Regardless of the industry you are in, the universal workhorses for automating a piece of equipment or process are simple hardwired controls like cube relays, timers and counters. You can find these devices in discrete and process industries, on the plant floor in the manufacturing environment and even in commercial and consumer applications such as…
SNAP PAC System Manages Fuel Consumption
Fuel is a significant expenditure incurred by private fleets, public transportation companies, and other organizations, so close monitoring and management of this resource is essential. Integrated Command Systems (ICS) is expert in fuel management and specializes in automated fueling systems that maintain and disperse gasoline, oil, coolant, and other fluids for large fleets of taxis,…
Opto 22 SNAP IO4AB Learning Center
Opto 22, developer and manufacturer of the award-winning SNAP PAC System(tm) family of programmable automation controllers, I/O, and accessories, has announced the release of the SNAP IO4AB Learning Center, a comprehensive system that provides all the hardware, software, and instrumentation required to learn how Opto 22’s intelligent distributed I/O can quickly and easily connect to…
Modular Safety System Combines Best of Safety Relays and PLCs
The new SIRIUS 3RK3 modular safety system (MSS) from Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. is the ideal solution for applications that require the simplicity of safety relays and the added functionality of a fail-safe programmable logic controller (PLC). It is recommended for use where more than three safety functions have to be evaluated and where…
Opto 22 Breaks New Ground in Wireless Networking
Temecula, CA – Opto 22 has developed a unique offering for the automation industry by providing both wireless and wired Ethernet networking options on its standard SNAP PAC programmable automation controllers (PACs) and I/O systems. Now using wireless for programmable automation controllers and I/O is as easy as it is for PCs and laptop computers,…
PCs and EtherCAT Add Flexibility to Wrapping Machines
The packaging industry increasingly incorporates PC-based control and industrial Ethernet into their equipment. Not to lag behind on a trend, in 2005 engineers at shrink-wrapping machine builder Conflex Inc., Germantown, Wisc., initiated the redesign of each machine in the product line. Conflex uses Beckhoff CX1020 Embedded PCs with TwinCAT, handling all PLC functions and motion…
Powerful micro PLCs are easier than ever to program and deliver huge benefits
Seems like everything is getting smaller-cheaper-faster these days. So why not go smaller while making your job easier along the way? Siemens line of Micro PLCs and Micro Panels can help. Here’s how. Besides controlling the machine, these small controllers provide operator feedback on machine performance and efficiency, critical reporting for production metrics, and important…
Servos Control Multiple Axes for “Surgical” Precision
Cim-Tech Corp. was commissioned to build a machine that automatically assembles four components of a surgical instrument. The axes of the XYZTheta had to orient one assembly consisting of a cylindrical surgical knife pressed into the end of a staple pusher, and place it inside another assembly consisting of a rod insert in an exterior…
PLC-Based Position Controllers from Omron
SCHAUMBURG, IL – New Position Controllers from Omron Electronics LLC use a high-speed motion network to provide high precision control of 2, 4 and 16 axes to meet the growing need for fast throughput with reduced waste. The position controllers pair efficiently with Omron‚’s GN-Series servo drives and G-Series motors, and are compatible with a…
I/O Wiring Conversion System
MILWAUKEE, WI ‚ Rockwell Automation’s I/O wiring conversion system helps users migrate existing control platforms to the Allen Bradley ControlLogix programmable automation controller-based I/O platform. The system is part of the Rockwell Automation migration solutions program and reduces many of the costs, risks and complexities involved with PLC migration projects. The new conversion system assists…
Galil Releases New RIO-471×2 Pocket PLC
Rocklin, CA‚ Galil Motion Control now offers their new RIO-471×2 Pocket PLC that provides expanded program memory, variables, arrays and programmable PID control loops. The new RIO-471×2 provides 400 lines of program memory and 254 symbolic variables which are twice as many as the standard RIO. It also offers six programmable PID loops compared to…
Go South for Lean Manufacturing
Today’s manufacturers are looking for tools, techniques, and equipment that will help them streamline their production processes (go “lean”), and do so on a continuous basis. The transformation to lean is often described as a journey away from the compartmentalized approach of managing events or projects, toward a more holistic and ongoing approach. Thus, manufacturers…
PLC-on-a-Card Can Master up to 64 Axes
One PLC-on-a-card can automate an entire machine. The new PLC can handle up to 64 axes for complex motion control applications, with curves calculated online, multi-axis interpolation, and kinematic transformation. Available in three different versions depending on the hardware requirements of different networks, MOVI-PLC can connect to EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ProfiNet, Profibus, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/IP and…
Opto 22’s "IO4AB" Seminar Tour Continues into 2009
Temecula, CA — Opto 22 has extended its series of free technical seminars designed to educate engineers and other automation professionals on the company’s intelligent I/O for Allen-Bradley Logix Platforms (coined “IO4AB”). The seminar series began in October of 2008 and, due to popular demand, will continue throughout the U.S. with stops in Tampa, Nashville,…
Next-generation ZIPLink Cables from Automation Direct
Cumming, GA — The latest ZIPLink connection system reduces the time to wire DirectLOGIC and CLICK PLC I/O modules to terminal blocks. ZIPLinks use half the space at a fraction of the cost of traditional terminal block wiring arrangements. A complete selection of connection cables for discrete and analog modules is available in three pre-wired…
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms’ PACMotion™ Certified in Compliance with PLCopen
Charlottesville, VA – GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, announces that it has received certificates of compliance from PLCopen, the independent organization that focuses on the harmonization of control programming around IEC 61131-2. PLCopen represents various industries and seeks to drive more efficiency in industrial automation through creating specifications and implementations…
Motion Controllers for the iQ Automation(TM) Platform
VERNON HILLS, Ill.–Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. introduced its Q172D and Q173D motion controllers for its leading-edge iQ Automation‚â„¢ platform at PACK EXPO International 2008. These new controllers are engineered for simple to complex motion control applications including packaging, material handling, printing, semiconductor fabrication, solar panel movement, automotive manufacturing and all non-metal cutting applications. Source: Mitsubishi…
Bosch Rexroth’s New Inline I/O Modules
Hoffman Estates, IL ‚– Bosch Rexroth has added three new Inline I/O modules that reduce engineering time and cost while adding more functionality and versatility to the company‚’s family of scalable PLCs and PACs. Ideal for motion-based machine builders and industrial OEMs in the printing, food and beverage, packaging, converting, woodworking, conveyor and general automation…
Successful Inspection and Detection in Packaging
Sensitive products require an even more sensitive packaging system. Cermex, a French specialist in end-of-line packaging machines, uses an integrated vision system to package a liquid product used by doctors in MRI examinations. Expensive and light-sensitive, the MRI liquid is packaged in small flasks and placed in special crates for maximum protection. The vision system…
WAGO’s New SPEEDWAY 767 I/O System
GERMANTOWN, WI ‚– WAGO‚’s new SPEEDWAY 767 I/O System combines the power of a PLC, modularity of distributed I/O and IP67-grade protection. The resulting I/O system eliminates control cabinets, creating a new class of control. Feature-rich Modules Deliver Signal Performance: SPEEDWAY breaks the traditional communication bottleneck between fieldbus system and actuators/sensors via WAGO-DSC (Digital Speed…
Opto 22 SNAP I/O Receives ODVA Certification
Temecula, CA – Opto 22 has received certification for its recently announced SNAP-PAC-EB1 and SNAP-PAC -EB2 SNAP I/O processors, which feature support for Ethernet-based control systems that communicate via the EtherNet/IP protocol. SNAP-PAC-EB1 SNAP-PAC-EB2 ODVA is an international association comprising members from the world’s leading automation companies. The organization supports network technologies based on the…
Rexroth’s IndraControl L65 PAC
Hoffman Estates, IL – Bosch Rexroth has expanded its line of IndraLogic PLCs and PACs with the new IndraControl L65 PAC featuring unified programming software, scalable hardware, pre-developed functions, reusable code, large memory and built-in connectivity to reduce engineering time for machine builders who work with complex machines. Ideal for general automation, printing, converting, packaging,…
CLICK® PLC from AutomationDirect
Cumming, GA — AutomationDirect announces the release of the CLICK‚® PLC, the first in a new generation of inexpensive PLC components designed to offer practical features in an easy-to-use, compact yet expandable design. Starting at $69, this line of micro brick PLCs with stackable I/O modules and free programming software is suitable for first time…
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms’ PACMotion Controller
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms announces the introduction of its breakthrough motion solution, PACMotion. PACMotion is a completely new motion controller designed to serve the high-end needs of complex motion applications. It is part of an integrated motion and machine logic solution with the performance, flexibility and scalability required for advanced machine automation.…
Opto 22 Technical Seminar Tour
Opto 22 will present a series of free half-day seminars in select cities to demonstrate the new functionality of the SNAP I/O‚â„¢ which offer support for Rockwell Automation‚®/Allen-Bradley Ethernet-based control systems. The seminar tour began in Chicago on October 8 and continues across the country with stops in Detroit, MI; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; San…