Automation Ready and Auto Door – Overview (VMCsi TCsi)

• Automation Ready – VMCsi
• Automation Ready – TCsi
• Auto Door – VMCsi
• Auto Door – TCsi

The Automation Ready Option provides a standard digital input/output interface between the TRAK CNC and an external PLC or robot.

It allows simple handshake signals for door control, cycle start, cycle end, and status monitoring.

Included with the Automation Ready Option:

• Digital I/O terminals for handshake signals.
• Four programmable Automation Request outputs, set from the part program by M code.
• Cycle End output, asserts on M30.
• Dry-contact safety inputs and outputs.
• Enable/Disable toggle through the CNC options menu.

Primary Use Case:

• Robot or PLC controls part load/unload (vise clamp, grippers, etc.).
• CNC executes machining cycle when commanded.
• CNC signals the cell at end of program, or at any point mid-program.

Inputs (PLC → CNC)

• Remote Cycle Start – external system commands machining start.
• Remote Cycle Stop – controlled program stop, restartable without a manual reset.
• Automation Finish – cell tells the CNC it is clear to continue.
• Vise Clamp – vise clamped confirmation.
• Door Open/Close Requests – front and side auto door.

Outputs (CNC → PLC)

• Automation Request 1 – 4 – programmable, set and cleared by M code (M22/M23 through M28/M29).
• Cycle End – asserts on M30, machining program finished.
• E-Stop Output – dual channel, opens on E-stop or loss of power.
• Door Open/Close Status – confirmation signals from auto-door switches.

Each Automation Request can be set to Wait for Finish on the options screen. The M code then stops motion and holds the program until the cell asserts Automation Finish. This is how a robot takes over part way through a program.

Number of E-Stops: Two factory-installed E-stops (MCP + Manual Pulse Generator). Additional E-stops can be added via the Automation Ready E-stop input.

Dual-Channel Design: All E-stop inputs and outputs are dual-channel, dry-contact circuits. When pressed, the CNC performs a controlled stop, decelerates spindle and axis motion, disables the drives, and removes drive power.

Two-way: The E-stop output opens on a machine E-stop, so the cell can be stopped by the machine as well as the reverse.

Reset Behavior: After an E-stop, a manual reset at the MCP is required. Remote reset is not supported. Use Remote Cycle Stop for controlled program stops that can be restarted without a manual reset.

Auto Door – Features

The Auto Door Option is controlled through Automation Ready digital I/O.

Features:

• One-piece front door interlocked with CNC safety logic.
• Open/Close requests can be sent by PLC, or commanded by M code.
• Doors open only with no E-stop active and the spindle at rest.
• Safety interlock ensures spindle motion stops if the door is opened.
• Alarms for incomplete door motion.

OPC UA – Extended Connectivity

If the OPC UA Server Option is licensed, the CNC can exchange more detailed information over the network in addition to basic Automation Ready I/O.

• Reading fault status / alarm messages – supported through the Alarms & Conditions model.
• Acknowledging or resetting alarms remotely – through Method Services; only available for alarms the CNC server exposes with acknowledge/clear.
• Querying program status (running, paused, finished) – using Data Access Services to read NC execution variables.
• Selecting NC programs for execution – via Data Write/File Transfer Services, where permitted by the CNC.

Without this option, only the Automation Ready dry-contact handshakes are available.

• Grippers / Vise Clamping – always controlled by the PLC. CNC does not issue clamp/unclamp commands.
• Program Selection – normally handled by operator. Extended selection functions available if the OPC UA Server is licensed.
• Cycle Start / Cycle End – managed by Automation Ready handshakes.
• Mid-program handoff – managed by the Automation Request outputs and the Automation Finish input.
• Alarm Reset – operator reset is required unless the alarm model is exposed to OPC UA.

1. Operator loads NC program on CNC.
2. PLC → CNC: Request Front Door Open.
3. PLC verifies: Door is open.
4. Robot: Picks up part.
5. Robot: Places part in vise.
6. PLC: Clamps vise.
7. PLC verifies: Vise is clamped.
8. PLC → CNC: Remote Cycle Start.
9. CNC: Closes door and runs program.
10. CNC → PLC: Cycle End signal (M30).
11. CNC: Opens front door.
12. PLC verifies: Door is open.
13. PLC: Unclamps vise.
14. Robot: Removes part.
15. Robot: Loads new part.
16. Process repeats.