Industrial Automation Project

Back in 2020 I built an industrial automation system using a PLC and linuxCNC running on a ASRock Q1900 ITX.

forum.linuxcnc.org/38-general-linuxcnc-q...tion-machine?start=0

This machine turned out very well and continues to operate today. Now I am looking at another automation machine with the same basic concept of PLC control over the LinuxCNC environment. The criteria for any type of industrial automation is available replacement parts and reliability. The ASRock board has proven to be reliable using a 7i76e board and I could use it again in this next application.

My question is is there another more up to date motherboard available that runs LinuxCNC stable with a Mesa 7i76e? I just want to make sure I am using the latest proven hardware because this next machine may have a very long service life. I am open to any stable platform that should have long-term availability.

Thanks for your input.

HH




 

Sorry for not posting pics earlier. Things went really sideways during the pandemic. Thanks to everyone on the forum who helped make this project successful.  Prior to this project I knew nothing of LinuxCNC.



The operator loads the raw material on one of the pallets that circulate around the system. They load raw material layers into a specific location on the pallet via the aid of a projected image from the overhead projector (code written in Python). Once they press start the pallet goes into the heat press and laminates the material (3 to 5 layers) and bonds them into one. Then it circulates into the CNC section where it is cut into the correct geometry. The operator of this machine has zero knowledge of LinuxCNC or any CNC operations. They simply select a product code via the touch screen and the software loads the correct image in the projector and then the software communicates to LinuxCNC using NML messages to load the correct g-code. It is fully automatic material infeed, run the g-code, automatic material outfeed, automatic homing on startup and rehoming on estop events. The Python software operates as a bridge between the PLC and LinuxCNC eliminating the need for the operator to know anything about CNC operation. I cannot say what the finished product is to protect my customer but I can say that it makes a medical device.

This next machine will process 20ft  rectangular aluminum  tubes for the RV market and be able to drill and pocket all 4 sides running a different g-code file for every side. It will also auto rotate and tube.

HH

 

"All are cased, so no board as far as i recall, so not helping much"

Not necessarily stuck on a board based solution, although it is convenient for mounting in a panel. I just want something rock stable and available new, the cost within reason is not an issue either.

HH

Thanks Tommy! That's what it will be then.

HH

tommylight wrote:

Ok, then safest bet would be HP 8300 SFF, me and some others on this forum use those and no issues so far.
It is small but has a separate power brick so makes more cables but easier to find space for it inside the box.
 

I'm confused  ...  I have a bunch of the smallest 8300 model, this is the USDT also called ultra-small. Those indeed have an external power supply and yes, they perform very well with linuxcnc . I actually bought them somewhat because of your previous comment about this. Thank you for that.

But then, you've just mentioned SFF and external power brick... Hummm, that doesn't work   ... I've checked and it seems that SFF model have internal power supply, much like the bigger models and that only the ultra-small (USDT) need an external psu.

@Tommy,  I saw those sold on e-Bay as 'SFF', 'USFF', 'Ultra-small', and 'USDT' 

Per the manufacturer this should be USDT but yeah, this is a mess:
-SFF: Not the right one, it's sized smaller than a mid tower but bigger than the USDT
-USFF: Not a thing, Made up by some reseller (but indeed make more sense than usdt)
-Ultra-small: Not a thing, but describe it well.
-USDT: Doesn't sound right  (WTF does DT means?), but this is the official HP designation

But if you say the model with the external power brick I'm pretty sure everyone will understand too.