ISG - kernel

Flexible, open and secure

ISG-kernel has been in use for more than 30 years. It is under continuous development and is used annually in over 15,000 control systems by leading manufacturers such as HOMAG, KUKA, Beckhoff and KEB.

In addition to its comprehensive functionality, ISG-kernel’s special features include its outstanding motion and velocity preparation and the architecture model on which the control software is based. This architecture is adaptable to the specific requirements of our customers and can be continuously extended to include new technologies and functions. Due to the functional integration of CNC, robotics and motion control (MC), the software is excellently suited for machine tools and robots, for the movement of complex kinematics and also for the PLC-oriented programming of movements using PLCopen function blocks.

Users also have the possibility here to access our online documentation, our general download section and our support form.

Technologies

The wide range of applications of ISG-kernel includes a wide diversity of technologies. Of course, ISG-kernel is used for traditional milling, grinding and turning applications. However, it also includes functions for laser or waterjet cutting, dispensing as well as wire and die-sinking EDM. You can also solve your handling and packaging tasks using a wide variety of kinematics.

Functions

Architecture model: Industry 4.0

• Universal axis swap concept with freely programmable axis swap between channels, axis swap look-ahead and cross-channel synchronisation via axis objects.
• It implements Industry 4.0 concepts through the decentralised distribution of control modules to multi-core systems.
• Dynamically configurable software toolbox (parallelisable for multi-core CPUs) permits continuous extension to include new technologies and functions.
• Continuity without breaks: machine tool - robot - PLCopen

Open, flexible and secure

• Irrespective of operating systems, IPC, hardware, motors and user interfaces.
• Simple integration of drive bus systems.
• Wide, high-performance PLC interfaces without limitation of variables.
• Extensive data interfaces for easy implementation of user applications.
• User interfaces for transformation and compensation allow unlimited customisation while guaranteeing know-how protection.

HSC package with high-end functionalities

• Geometry optimisation: spline, HSC mode, contour smoothing (smart surface), tool compensation.
• Jerk-limited, block-spanning, time-optimal acceleration profiles.
• Model-based cascadable filters (HSC and axis filters).
• Motion state controlled output of control signals to the PLC.
• Real-time variable access from PLC or DCS for process control..

Motion generation: Fast, precise and gentle on the machine

• Interpolation circular, helical, splines.
• Excitation-free, jerk-limited motion control.
• Flexible parameterisation of the control for optimised adaptation to the machine characteristics.
• Predictive feedforward control, also with spline coefficient generation.
• High precision due to compensations for axis and machine errors.

Generic CNC functions for all technologies.

• Tool geometry compensation with contour masking.
• Tangential tool guidance with programmable corner behaviour.
• Static and dynamic gantry couplings.
• Reverse on the contour, negative override.
• Extensive transformation library for e.g. 5-axis heads and robotics.
• No size limit for NC programs.
• 128 axes, 32 CNC channels.
• PLCopen libraries for IEC 61131 PLCs.
• Clock-synchronous PLC task connection.
• 3D collision monitoring and visualisation.

Industries and references

ISG-kernel is used in many sectors by large and medium-sized companies. Due to its open software architecture, ISG-kernel allows the control of machines and systems for almost all CNC, robotics and motion control (PLCopen) applications, irrespective of industry. We would be delighted to support you in your project.

Control manufacturers

Control manufacturers are faced with the challenge of continuously developing the functionality and performance of their controllers. The development of high-end functionalities (3D machining, kinematic transformations, HSC, multi-channel functionality, compensations, collision monitoring, etc.) ties up capacities and requires in-depth know-how. ISG-kernel includes many of these functionalities and, due to its open architecture and compatibility, extends existing control technology to obtain a powerful complete system within a very short time.

Machine manufacturers

Many machine manufacturers decide to develop their own machine control system, but then they face similar challenges to control system manufacturers. Highly complex functionalities are required within the shortest possible time but they cannot be implemented in-house for various reasons. Other machine manufacturers use controllers available on the market that require adaptations to the existing standard control environment. ISG-kernel optimally supports component-based, open control technology. It provides a powerful, individual control solution that can be assembled from in-house and market-sourced components, e.g. in the fields of manufacturing and handling, to solve a wide variety of motion tasks consistently and reliably.

Plant manufacturers

The task of plant manufacturers is to design a plant from many individual components in which all components interact efficiently and safely. This requires a wide variety of controllers and a large number of axes that must be combined, controlled and monitored. ISG-kernel provides continuous real-time control for simple and complex motion sequences within the entire system. The number of axes is open upwards. In addition, a wide of range of interfaces to user interfaces, drives and PLCs allows numerous intervention options in the process. This achieves high availability and fault situations are safely managed.

BECKHOFF Automation

BECKHOFF Automation implements open automation systems based on PC-based control technology. Their portfolio covers the main fields of industrial PC, I/O and fieldbus components, drive technology and automation software. TwinCAT CNC - High-performance CNC solution for complex applications: turning and milling in wood and steel, grinding, cutting with laser, plasma, water, etc. High Speed Cutting (HSC), backward movement, 5-axis and 6-axis transformations, 32 channels, 128 axes, clock-synchronous PLC-CNC coupling, etc.

KUKA AG

As one of the world's leading suppliers of intelligent automation solutions, KUKA offers its customers everything from a single source: from the main component, i.e. the robot, through to the cell and fully automated plants. By fully integrating ISG-kernel into the KRC robot controller, KUKA succeeded in expanding the range of functions with high-end CNC and motion control functions with the options "KUKA.CNC" and "KUKA.PLC Multiprog MCFB". KUKA.CNC provides an NC control kernel fully integrated in a KRC, offering the possibility to run NC programs directly on the KUKA controller. NC programs, programmed offline using a CAD/CAM system, can be processed and run with the robot without prior conversion to KRL (KUKA Robot Language) programs.

Technowood

Technowood implemented the TW-NC for complex woodworking machines. This controller offers demanding carpenters a field-proven CAD system integrated in a high-performance CNC. A comprehensive real-time simulation integrated in the CNC and operated in parallel with the machine avoids collisions. TW-NC is the result of a cooperative and creative partnership between Technowood and ISG. Technowood relies on the ISG products ISG-kernel and ISG-virtuos and combines them in a previously unique combination - to the benefit of user production lines.

HOMAG

The HOMAG Group is the world's leading supplier of integrated solutions for production in the woodworking industry and craft trades. Customers use the HOMAG Group's high-tech machines and systems to produce domestic and office furniture, kitchens, parquet and laminate flooring, windows, doors, staircases or even complete timber frame houses. The Homag Group's portfolio extends from individual machines for craft firms to complete networked production lines for highly industrialised, customised furniture production centres. ISG-kernel is fully integrated in Homag's in-house PowerControl control system.

KEB

KEB Automation offers a system including a software package that, in addition to the integrated CNC kernel (ISG-kernel) for the movement of interpolated axes, also provides visualisation via a user-friendly HMI interface. In addition, scalable solutions - from control system through to drives, motors and safety devices - permit the implementation of various applications such as milling, drilling or cutting.

GF Machining Solutions

GF Machining Solutions is one of the world's leading providers of complete solutions for manufacturers of precision parts, tools and the mould-making industry. Its portfolio includes milling, EDM, laser texturing, laser micro-machining and additive manufacturing. In addition, the division offers spindles as well as solutions for tools, automation and digitalisation. ISG-kernel contains functionalities specifically tailored to the technologies of wire and die-sinking EDM used to obtain optimised machining results.

For more information:

DE https://www.isg-stuttgart.de/produkte/softwareprodukte/isg-kernel

EN https://www.isg-stuttgart.de/en/products/softwareproducts/isg-kernel