Remote monitoring for high-speed CNC processes over public IP networks using CyberOPC

Abstract

Process analytical technology encourages the industry to adopt innovative technologies to increase quality. The key components of this approach are better understanding the product manufacturing process, data analysis, process analytical tools, process monitoring, and continuous feedback during the manufacturing process. Remote process analytical technology over public IP networks can significantly reduce the cost of maintenances and technical support, and simplify the classical OPC-like architecture based on multiple server gateways. The requirements for using remote process analytical technology for high-speed processes are mainly concerned with cyber security and high data refresh rate on the remote monitoring machine. This work intends to evaluate a new, open application protocol named CyberOPC dedicated to CNC machines. The CyberOPC version presented in this paper supersedes the first version presented in previous papers, which had no streaming features. The CyberOPC technology is not only an open alternative to other data exchange protocols, but it also introduces streaming capabilities to gain high refresh rate on remote control stations. It is based on the Client/Server Model, where a software layer is introduced between CNC and the remote monitoring station, on the Server side of CyberOPC. Even if the case study adopts a tunneling Schema that includes server gateways, the requirements to develop protocols in embedded devices and modern CNC are fulfilled by several devices that include a TCP/IP stack.