Hi,
Mach4 generates numeric motion data which is consumed by a compatible motion controller.
The data packets represent P(osition) and V(elocity) over T(ime) and are in 1ms time slices. They are stored
up in the motion buffer while the motion controller enacts those motion commands.
A PLC cannot do what is required to be a Mach4 compatible motion controller. Firstly MODBUS is a factor
of ten TOO SLOW, and secondly no PLC can decode Mach4's numeric motion data. Lastly PLC's are not known
for producing coordinated motion of two axes....let alone six.
There are five manufacturers of very credible Mach4 compatible motion controllers with as many as ten different models
for less than $250USD. Why bother with a PLC when perfectly good motion controllers can be had that cheap?
Craig