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General Product Questions

Q: What is CNC?

A: CNC stands for "computer numerical control," which refers to the control and operation of machine tools by a computer and software.

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Q: What is the difference between CNC and general motion control?

A: CNC is for machine tool applications requiring precise coordination of all aspects of motion and a high degree of coordination for multiple simultaneous movements of tools to create workpieces. General motion control is for a wider range of applications,from requiring only that an object be moved from one place to another to sophisticated multi-axis motion control highly integrated with machine control. General motion control is used for factory automation, assembly lines, etc. for many industries, such as automotive, packaging, materials handling, pick and place, converting, food processing, laser cutting/engraving, plasma cutting, wood-working, and semiconductor industries.

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Q: What is G code programming?

A: "G-code programming" is a broad term to describe a coding system for part programming (motion programming) that mostly uses G codes, but that also uses S codes, M codes, T codes, etc.

For example, the block of code "G00 X30.5 Y0.0 Z-5.0" is an instruction in a part program for moving axis X to position 30.5, axis Y to position 0.0, and axis Z to the position -5.0. The "G00" specifies rapid positioning movement, so each axis would move to the designated position at its specified maximum feedrate.

G codes are most common in the CNC industry, but are also useful for some segments of the general motion control industry.

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Q: What is a custom macro?

A: A custom macro is an instruction in a G code part program that represents a sequence of simpler instructions, known as a macro program. In a way, macro programs are like simple programs or batch files. Soft Servo Systems' SMP general motion control products and ServoWorks CNC products support sophisticated custom macros that allow you to use variables and flow control structures such as loops. In this way, you can use program logic to eliminate redundant programming of machine functions, such as milling multiple pockets.

Custom macros significantly simplify part programming and reduce part programming time by allowing reuse of programming pieces such as user-defined canned cycles. Soft Servo Systems' extensive macro programming capabilities will save users time and reduce operator error.

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Q: How many axes are supported?

A: The number of axes supported varies for each product.

The maximum number of axes for ServoWorks CNC products is 7 axes plus a spindle, with up to 5 axes of coordinated CNC control (the rest are for PLC axes, synchronous control or linear scale feedback).

Soft Servo Systems' SMP general motion control products can control and interpolate up to 32 axes.

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Q: Does Soft Servo Systems' PLC control axes independently from CNC or general motion control?

A: Yes, ServoWorks S-120M, ServoWorks S-140M, and all SMP products provide independent and individual positioning of axis modules through PLC.

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Q: Do Soft Servo Systems' products support multi systems?

A: No, but it is possible to customize for multi systems on demand.

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Q: Can I buy software only without buying any hardware?

A: Yes, customers can purchase Soft Servo Systems' CNC or general motion control software products for use with the EtherCAT, Panasonic RTEX, or MECHATROLINK servo platforms. These require no hardware from Soft Servo Systems, except for the PC adapter card that is included with the software. [The EtherCAT interface system doesn't even require a PC adapter card.]

An FPA-200/300 RTEX PCI adapter card is provided for use with the Panasonic Realtime Express™ Ethernet-based interface system; an ISA or PCI MECHATROLINK adapter board from YASKAWA Electric Corporation is provided for use with the MECHATROLINK interface system.
NOTE: The VersioBus II interface system requires some hardware that must be purchased through Soft Servo Systems.

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Q: Does Soft Servo Systems sell drives and motors?

A: Yes, total packages with Panasonic MINAS A4N/A5N-series servo drives and motors, or with YASKAWA Sigma II, Sigma III or Sigma V servo drives (with a choice of MECHATROLINK II, MECHATROLINK III or VersioBus II servo communications), are available.

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Q: Do Soft Servo Systems' products support stepper motors?

A: Not at this time. However, support for stepper motors is planned for the future.

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Q: Can other programs be run on the same PC at the same time as a Soft Servo Systems controller executes a motion program?

A: Yes. However, only one ServoWorks CNC product or SMP general motion control product can be run at one time. For example, you cannot run ServoWorks MotionLite and ServoWorks MC-Quad at the same time, on the same computer.

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Q: Is there a specific format for PLC sequence programs?

A: Sequence programs can be written in either instruction list (IL) format or in ladder diagram (LD) format.

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Q: Can an analog I/O module be included in a digital network such as MECHATROLINK?

A: Yes, an analog I/O module can be included and can be controlled through PLC.

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Q: Can an external PLC unit be integrated with Soft Servo Systems' CNC or general motion control products?

A: Yes. There are two levels of integration:



  1. If the secondary PLC is a soft PLC product, it can be run on the same PC as the Soft Servo Systems product. There would be no integration between the soft PLC and the soft motion.


  2. If the third party soft PLC vendor provides an SDK, the SDK could be used with an SDK from Soft Servo Systems to create tightly integrated soft PLC/soft motion. However, the soft PLC and the soft motion are still not integrated at the real-time level like they are with Soft Servo Systems' soft PLC product.

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Q: Does Soft Servo Systems have a product for assembly lines?

A: Yes, the SMP can be used for assembly lines up to 32 axes.

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Soft Servo Systems, Inc.