Overview
The TMAC system includes the following physical components:
- TMAC Control Unit: A Linux-based computer that stores and processes machine data.
- TMAC HMI: A browser-based interface that provides visual representation of the monitored channels.
- Input Devices: TMAC can communicate directly with various sensors and other hardware.
- CNCs: TMAC can be integrated with wide variety of controls.
TMAC Control Unit
The TMAC Control Unit (TCU) is Linux-based and can handle multiple processes and functions simultaneously. The TMAC system communicates with multiple input devices through a variety of connection protocols based on the system configuration. TMAC can interpret analog and digital data. The TMAC processes running on the TCU may be referred to as "the data side" in legacy documentation.
TMAC HMI
The HMI (Human Machine Interface) is a browser-based interface that provides a visual representation of the monitored channels. Using the HMI the user can review data, create or edit jobs, adjust system settings and view live operations.
The browser-based infrastructure of the HMI provides the flexibility of viewing the HMI on any networked device with the following browsers:
- Google Chrome
- Apple Safari
- TMAC Explorer (A CEI provided front end application)
Input Sensors
TMAC can process inputs from multiple sensors. The following are some of the sensors that can provide input to TMAC.
- CEI analog sensors
- USB sensors
- Generic analog sensors l Ethernet Sensors
TMAC’s flexibility enables it to handle other inputs as well. Several sensors are available for various machining processes, allowing measurement and monitoring of:
- Motor power (HP, kW or mV)
- Strain
- Vibration or acceleration (g)
- Coolant flow (GPM/LPM)
- Coolant pressure (PSI/BAR)
- Spindle speed (RPM)
All sensor data is processed by the TCU.
Power Transducer
The power transducer is a Hall effect sensor that outputs a 0-10V signal relative to horsepower (HP). The transducer offers scalable adjustments for a range of 2- 90 HP in 0.1 HP increments. A 4-125 HP option is also available.
Millivolt Input
Millivolt monitoring uses a power sensor 0 to 10000mV signal value without converting voltage data to power. Specifications using the millivolt scale establish a correlation between spindle torque and transducer output. This process yields fixed limit alarm settings in millivolts.
High Precision Power Sensor
The High Precision Power Sensor offers high speed power measurements. The sensor outputs a 24 bit digital signal via an Ethernet connection, and it has a DIN rail mounted enclosure.
PT800
The PT800 3-phase power transducer offers high speed power measurements. The sensor outputs a 24 bit digital signal via an Ethernet connection, and it has a DIN rail mounted enclosure. The PT800 uses a Hall effect sensor with external current transformers.
Coax Vibration Sensor [CEI-VBR-WMR]
The vibration sensor is an advanced sensor platform that has been designed to measure a wide range of motion amplitude and frequency. It is housed in an anodized aluminum case. The connector is IP67 rated for wet environments and the electronics are fully encapsulated. Vibration sensors are useful in the folLowing machining operations:
- Spindle bearing monitoring
- Turning applications
- Grinding applications
- Bar feeder applications
Coax Strain Sensor - [CEI-STR-WMR]
The strain sensor is designed to sense the strain (material deflection) by embedding the sensor into the monitored component. The strain gauge type may vary by application, and must be installed by Caron Engineering. Strain sensors contain a 24 bit ADC. The connector is IP67 rated for wet environments and the electronics are fully encapsulated.
Coolant Sensors
TMAC can monitor coolant flow and/or pressure. There are two types of coolant sensors that can be integrated with TMAC.
A coolant sensor makes precise measurements of actual flow and/or pressure through the coolant system. The sensor allows the system to be configured to monitor the diverse coolant flows and/or pressures occurring in coolant systems.
Each coolant sensor sends signals to the TCU which processes the data for integration into the TMAC system.
Spindle Sensor
The spindle speed sensor measures RPM of the spindle.
The spindle speed sensor sends signals to the TCU which processes the data for integration.
Generic Analog Sensor
TMAC is capable of taking in data from a generic analog signal. These generic analog sensors are configured during system integration. Analog signals can be converted to a wide variety of ranges and unit types by creating a proportional relationship between the signal and the specified range of output values.
CNC Interfaces
TMAC can communicate directly with various CNCs using RS232, digital I/O and Ethernet connections.