Answers to Common MTConnect Questions
How does MTConnect compare to other protocols?
Below is some free MTConnect information.
You may also request information from us!
Can you compare MTConnect to other protocols?
We have reviewed how MTConnect compares to Fanuc FOCAS. Let’s take a moment to review some other protocols:
As a refresher – MTConnect enables manufacturing equipment to provide data in structured XML rather than proprietary formats.
Okuma Thinc – According to Okuma’s website, “Thanks to our control’s open-architecture configuration, any Okuma machine tool with the OSP-P control is MTConnect-ready. In fact, installation is as easy as connecting an Ethernet cable.”
OPC UA – MTConnect is more suited for equipment with standardized functions, such as CNC controls or other equipment that has known capability. How does it compare to OPC UA?
“Generally best-suited for one-off integration projects that use programmable logic controllers (PLCs)…OPC UA can be a read-write protocol, whereas MTConnect is read-only. Nothing can be written back to the machine.”
Read more info on OPC UA versus MTConnect
ModBus – TCP/IP protocol via a messaging structure developed in 1979. Can transfer discrete/analog I/O and register data between control devices. It supports MTConnect’s standard communication protocol.
What is MTConnect?
MTConnect is a standard for formatting and transmitting data produced by manufacturing equipment. This data can then be processed by software applications.
Common uses for this technology are real-time machine monitoring, historical reporting using charts, graphs, and other visual representations of a shop’s performance. The protocol enables more attainable and less cost-prohibitive manufacturing productivity.
How is Shop Floor Automations (SFA) qualified to answer MTConnect questions?
SFA is an MTConnect Institute Roster Member and we have been providing free insight on the protocol for quite a few years now. Our MTConnect compatible best-sellers are DataXchange and Predator MDC.