The ideal system for CNC machines control
CSMIO/IP-M is a 4-axis motion controller. In combination with a PC and simCNC control software, it’s an ideal system for CNC machine control. CSMIO/IP-M was designed for professionals, CNC automation manufacturers, retrofit specialists, and hobbyists who want to equip their machines with efficient, stable, and flexible CNC control systems. CSMIO/IP-M is for those who need as accurate and reliable controller as his bigger brother CSMIO/IP-S, spending much less (for more about CSMIO/IP-M supported features – read below).
How does it work?
In short – the simCNC control software installed on a PC is the brain, and CSMIO/IP-M controller is the heart of the entire control system. the simCNC control software changes gcodes into motion trajectory and sends them to the CSMIO/IP-M through the network connection. Basing on the trajectory the controller generates an accurate step/dir signal for all axes. This division of tasks makes the PC less loaded.
Advantages of the CSMIO/IP-M controller and simCNC software
CSMIO/IP-M 4-axis motion controller
Operation Stability is provided by connection with PC via Ethernet – its physical layer is galvanically isolated, and used protocols provide reliable and fast transmission even in a tough industrial environment). Practically, no other interface provides continuity and reliability of transmission on a high level such as ETHERNET. That is why it is currently the worldwide standard for high-speed digital communication.
Easy installation – one of the biggest advantages of CSMIO/IP-M is the simplicity of installation. It does not require any external electronics for correct operation. Inputs/output signals are optically isolated, filtered, and protected against short circuits, overheating, etc. All signals are adapted to industry 24V standards. The device is enclosed in a compact housing and mounted on a DIN rail, which makes mechanical and electronic installation in a control cabinet take less time and is even easier.
CSMIO/IP-M controller is supported by professional, dedicated simCNC software. As for the control signal, the choice is the popular step/direction (step/dir) standard. This way, you can control both – stepper motor drives and the most modern servo drives. Thanks to the frequency of the stop signal that reaches up to 125KHz, you can apply adequate stepper division in stepper motors, reducing resonance and significantly improving the propulsion system’s performance. It also provides the full advantage of encoders with an average number of pulses per rotation (10.000 p/rev) and a large number of pulses per rotation using only a small electronic ratio.
Expansion modules – You can expand CSMIO/IP-M controller features using the CSMIO-MPG expansion module for manual axes operation and handwheel encoder. It provides very smooth control of machine motion and automatic switching between speed and position modes. CSMIO/IP-M controller does not support CSMIO-ENC and CSMIO-IO.
The main advantages of the CSMIO/IP-M controller
- Step/dir signal – After the first run of a CNC machine equipped with the CSMIO/IP-M controller, you will notice how smooth and precise your motors’ work is. This is thanks to the high-quality step/dir signal and data buffer, which stores a small part of the trajectory sent by control software (simCNC, Mach3, Mach4).
- Data buffer – the mentioned trajectory buffer provides uninterrupted CNC machine operation, even in case of temporary problems with the network connection or software control.
- Slave axis support – one slave axis support (without gantry geometry correction).
- Safety system – a very important advantage of the CSMIO/IP-M controller is its safety system. It constantly watches over the safety of a user and a machine. It consists of many independent algorithms and watchdogs that react quickly in forbidden or alarm situations. RESET support for axis drives. Support of FAULT signals from servo drives (immediate stop of a machine in case of any axis accident).
- Solid aluminum housing, which dissipates heat and protects electronic circuits very well. Readable led controls on a front panel make it easier to install and simplify diagnostics in case of any problems with switches or another external device that cooperate with the CSMIO/IP-M. The housing of the CSMIO/IP-M controller and all the expansion modules is adapted to DIN 35mm rail mounting.
- Macros – you can control all digital and analog signals using Python (simCNC) macros.
- Industry-standard – the CSMIO/IP-M controller is adapted to worldwide standards applied by servo and stepper drives manufacturers, including:
- step/dir outputs supported by differential line transmitters DS26C31 (RS422 standard compliant)
- opto-isolated 24VDC digital outputs supported by specialized systems with protection against short-circuit and overload.
- opto-isolated 24VDC digital inputs
- 0-10V analog inputs are used to connect potentiometers of spindle rotation speed correction and axis feed rate.
- 0-10V analog outputs used, i.e., for VFD control.
simCNC software
The simCNC software is valued by users all over the world for its high precision, simple configuration, the use of the S-curve profile, as well as sophisticated algorithms for optimizing the trajectory of motion.
The advantages of simCNC include:
- Advanced motion algorithms that ensure high precision and smooth motion translated into quality of surface of a processed detail.
- S-curve velocity profile guarantees several times greater acceleration without audible knocking in a drive system.
- Increased precision in making corners with a simultaneous reduction in processing time. This effect is achieved thanks to configuring the corner cutting precision value from a gcode with the G64 P command (x is the precision value). This allows for a significant reduction in the roughing time and increasing precision of making corners during finishing.
- Python scripting language is the most popular and developed scripting language in the world. Thanks to this, you can find many tutorials and free libraries on the web that extend its capabilities.
- The screen editor built into simCNC allows you to create scalable screens in practicly any monitor format. It also has support for files and short CSS inserts, which open up new options for advanced programmers.
- Clear and structured configuration. All settings have been grouped thematically so that a user spontaneously draws attention to the options that should be set.
- Support for hybrid machines. SimCNC is created in such a way to allow you to build a machine that combines features of several machines. For example, simCNC enables you to create a multi-head machine that allows tangential knife cutting, cardboard bending, laser marking and glue application. Other examples are multi-spindle milling machines with several tool magazines or plasma drilling and cutting machines.
- Capability to export simCNC profile to a file and import from a file. This enables the simCNC software to be recreated on a new computer or a mass-produced machine in a few minutes. It is possible because the simCNC profile contains all settings, Python macros and the simCNC screen.
- Support for several operating systems. simCNC can successfully run on Windows, Linux, and MacOS (details in the Download tab). You can also run simCNC on a Raspberry Pi model B device with 4GB of RAM or more. This solution can be used for all average machines, except for high-speed devices working with high resolutions, where the computing power of the Raspberry Pi may not be sufficient.
Main & Special Features
simCNC software
The simCNC software provides dynamics and precision of motion not seen before in other proprietary CNC control software. Thanks to the S-curve profile and sophisticated algorithms for motion trajectory optimization, your CNC can be fast, dynamic, and precise. The processing is smooth and steady. It highly affects processing time and extends the lives of the tools and mechanics. The simCNC software’s advantages include advanced motion algorithms and increased precision, an S-curve velocity profile, Python scripting language, GUI editor, clear and structured configuration, hybrid machine support, and support for several operating systems.
simCNC software – read the complete description of the software.
CSMIO/IP-M motion controller
CSMIO/IP-M – below is a summary of the technical specifications in a comparative comparison. The last column – CSMIO/IP-M.
|
PARAMETER |
CSMIO/IP-S |
CSMIO/IP-A |
CSMIO/IP-M |
| Number of axes | 6 |
6 |
4 |
| Digital inputs number |
32 |
24 |
12 |
| Digital outputs number |
16 |
16 |
4 |
| Relay outputs number |
– |
– |
2 |
| Analog inputs number |
4 |
4 |
2 |
| Analog outputs number |
2 |
6 (+/- 10V) |
2 |
| Supply voltage |
24VDC +/-10% |
24VDC +/-10% |
24VDC +/-10% |
| Power consumption |
5W |
5W |
5W |
| Maximum voltage on in/out lines |
30VDC |
30VDC |
30VDC |
| Maximum load of output line |
250mA |
250mA |
250mA |
| Voltage range of analog inputs |
0-10VDC |
0-10VDC |
0-10VDC |
| Maximum load of analog output |
5mA |
5mA |
5mA |
| Axis drives control type |
Step/Direction (STEP/DIR) |
Analog |
Step/Direction |
| Maximum frequency of STEP signal |
4MHz/8MHz |
– |
125kHz |
| STEP signal duty cycle |
50% |
– |
50% |
| PC connection type |
Ethernet 10/100Mb |
Ethernet 10/100Mb |
Ethernet 10/100Mb |
| Ambient temperature range |
0oC to +60oC |
0oC to +60oC |
0oC to +60oC |
| Relative humidity (without condensation) |
10% – 95% |
10% – 95% |
10% – 95% |
| CSMIO-MPG module support |  |
|
|
| CSMIO-IO module support | |
|
 |
| CSMIO-ENC module support | |
|
|
| Backlash compensation | |
|
|
| Homing on INDEX | |
|
|
| Slave axes | |
|
*basic – no gantry geometry correction |
| THC analog mode | |
|
|
| Spindle axis | soon available in simCNC | soon available in simCNC | |
| #G32# threading | soon available in simCNC | soon available in simCNC | |
| RIGID TAPPING | soon available in simCNC | soon available in simCNC | |
| Spindle speed readout | |
|
|
| Feedback | |
|
|
CSMIO/IP-M is for those who need as accurate and reliable controller as his bigger brother CSMIO/IP-S, spending much less money. However, when designing a control system, they must be aware of what kind of features are supported by the CSMIO/IP-M and what their needs are.
CSMIO/P-M is recommended to users/companies who:
- retrofit original CNC machines that require fewer digital signals for basic signals support such as switches, E-Stop, Servo Alarm, Servo On, Servo Reset, or signals necessary to control a spindle (VFD).
- build new milling machines or any size routers that reach satisfactory speed and accuracy. For example, the CSMIO/IP-M controller allows achieving a frequency of 0.002mm and max. speed of the axis up to 15m/min. For most users, these parameters exceed their expectations from a CNC motion controller, which is so inexpensive.
- build plasma and laser cutters. In this field, the CSMIO/IP-M control is unquestionably successful. Its good price and capabilities are fully sufficient to handle this kind of machine.
CNC control system based on the CSMIO/IP-M controller can be extended using the additional module: CSMIO-MPG
CSMIO/IP-M can be successfully used with milling machines, lathes that don’t require threading features, routers, plasma, or laser cutters.
In the CSMIO/IP-M set you will get:
- CNC CSMIO/IP-M Controller
- Ethernet connection wire
- 1x 3 pin power plug
- 1xDB25 -> Terminal Block adapter
- 1xDB25 + 1xDB9 -> Terminal Block adapter
- 2xDB25 ribbon wire
- 1xDB9 ribbon wire
- simCNC software (license key sent in email)
CSMIO/IP-M dimension
Click to enlarge
Updates
simCNC Control Software
The device works with simCNC software by CS-Lab (included). While we send your order by shipping carrier (FedEx, TNT, UPS, or DHL), you will receive the simCNC license in an email. SimCNC software doesn’t require any additional plugins.
Download simCNC software: simCNC DOWNLOAD. Install, open, and enter your license file into the Settings (configuration) menu.
Read more: simCNC Updates
CSMIO/IP Firmware (plugin) and Updates
CSMIO/IP controllers always have the newest firmware (firmware v3.xxx with the plugin for simCNC included). Updates are done using the intuitive Firmware Update Utility. All the CSMIO/IP controllers have a bootloader on board, so there is no risk of damaging the device after the firmware update fails. SimCNC software doesn’t require any additional plugins to be used with CSMIO/IP.
Drivers supported
CSMIO/IP-M supports step/dir servo and stepper drivers.
CSMIO/IP-M supports simDrive servo drives, which are available in CS-Lab’s store. CSMIO/IP controllers work very well with Delta drives (both step/dir and +/-10V). If you have another drive and are not sure how to connect it, search our connection diagram database or contact us.
Download
simCNC software doesn’t require any additional plugins to be used with CSMIO/IP. Download simCNC software, documentation, and check the Changelog.
The CSMIO/IP firmware is successively developed. All CS-LAB controllers have a bootloader installed, so there is no risk of hardware damage in the event of a failed software update. The update is carried out using an intuitive update wizard. It does not require knowledge of the hardware itself. SimCNC software does not require installing any additional plugins to work with CSMIO/IP.
