Top design objectives for control installations include capability, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Many new and retrofitted control panels employ components such as PLCs and even industrial PCs (IPCs) and programmable automation controllers (PACs) for advanced connectivity and control. It’s often appropriate to use these more complicated (and capable) options and remove or forgo electromechanical relays […]
Basics of terminal blocks and their various subtypes
Download this article (and the rest in our connectivity series) at the Design Guide library. Terminal blocks are one variety of connector component for joining sections of electronic circuits in industrial applications. They include electrically conductive assemblies having wire-securing receptacles — all encased in monolithic plastic housing. Some terminal blocks have contact pads or legs…
Emerson launches modular industrial displays
Emerson has released the new portfolio of RXi industrial display and panel PC products for monitoring, visualizing, and enhancing everyday production processes in life sciences, metals and mining, power and water, and manufacturing and machinery. A modular design is foundational to the industrial display platform, enabling users to select the right configuration based on application…
Push-in connection provides relief during skilled worker shortage
by Lyon Lee, IDEC Product Marketing Manager IDEC switches, relays and PLCs: Safe, Simple, Smart push-in connections Coronavirus has caused an unprecedented disruption to all businesses and negatively affected the global workforce. OEM manufacturers are struggling to maintain production under severe shortages of skilled workers and forced to look for new ways to minimize the…
CNC job shops capitalize on retrofit edge
CNC machining job shops are multi-stage process operations where there is potential for improvement at each stage. Most low to mid-volume run production machine shops struggle in achieving their share of the 5-10% maximum profit margins typically realized on most jobs. If a machine is down for any significant amount of time, you’ve cut into…
P10 integrated circuit provides powerful performance, capabilities
Divelbiss Corp. has announced the second generation P10 PLC on a Chip embedded, single chip, programmable logic controller. The new smaller footprint P-10 PLC on a Chip has similar capabilities and performance as the larger P13 PLC on a Chip, but in a LQFP144 package. “The PLC on a Chip family of products can be…
CLICK Ethernet PLCs now offer PID control
PID loop control capability (up to 8 loops simultaneously) has been added to the CLICK Series of stackable, Ethernet-capable micro brick PLCs. CLICK PID control is streamlined with only the features that most users need, including direct or reverse acting control, pulse width modulated control outputs, bumpless transfer, anti-windup, auto-tuning, process variable alarms, process variable…
EPIC w/o I/O? Sure!
The groov EPIC system now includes a chassis option for applications that don’t need (or want) I/O. As Opto 22 continues to improve and extend the groov EPIC system, it’s pleased to announce the latest release of a new system chassis: GRV-EPIC-CHS0. This new chassis option is ideal for applications where I/O is not…
New OptoVideo: How to activate Ignition Edge on groov EPIC
Opto 22 just added a new video to the website video library: Activate Ignition Edge on groov EPIC. This video introduces you to Ignition Edge software from Inductive Automation, one of several programming choices available to you on the groov EPIC system, and it provides many options for connecting to popular PLCs. Secure and Simplify Your…
AutomationDirect Productivity1000 PLC has expanded capabilities
The Productivity1000 Stackable Micro PLC provides communications, user-friendly programming, integrated data storage, and a full lineup of discrete, analog and specialty I/O modules in a super-compact size. A new CPU, more power supplies, analog I/O modules and specialty high-speed I/O and PWM modules are now available for the P1000 PLC from AutomationDirect. The P1-550 CPU, […]
How to create a dual-use MOCVD platform
Improving the design of high-voltage switches in both consumer electronics and defense technologies for ships and aircraft, the semiconductor compound gallium oxide (Ga2O3) promises benefits across the electronics industries. However, the capabilities of this ultra-wide band gap compound must first be proven by researchers, such as Dr. Sriram Krishnamoorthy, assistant professor of electrical and computer…
Space-saving IPC series expanded with PCIe modules to accommodate additional interfaces
To further increase connectivity options in ultra-compact PC Control hardware, Beckhoff Automation has introduced the new C6032 Industrial PC (IPC). With dimensions of only 129 x 133 x 104 mm, the C6032 IPC enhances the scalability of the PC-based controller portfolio from Beckhoff. A high-performance device in a modular design, the C6032 adds two slots…
Chain-stretch monitoring system helps power transmission plant
Chain drives are a critical part of the manufacturing process in many industries, whether the chains act as conveyors for glass containers or transport automotive frames down kilometer-long production lines. Regardless of the industry, the vibration and constant pull on chain links can stretch, distort, and even break weakened links if they are not properly…
CX7000 embedded PC is an entry-level PC-based controller
The new CX7000 Embedded PC from Beckhoff opens up the convenience and efficiency of the TwinCAT 3 software environment to highly compact, DIN rail-mounted controllers. This further enhances the scalability of PC-based control technology from Beckhoff – ranging from mini-PLCs to many-core Industrial PCs. An advanced 400 MHz processor and built-in configurable I/Os mean this…
HMI and PLC combo streamlines modular automation equipment manufacturing
Edited by Mike Santora, Associate Editor Inovatech Automation is an automation integrator specializing in modular automation equipment, fixtures, and customized product solutions. When the company decided they were losing too much time and money through programming on expensive HMI and PLC platforms, they contacted Pro-Face America. Travis Buset, Director of Operations for Inovatech, explained that he…
VIDEO: Weintek HMIs with PLC functionality (and CODESYS programmability) support remote I/O connectivity
Automation relies on sensors, switches, motion axes, and actuating devices for production data. Connecting these nodes to controls are I/O modules — usually in the form of remote I/O with standalone hardware. But some new HMIs do double-duty as controllers to simplify integration and directly connect with remote I/O modules. For more information, visit https://www.designworldonline.com/video-weintek-cmt3090-hmi-supports-remote-access-and-control…
PC-based control keeps automation provider on the upswing
Automated Design Corporation (ADC) is a custom automation company specializing in machines for sporting goods. More than half of ADC projects are now related to the manufacturing of sports equipment as well as load frames and impact testers. To create consistent, repeatable results, ADC uses PC-based control technologies from Beckhoff. Since their introduction, the load…
Can smart technology combat the food crisis?
British scholar Thomas Robert Malthus once predicted that the world’s population would outgrow the rate of food production. While things have changed in the two centuries since, population projections indicate that we remain set for a global food crisis. But technology could offset the crisis. Thomas Malthus’ theory, which has since come to be known…
Modicon M241 PLC Delivers Best-in-Class communication, While Reducing Installation Time, Cost
Schneider Electric delivers with a solution that enhances control and communication, while reducing installation time and cost. Designed for high-performance compact machines incorporating speed and position control functions, the Modicon M241 programmable logic controller is well suited to control multiple machines by leveraging dual channel communications for handling both upstream and downstream communications simultaneously. The…
EZLogix, Modular Rack PLC with IIoT, USB Data logging, and Wifi Ready
The EZLogix automation controller is a low cost, advanced programmable logic controller (PLC) that is IIoT and Wifi Ready, has USB data logging up to 64 GB, unparalleled Free programming software and simulator package and much more. It is an American manufactured rugged modular rack din-rail mountable PLC with incredible features and prices with a…
Enhanced DirectLOGIC DL405 PLC CPUs added by AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added two new feature-enhanced CPUs to its DirectLOGIC DL405 programmable logic controller product line. The D4-454 and D4-454DC-1 provide all the capabilities of the D4-430, D4-440 and D4-450 CPUs, using updated microprocessor technology allowing the D4-454 to be the CPU of choice for the DL405 family. Both D4-454 CPUs include a built-in power…
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Launches Redundant Control System
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. has paired its proven iQ-R Series integrated control platform with a redundant function module to create a redundant process control system for applications that require highly reliable control. The iQ-R Series Process CPU/Redundant System is designed specifically for industries such as oil and gas, wastewater and building automation with applications that…
EZAutomation Showcase on Fox Business Network: 4/5/17
“EZAutomation. will appear on Manufacturing Marvels® a 2 minute spotlight seen nationally on The Fox Business Network® on April 5th.” Manufacturing Marvels is produced by Marvel Production Group, LLC Dallas Tx. EZAutomation, division of AVG Advanced Technologies, announced that its company will be seen on the national cable network The Fox Business Network. The production…
New Product Literature for Five Product Groups
WAGO announces the availability of five new informational brochures: EPSITRON® Power Supplies: A wide range of power supplies delivers constant supply voltages for a variety of industrial applications, now with multiple mounting options. 811 Series: Class CC and Midget fuse holders with lever actuation make wiring quick and intuitive. Power CAGE CLAMP®: Now with a…
AutomationDirect Expands Enclosure Air Conditioner Offering
AutomationDirect has expanded its Stratus® line of enclosure air conditioners to include compact models. Excessive heat inside an enclosure can cause nuisance faults from electrical and electronic components, circuit breakers, fuses, and controlling units such as PLCs, HMI, and AC drives. Stratus enclosure air conditioners are closed-loop cooling systems designed for harsh environments, or when…