Can KEPServerEX Communicate with a Siemens Sinumerik CNC?
Yes. The Siemens Sinumerik controllers (such as the 810D and
840D) consist of a PLC and an embedded PC, sometimes called the "NC."
KEPServerEX can connect using three methods, depending on the CNC
configuration:
- KEPServerEX can connect to the Sinumerik PLC like
any S7-300 PLC if a port (like Ethernet) is available on the PLC in the CNC
installation. In this case, use the Siemens Suite of drivers to access to S7
data types available on the PLC.
- The embedded PC (NC) typically has an OPC DA
server interface available that can access NC and PLC data from the Sinumerik
CNC. In this case, use the OPC DA Client driver to connect to the OPC DA server
interface on the NC.
- Newer Sinumerik systems have an embedded OPC UA
server interface available to access data. If this is available or the CNC can
be upgraded and licensed to the proper CNC software version (v4.5 and newer), use
the OPC UA Client driver to integrate CNC data.
Further information
about the configuration of the CNC may be available from the machine
manufacturer or the Siemens documentation available online.