BECKHOFF EXPANDS TWINCAT 3 WITH CNC-SPECIFIC HMI COMPONENTS AND INTEGRATED REAL-TIME SIMULATION

Beckhoff has extended its TwinCAT 3 automation platform with two new function libraries tailored for CNC environments: CNC HMI Base (TF5310) and CNC HMI Simulation Server (TF5320). These components enable the creation of advanced, user-specific CNC interfaces and support real-time simulation of machining processes using live data.

The CNC HMI Base package is built upon the proven TwinCAT 3 HMI Server (TF2000), ensuring seamless integration into the existing TwinCAT HMI ecosystem. It provides a broad set of CNC-focused control elements, such as axis visualization, manual spindle and speed control, contour editor, tool data tables, and zero offset settings. A built-in G-Code editor supports cycle-based CNC programming and works in conjunction with other modules like CNC Measurement (TF5225), CNC Kinematic Optimization (TF5245), and CNC Milling Base (TF5293).

A key feature of the solution is its ability to merge PLC and CNC data into a unified data model, which is made accessible to HMI client components. This enables real-time interaction between the HMI and machine processes. Users can fully customize the interface design according to specific operational requirements or use ready-made templates to accelerate the engineering phase.

The CNC HMI Simulation Server extends this functionality with 3D simulation capabilities, integrated directly into TwinCAT’s CNC runtime data. The system retrieves current tool and workpiece information from the NC program and enables simulations that run either in real-time—synchronized with actual machining—or in fast-forward mode without axis movement, using TwinCAT CNC's contour visualization modes. This allows users to visually verify NC programs prior to execution, reducing the risk of errors.

Currently, the simulation supports 3- and 5-axis milling, with additional technologies under development. With these enhancements, TwinCAT 3 reinforces its role as a comprehensive platform for advanced CNC automation, offering integrated tools for control, visualization, and simulation—all within a single software environment.