Computer Numerical Control
Power PMAC CNC control for Machine Tool Builders Open-architecture CNC on Power PMAC, with G-code, lookahead and multi-axis kinematics
User-definable G and M codes · User-defined kinematics
Power PMAC can provide full CNC capability with the control code accessible to the machine builder. It is suited to machines with non-standard kinematics, process-specific control requirements, or an operator interface that needs to be developed in-house.
Multi-axis milling and turning.
Optional CNC functionality adds multi-axis machining, TCP control, tool-length and radius compensation, rigid tapping, threading and spindle synchronisation. Custom kinematics are implemented as transform routines, giving complete flexibility overhead, table and machine configurations.
Laser cutting and welding.
Coordinated stage, gantry and scanner motion with laser power referenced to path velocity. Multiple heads can be controlled from one controller.
Waterjet and plasma.
Contour motion with tilt axes for taper compensation, height control closed on a capacitive or contact sensor, and lookahead across dense geometry.
Grinding.
Wheel dressing cycles, in-process gauging and adaptive infeed based on force or power feedback, with cycle logic implemented in the control code.
Additive and hybrid machines.
Additive and subtractive operations run within one coordinate system, one motion planner and one operator interface.
Ultra-precision and diamond turning.
Fine feedback resolution, fast tool servos configured as additional axes, and volumetric compensation applied within the servo loop.
Control capabilities
Power PMAC executes G and M codes, definable as subprograms in PMAC Script or C. Existing part programs continue to run; additional codes can be added for machine-specific operations.
Trajectory planner provides lookahead across large block counts with velocity limited by axis acceleration and jerk constraints, corner blending, S-curve profiles, spline and PVT interpolation, and electronic gearing and camming. Compensation tables correct leadscrew error, backlash and cross-axis geometry.
Kinematic subroutines define forward and inverse transforms for arbitrary machine geometry, allowing programming in part coordinates on non-orthogonal or parallel machines. Custom servo algorithms in C allow the control law to be replaced on individual axes where required, for example on fast tool servos or force-controlled processes.
For the operator interface, Power PMAC NC provides a standard CNC HMI. Alternatively, the controller's communications interface and on-board real-time Linux system support custom HMI development in C#, C++ or a web front end.
One controller supports up to 256 motors and 256 coordinate systems, so auxiliary axes, loaders and tooling can be planned alongside the machining axes.
CK3M and CK5M suit compact machines, expanded over EtherCAT for I/O and auxiliary axes. Power UMAC suits machines with high axis counts, distributed drives or long cable runs, using MACRO fibre or EtherCAT to the axes. Both use the same firmware, programming model and IDE.
Discuss a project
Send us the machine specification or the control requirement and we will advise on whether Power PMAC is a suitable platform, and what hardware configuration it would need.
