The default TwinCAT engineering tool (TwinCAT XAE Shell) is pretty great out of the box. However, there are some settings to make the development experience as efficient as possible. Some settings are a one time change and some are project based. Although some of these settings need to be changed by project, a base project…
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Continuing on with the power of TwinCAT HMI, this blog will dive into the different types of templates available. Templates are super useful because similar to function blocks and functions in the PLC, these reusable controls speed up HMI development time by covering the core components such as buttons for sending commands to the PLC,…
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Allow us to introduce you to the TwinCAT HMI Extension Documentation! A few questions have popped up from the 5 Essential TwinCAT HMI Extensions blog regarding how to use functions outside of the controls that can be selected from the Toolbox. Available via the command line (see blog for details), TwinCAT.HMI.Server.Documentation makes all of the…
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As an integrator, Control Works develops software for a wide range of applications. Even though the application code can largely vary, the core foundation of almost every application is the same. Motion axes, alarms, inputs and outputs, and diagnostics are just a few examples. Library Beckhoff’s ecosystem makes it easy to wrap all these core…
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Introduction Control Works implemented a solution for sorting products into the correct bin on a conveyor based on a barcode. The bin locations were based on data sent to a local REST API from an external system. Each product was scanned in a camera “tunnel” to ensure all sides were captured, and additional bar codes…
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TwinCAT HMI is a powerful web-based HMI platform. With the use of the Beckhoff provided extensions, most of the core functionality that is needed for a typical application is taken care of. Below are 5 (with a couple honorable mentions) extensions that Control Works uses on almost every Beckhoff application, along with a tip or trick for…
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Introduction In industrial automation, integrating PLC systems with cloud-based platforms opens up opportunities for real-time monitoring, remote control, and enhanced data analysis. Control Works has developed a solution that allows users to interact with B&R PLCs from AWS, specifically using MQTT. In this case study, we’ll explore how this system works, enabling users to monitor…
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Introduction In the world of industrial automation, efficiency and reliability are crucial for optimizing operations. Control Works has taken conveyor and line control to the next level by offering a solution that combines easy setup, multiple configurations, and advanced troubleshooting capabilities. This post explores how Control Works can enhance your conveyor systems and streamline your…
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Control Works is proud to be a UL 508A Certified Shop. But what does this mean? The UL mark is a universal mark of confidence with widespread acceptance. UL, or Underwriters Laboratories is an independent, not-for-profit organization that develops electrical safety standards. They maintain close relationships with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and are widely regarded…
DetailsEach year the manufacturing industry loses millions of dollars in revenue spent on worker’s compensation, insurance claims, and lost productivity. And annually, press brakes lead to a significant number of these injuries and claims. Press brakes can be very dangerous and are a common source of workplace injuries, including amputations of hands, fingers and arms.…
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