Open Core Interface creates individual functions without PLC.
Press Release Summary:
Part of Open Core Engineering framework for PLC automation, Open Core Interface allows for high-level language programming with access to core of control system, enabling machine builders to create their own individual functions without additional hardware. Standard Rexroth control platforms support direct implementation of individual high-level language programs into control system. Manufacturers can create control algorithms for complex functions and kinematics quickly and independently.
Original Press Release:
Rexroth's Open Core Interface Allows Machine Builders to Create Individual Functions without a PLC
Machine builders can gain a competitive edge with new capabilities for high-level language programming and access to the core of the control system
Part of its Open Core Engineering (OCE) framework for PLC automation, Rexroth’s Open Core Interface technology provides a new degree of freedom for mechanical engineering and machine programming. The Open Core Interface allows for high-level language programming with enhanced access to the core of the control system, enabling machine builders to create their own individual functions without the need for additional hardware.
There are often no economical alternatives to standard control systems. As a result, machine manufacturers were previously limited to implementing the same functions available to all other competitors. Rexroth has now done away with this limitation. For the first time machine manufacturers can create individual and real-time machine functions outside of the PLC program with Rexroth’s Open Core Interface technology.
The standard Rexroth control platforms IndraLogic XLC (PLC), IndraMotion MLC (motion-logic) and IndraMotion MTX (CNC) support the direct implementation of individual high-level language programs into the control system. The programs have direct access to the firmware, enabling machine manufacturers to create control algorithms for complex functions and kinematics quickly and independently. The programmers do not require any PLC skills and can use standard high-level languages such as C/C++ instead.
Rexroth also provides machine manufacturers with an extensive library that programmers can use to directly access the control function when developing individual functions. This enables them to directly control axes without writing a single line of a PLC program. Using Open Core Interface is therefore the ideal way to protect the machine manufacturers’ expertise.
Shorter cycle times and higher productivity
This new degree of freedom replaces the additional control hardware previously required for complex process functions such as quality assurance with camera systems, register control for optimized material processing, or decentralized order scheduling at the machine. Previously, machine manufacturers had to perform these process flows–which are programmed in high-level languages–outside of the machine control system on a separate control. The need to communicate between both control systems increased the complexity of the automation architecture and the engineering workload.
Direct processing in the machine control system reduces this complexity and significantly shortens the cycle times. Manufacturers of printing presses, for example, can therefore lower system costs with Rexroth’s Open Core Interface by completely relocating the register control into the Rexroth motion-logic system. This prevents registration errors and increases productivity.
Efficient PLC automation
In addition to the new interface technology, Rexroth’s overall OCE platform includes all the software tools, function tool kits and open standards for efficient PLC automation. The predefined technology functions cover almost all standard tasks and lower engineering costs and effort. Rexroth continuously focuses on open standards as part of this process. For the machine manufacturer, this means the software they create is more future-proof.
About Bosch Rexroth
Economical, precise, safe, and energy efficient: drive and control technology from Bosch Rexroth moves machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, and Factory Automation to develop innovative components as well as tailored system solutions and services. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drives and controls, gear technology, and linear motion and assembly technology all from one source. With locations in over 80 countries, more than 33,700 associates generated sales revenue of approximately $7.4 billion (5.6 billion euros) in 2014. To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth-us.com
About Bosch
Having established a regional presence in 1906 in North America, the Bosch Group employs some 28,700 associates in more than 100 locations, as of April 1, 2015. In 2014, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $11.3 billion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 360,000 associates worldwide (as per April 1, 2015). The company generated sales of $65 billion (49 billion euros) in 2014.* Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including its sales and service partners, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2014, Bosch applied for some 4,600 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to create solutions for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com and www.bosch-press.com, http://twitter.com/BoschPresse.
*The sales figure disclosed for 2014 does not include the former joint ventures BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH (now BSH Hausgeräte GmbH) and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (now Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH), which have since been fully acquired.
Contact for Journalists:
Bosch Rexroth Corporation
Susan Strauss
2315 City Line Road
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Telephone (610) 694-8352
Fax (610) 694-8352
susan.strauss@boschrexroth-us.com
