by further extending the multi-disciplined domain expertise of automation systems. Machine builders and OEMs want fewer components and seek platforms that enable multiple-discipline development and functionality without compromising the technical integrity of their solution. PAC platforms today are proving that multi-disciplined solutions and best-of-breed solutions are not mutually exclusive, which results in an increased return on assets, reduced lifecycle costs, and a lower total cost of ownership for manufacturers, machine builders and OEMs.”
About GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a joint venture between General Electric (NYSE: GE) and FANUC LTD of Japan, is a high-performance technology company and a global provider of hardware, software, services, expertise and experience in automation and embedded computing, with products employed in virtually every industry, including manufacturing automation, defense, automotive, telecommunications, healthcare and aerospace. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a worldwide company headquartered in Charlottesville, VA and is part of GE Enterprise Solutions.
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