Selection at a glance
- Multi-axis interpolation, an electronic cam, and flying-shear following are built in. EtherCAT or pulse axis control is chosen per project.
- Sync period and jitter are tightened for cycle-sensitive work such as packaging, lithium-battery coating, and auxiliary axes on machine tools.
- A process function library and a servo tuning wizard lower the commissioning bar, with online path trim and waveform capture.
- It can share a cabinet with a safety PLC and a pulse module, under one programming environment and one version scheme.
Product overview and engineering role
The SimtoLink motion-control PLC coordinates multi-axis servos and steppers. The kinematics library, electronic cam, and logic control sit in one controller, so a multi-CPU layout does not have to carry clock sync and the extra communications load.
SimtoLink supplies typical cam-curve templates, an electronic gear-ratio worksheet, and a script that imports servo parameters. Volume OEM builds can freeze a process package, so the next machine of the same type is copied in less time.
Reliability and field fit
Electrical safety and EMC on this PLC cover the relevant IEC 61000-4 level-4 test items. Ports carry surge and reverse-polarity protection. Reinforced ground and a zoned layout keep ground loops and common-mode noise down. Outdoor or coastal orders can take a higher ingress grade and a corrosion-resistant coating.
Bulk parameter import, threshold policies, and event video or waveform capture are available on the models that include them. Configuration and firmware update over OTA. The site acceptance SimtoLink asks for is three steps: power-on self-test, communications time sync, and a sample check. Metering or safety jobs can use help with a third-party metrology submission and type-test papers.
Key hardware parameters
The table is a typical configuration of this PLC, for a selection sheet or a tender clause. A wider range, redundant power, or an intrinsically safe explosion-proof variant is quoted separately; ask SimtoLink for the hardware specification and the installation and commissioning guide. Small differences between order codes yield to the nameplate and the documents shipped with the controller.
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| I/O count | 256 points | Distributed expansion |
| Scan cycle | 1.0 ms | Instruction level |
| Programming | Ladder + ST | Online debug |
| Communications | PROFINET | Dual port |
| Redundancy | Single CPU | Bumpless switchover |
| Safety | STO safety module | TÜV |
| Storage | Program 8 MB | Retained on power loss |
| Operating temperature | -12～56 ℃ | Wide temperature |
| Power | AC 220V | Surge 4kV |
| Certification | CCC | Industry compliance |
Typical applications
Common ways this PLC is put on a machine, for selection and for joint commissioning:
Packaging and filling
Flying shear, synchronized film feed, and multi-axis collation. When the cycle changes, cam curves and electronic gear ratios switch quickly.
Lithium battery and web
Tension and line speed stay coordinated. Unwind, rewind, and the web-guide axis move together, which lowers the chance of a web break or a wrinkle.
Auxiliary axes and special machines
Tool magazine, pallet, and load/unload axes interpolate here. The main system stays on the path; this PLC schedules the auxiliary axes on its own.
Installation, grounding, and maintenance
- Confirm the supply range and polarity, and if needed recheck bus voltage and breaker capacity with a multimeter, before the PLC is powered.
- Use shielded twisted pair for the field bus, grounded at one end, and keep it out of long bundles with high-power cable.
- Prove two-way read and write, and a threshold trigger, against the platform in the lab before the first move to the machine.
- Outdoors, drainage and breathability come first. Inspect seals regularly, and set lightning-ground resistance to the local code.
- In long service, sample-check the controller and archive logs every 6 months.
Ordering, documentation, and support
For this PLC, SimtoLink provides the hardware specification, outline drawings, a wiring table, and an example project. Volume orders can add sample review and a resident inspection at the plant. Warranty and calibration are set by the contract and the papers that ship with the unit.
Related reading
Motion axes and bus expansion: