Data Station Plus by Red Lion
Red Lion's Data Station Plus acts as a multiple protocol converter, system data logger and web interface for industrial and M2M applications, delivering a powerful connectivity and machine data-management tool. More information >>
Automation theory
Making safety work A decade ago, safety systems and motion systems were kept separate. These days, the separation of safety and motion is softening. Increasingly, safety capabilities are getting embedded directly into motion control components and into the system itself. The next step up the ladder from safe motion is safe motion control, which is a beast of a different nature, says Roberta Nelson Shea, chief operations officer and general manager of Pilz Automation Safety . Safe motion control isn’t just about removing torque or controlling speed in specified situations, it’s about confirming that what the motion system thinks it is doing is actually what is happening. Read more...
Challenges of ultra-low-power wireless sensor networks in manufacturing environments There are many advantages of using ultra low power wireless sensor networks in industrial applications. These include the cost elimination of hard wiring, the enhanced flexibility in constricted or dangerous areas, ease of installation, increased safety and reduced maintenance costs of sensor deployments. However, using low-power networks presents several challenges, such as battery maintenance and reliability. Read more...
Tutorial tech tips
Twisting and bending: A user’s guide to robotic cables When designing a robotic work cell, integrators and end-users must take into account many variables and components to ensure its success. Cabling is one element of robotic work cells that is often overlooked during the design phase. Without proper planning, cable wear can be one of the first things to cause down time on a robot work cell. Cables are often just an afterthought in work cells. After the end-of-arm tooling is selected, the programming is done, and safety mechanisms are installed, the last thought is usually the cabling. Read more...
Newsbytes
ISA releases new edition of Foundation™ Fieldbus The third edition of Foundation™ Fieldbus has expanded knowledge on network design by covering power distribution and power supply requirements. It includes rules for cabling length, documentation requirements, a commissioning checklist, topology diagrams, system sizing formulas, and tips for integrating with other systems. This helpful resource gives an explanation of the variety of forms of Fieldbus Power Conditioners such as Fieldbus Intrinsic Safety Concept (FISCO) coupled with a range of configuration and troubleshooting tips. Read more...
Security poll: Network data security is top IT concern Network data security is the top network-related concern of information technology (IT) professionals according to a recent online poll by Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA). Nearly one-third of the IT professionals surveyed (32.8 percent) said securing networks and data is their main concern regarding their organizations’ network. Human error by network users ranked as the second highest concern, cited by 19.6 percent of respondents. Placing third were data storage and the ability to hire and keep quality network support staff. Each was cited by 12.1 percent of respondents Read more...
PLC/PAC product research released Control Engineering has released the results of its 2008 survey of subscriber purchase and application of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and programmable automation controllers (PACs). Highlights of the findings include: Machine control is the most prominent application of PLCs/PACs at respondents’ locations. Process control is applied at three-fourth of locations. Almost one in three respondents report having PLCs/PACs that are networked with other PLCs. However, only 3 percent are networked with other PACs. Read more...
Sustainable manufacturing website features green machine automation technology Bosch Rexroth has launched a website to provide information on its sustainable manufacturing technology resources and to encourage innovation among manufacturers, OEMs, machine builders, system integrators, and engineers. The site features descriptions of products and systems Bosch Rexroth has developed to encourage use of alternative energy sources, such as its hydrostatic regenerative braking systems (HRB), which can increase fuel efficiency up to 25 percent by using hydraulics to store vehicular brake energy and then release that energy to help the vehicle accelerate. Read more...
New products
Safety gate
The PSENslock combines a secure safety gate monitor and a noncontact magnetic interlock within one unit. Suitable for rugged industrial environments, the device is designed to be tolerant to gate misalignment and is nonwearing for a longer service life. Read more...
Pilz Automation Safety, 734/354-0272. www.pilz.us
Tracking system
The IMprints™ track-and-trace hardware and software suite is designed to protect brands from product recalls, counterfeiting and diversion, as well as meet government regulations. Without cost-per-code charges or upfront license fees, CodeMaster software generates unique codes to be printed on product packaging and maintains product transaction data throughout the supply chain. Read more...
Videojet Technologies, Inc., 800/843-3610. www.videojet.com
Robotic stretch wrapper
The SFERA self-propelled robotic stretch wrapper is designed to handle palletized loads of any shape, weight and size, and can wrap a pallet within one min. Rather than spinning the pallet, the machine circles around it, applying the stretch film with a mechanized arm. Read more...
Polypack, Inc., 727/578-5000. www.polypack.com
CIPconnect™ Bridges for Easy Integration
Coming soon, ProSoft Technology’s CIPconnect™ bridges for Modbus and Modbus TCP/IP allow Ethernet/IP users to easily and quickly integrate Modbus devices without requiring familiarity with the Modbus protocol. No additional programming; minimal bridge configuration. ODVA CIP Volume 7 compliant.
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