New control system and software from IPC Global

CONTROLS Group company IPC Global has updated both its controls system and testing software. IMACS2 is its third-generation Integrated Multi-Axis Control and data-acquisition System (IMACS). UTS Neutron is the second-generation dynamic materials testing and analysis software. IMACS2’s attributes include 24bit data resolution, up-to 200kHz data sampling, 5 to 25kHz loop closure and an in-built colour display. “You can be assured that your tests are performed with minimum variability, precisely to specific
December 12, 2018 Read time: 3 mins

2139 CONTROLS Group company 3912 IPC Global has updated both its controls system and testing software.

IMACS2 is its third-generation Integrated Multi-Axis Control and data-acquisition System (IMACS). UTS Neutron is the second-generation dynamic materials testing and analysis software.

IMACS2’s attributes include 24bit data resolution, up-to 200kHz data sampling, 5 to 25kHz loop closure and an in-built colour display. “You can be assured that your tests are performed with minimum variability, precisely to specification and results are totally accurate with no peak, trough or failure point being missed,” said IPC Global.

IMACS2 has been designed to be modular and scalable so users can add additional axes of control and data acquisition channels when required. The smart “plug & play” transducers aim to eliminate set-up errors and save valuable time: whatever compatible transducer is plugged in, the controller will know what to do. Tests can be set up directly on the controller for from a PC.

To optimise the number of systems it can control, IPC Global has designed IMACS2 with a large range of external interfaces including Gigabit and 100Mb ethernet, USB, RS232/485, CAN bus, GPIO, ESTOP, HDMI, Servo valve outputs, solenoid outputs, servo motor control and encoders. Its flexibility means that it can effectively retrofit almost any exist8ing testing system, says the manufacturer.

IMACS2 has also been designed to be future-proof. “Right now, in spite of the cutting-edge performance, we are only using a small portion of its power. The potential for further development is practically unlimited,” said IPC Global. New functions and technology will be added as they are available.

IPC Global has designed its testing and analysis software UTS Neutron, the next step up from UTS, to accommodate a wide range of users from the very basic to the experimental. It will be available in three licence levels: UTS Neutron Essential for easy testing to national standards; UTS Neutron Performance which allows existing tests to be tweaked; and UTS Neutron Developer for users who are looking for a open system which allows tests to be created from scratch.

Access rights for each of the versions are totally configurable. For example, an operator may only need basic access, allowing them to change settings to perform a test, whereas a laboratory manager will need broader access and abilities to make changes.

Both IMACS2 and UTS Neutron have forward and backward compatibility. That is, UTS and UTS Neutron can be used with either an IMACS controller or an IMACS2 controller.

Asphalt milling, paving & compaction

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • New testing equipment and services
    April 21, 2016
    This month’s round-up looks at new equipment from a number of manufacturers and a new bitumen testing service in the UK from global player Intertek - Kristina Smith reports CONTROLS GROUP has unveiled new machines from each of its specialist divisions, including a new triaxial tester from its soil mechanics arm Wykham Farrance; an E-modulus tester from its concrete testing division; and an asphalt binder analyser from PAVELAB SYSTEMS, its asphalt division. TRITECH is the result of 50 years of developm
    Read More
  • Controls rethinks compression machines
    August 12, 2019
    CONTROLS is aiming to stay one step ahead of its competitors with a new suite of fully automatic compression machines which also offer an extra dimension of connectivity, inside and outside the laboratory - Kristina Smith writes It is just over 50 years since CONTROLS started selling its first testing equipment, beginning with compression machines. Today, it is redeveloping all its compression machines, unveiling two out of a new range of four at this year’s bauma exhibition in March. “CONTROLS has comp
    Read More
  • New testing system from IPC Global
    November 20, 2015
    IPC Global is introducing its new AMPT PRO testing system. Based on the tried and tested platform of the AMPT, the new AMPT PRO offers improved capabilities and innovative new features.
    Read More
  • Technology makes materials testing quicker and easier
    February 14, 2012
    Sophisticated technology is now being used to make the testing of a wide variety of materials quicker and easier as Patrick Smith reports. Ever since the CE mark became mandatory for asphalt mixes, it also became necessary and important to update the testing equipment and systems used for testing such materials.
    Read More

Highlighted Content