The ideal system for CNC machines control
CSMIO/IP-A is a 6-axis motion controller. In combination with a PC and simCNC control software, it’s an ideal system for CNC machine control. CSMIO/IP-A was designed for professionals, CNC automation manufacturers, retrofit specialists, and hobbyists who want to equip their machines with an efficient, stable, and flexible CNC control system for a reasonable price.
How does it work?
In short – simCNC control software installed on a computer is the brain, and CSMIO/IP-A 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-A through the network connection. Motion trajectory (axis position set value) with the feedback signal (axis position real value) is transmitted to the PID loop. Based on these two values the PID loop generates a +/-10V signal. This division of tasks makes the computer less loaded.
Advantages of the CSMIO/IP-A controller and simCNC software
CSMIO/IP-A 6-axis motion controller
Operation Stability is provided by connection with a computer via Ethernet – its physical layer is galvanically isolated, and the used protocols provide reliable and fast transmission even in a tough industrial environment). Practically any other interface does not provide continuity and reliability of transmission on such a high level 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-A is the simplicity of installation. It does not require any external electronics for correct operation. Inputs/outputs signals are optically isolated, filtered (NOTE: analog signals aren’t galvanically separated), protected against short circuits, overheating, etc. All digital signals are adapted to industry 24V standards. The device is enclosed in a compact housing and mounted on a DIN rail, making mechanical and electronic installation in a control cabinet takes less time and easier.
CSMIO/IP-A controller is supported by professional, dedicated simCNC software. As for the control signal, our choice is the +/-10V signal and feedback signal from scales or encoders. Our choice wasn’t accidental. This was to let CNC installers use analog servo drives (that work in velocity mode), which we can find in older machines. CSMIO/IP-A is also a very good choice for new machines with precise analog drives. A big advantage of CSMIO/IP-A controller in new machines is even the fact that once referenced machine doesn’t require homing as long as it isn’t turned off. Many users highly value this, and very often is the reason for choosing the CSMIO/IP-A controller. The max. input frequency of feedback signal that reaches 6MHz lets you use encoders with large pulses number in combination with high resolution – up to 16 bit – DAC converter provides great accuracy and machine smoothness and significantly improves driving system performance. This way, many CNC machinists replace their original or other brand controllers with CSMIO/IP-A.
The main advantages of the CSMIO/IP-A controller
- Encoder inputs frequency – the frequency is up to 6MHz, which lets you use encoders with a large number of pulses. It’s recommended to use the encoder with min. 10 000 pulses including all edges (2500×4). However, using fewer pulses per rev encoders won’t make the dynamics of a machine much worse.
- DAC converter – high-resolution 16-bit DAC converter used in CSMIO/IP-A controller with the recommended encoder provides precise and fast machine control. Using a 16-bit converter means that the +/-10V signal (20V range) is divided into 65535 parts, giving 0.0003mV resolution of +/-10V analog output.
- Data buffer – the mentioned trajectory buffer provides uninterrupted machine operation, even in case of temporary problems with network connection or software control problems.
- Slave axis support – up to 3 slave axes support with gantry geometry correction.
- Safety system – a very important advantage of the CSMIO/IP-A 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 very fast 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 CSMIO/IP-A. The housing of the CSMIO/IP-A 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-A controller is adapted to worldwide standards applied by servo drives manufacturers, including:
- encoder signal inputs supported by differential line receivers DS26C32 (compliant with RS422),
- +/-10V high-resolution outputs
- Opto-isolated 24V DC digital outputs are supported by specialized systems with protection against short-circuit and overload.
- Opto-isolated 24V DC digital inputs
- 0-10V analog inputs serve to connect spindle rotation speed and axis feed rate correction potentiometers.
- 0-10V analog outputs – among others they serve for VFD control
Expansion modules – You can extend CSMIO/IP-A features using the additional expansion modules:
- CSMIO-ENC – the module provides threading capability with an encoder, rigid tapping
- CSMIO-MPG – module for manual axes operation using handwheel encoder. Very smooth control of machine motion, automatic switching between speed and position modes.
- CSMIO-IO – module of additional 16 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs (24V, opto-isolation, overload protection). You can use up to 16 of these modules.
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-A motion controller
CSMIO/IP-A – below is a summary of the technical specifications in a comparative comparison. The middle column – CSMIO/IP-A.
|
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 (STEP/DIR) |
| 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-A and CSMIO/IP-S support rigid tapping (sample video) and for that they require:
- CSMIO-ENC module
- incremental encoder with INDEX signal (recommended 10.000 p/rev with all edges), installed on a spindle, spindle pulley 1:1
- VB macro M84 is available on our website
Application
CSMIO/P-A is recommended to users/companies who:
- have a machine in good mechanical condition, equipped with well-working servo drives controlled by +/-10V signal with broken or obsolete motion controller e.x. minimal internal memory,
- retrofit original CNC machines that require a large number of digital signals for tool magazines or automatic transmission support,
- build new, fast and precise milling machines or routers equipped with +/-10V servo drives,
- build very large machines equipped with riding gantry that needs to be driven by two independent servo drives +/-10V Master and Slave. It’s a Slave axes function that enables software geometry correction in case of small construction inaccuracies or low machine rigidity,
- plan to develop/expand their control system in the future with additional modules (threading, JOG- handwheel).
CSMIO/IP-A can be successfully used with milling machines, lathes, routers, plasma, or laser cutters.
In The Box
In the CSMIO/IP-A package you will get:
- CNC CSMIO/IP-A Controller
- 2 pcs.3xDB25 -> Terminal Block adapter
- Ethernet connection wire
- 6xDB25 ribbon wire
- 1x 3 pin power plug
- simCNC software (license key sent in email)
CSMIO/IP-A dimension
Click to enlarge
Updates
simCNC Control Software
The device works with simCNC software by CS-Lab (included). SimCNC software doesn’t require any additional plugin. 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. 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-A supports +/- 10V (velocity mode) servo and stepper drivers.
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 controllers’ 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.
CSMIO/IP-A® 6-axis CNC Ethernet Motion Controller (+/- 10V)
