Beckhoff Automation Introduces TwinCAT MC3 Motion Control Platform

Beckhoff Automation has released TwinCAT MC3, the next generation of its motion control software within the TwinCAT automation platform. The new architecture is optimized for multi-core and multi-task processing, enabling a single industrial PC (IPC) to manage highly complex machines with large axis counts and demanding synchronization requirements.

Modular Architecture for Multi-Core Performance
TwinCAT MC3 introduces a consistent, modular architecture designed to distribute motion control tasks across multiple CPU cores. Axes can be assigned to different cores and operated at different cycle times depending on speed and functional requirements.

Unlike conventional approaches where the fastest axis determines the global cycle time, MC3 allows differentiated cycle rates. This ensures full CPU utilization and avoids performance bottlenecks caused by high-speed axes constraining slower ones.

Synchronized movement across cores is maintained through coordinated scheduling, supporting precise multi-axis interpolation and coordinated motion sequences.

Scalability Without Fixed Axis Limits
The platform removes fixed restrictions on the number of axes that can be controlled within a machine. This scalability supports advanced applications such as packaging systems, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, printing presses and robotics installations with hundreds of coordinated axes.

The architecture is particularly suited for industrial PCs with multi-core processors, allowing motion control workloads to scale with available computing resources.

Parallel Operation with TwinCAT NC2
TwinCAT MC3 includes all functional capabilities of the previous TwinCAT NC2 motion control generation. It can operate in parallel with NC2, enabling coexistence of MC3 and NC2 axes within the same system.

This compatibility allows incremental migration. New machine modules can be implemented using MC3 without modifying existing NC2-based components, reducing engineering risk during system upgrades.

Integrated Machine Simulation
MC3 supports full machine simulation, enabling developers to create highly accurate virtual representations of real machines. Simulation capabilities facilitate program development, validation and optimization before commissioning.

Because the same architecture underlies both simulation and real-time execution, users can transfer configurations to physical machines with minimal rework.

High-Performance Automation on a Single IPC
By leveraging multi-core distribution and flexible cycle-time management, TwinCAT MC3 enables automation of complex motion systems on a single IPC. The approach supports synchronized multi-axis movement while maximizing processor efficiency.

With its modular architecture, scalable axis management and backward compatibility, TwinCAT MC3 extends Beckhoff’s motion control platform to meet the requirements of high-performance, multi-axis industrial applications.