TF5500 | TwinCAT 3 MC3 BaseNew

TwinCAT MC3 represents the next generation of motion control, combining the proven capabilities of TF5000 TwinCAT 3 NC PTP with major enhancements designed to boost performance and flexibility. Powered by TF5500 TwinCAT 3 MC3 Base, this new motion control system integrates seamlessly into TwinCAT to deliver an efficient, end-to-end automation solution.

TwinCAT 3 MC3 Base includes 10 axis licenses. An axis license is initially only valid for Beckhoff or simulation axes. The number of licensed axes can be expanded at any time using an MC3 Axes Pack license (TF551x).

Axes from other manufacturers can also be controlled; however, they require a multi-vendor license in addition to an axis license. Five multi-vendor licenses are included in the MC3 Base license, and more can be added through an additional TwinCAT 3 MC3 Multi Vendor Pack (TF553x).

Axes can be abstracted and simulated independently of the manufacturer, allowing program tests to be performed without physical hardware. A new user interface is also available for easier axis commissioning, and initial axis movements can be carried out without any programming. The user interface can be customized and displayed in various instances so that multiple axes can be viewed in parallel.

TwinCAT MC3 features a modern, modular architecture that offers a high degree of flexibility to meet application requirements. Its multi-core and multi-task support features ensure optimal use of CPU performance, enabling axis-specific execution and preprocessing cycles – even on the same CPU core. PLCopen-compliant function blocks simplify programming and make it easier to transition to TwinCAT MC3. The MC3 Base license includes the functionality needed to implement point-to-point (PTP) applications and couplings such as flying saws. Further functionalities are available through supplementary products.