GE (NYSE:GE) Fanuc Intelligent Platforms announced the release of the 0i-D series, the latest in its line of high performance CNC systems, at IMTS 2008 being held in Chicago’s McCormick Place. This new highly reliable CNC is the latest generation in the highly successful 0i family and provides customers with an excellent cost to performance…
FAST Team from GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms
Chicago, IL — GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms announced a new initiative, Factory Automation Solution Technology (FAST), providing a team dedicated to help customers identify untapped ways to get more productivity from machine tools and drive Lean operations throughout their business. Many of the FAST solutions will be demonstrated at IMTS 2008 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.…
Dual-Port Ethernet Controller
GERMANTOWN, WI ‚– Integrated Ethernet switch functionality enables WAGO‚’s new 750-871 ETHERNET TCP/IP 2-Port Programmable Fieldbus Controller to optimize networking capabilities while streamlining associated costs. The 750-871 is easily integrated into existing Ethernet networks while minimizing the overall number of components. The controller can link the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM to the ETHERNET fieldbus and the dual RJ-45…
Two New Modules for PACSystems RX3i
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms announced the availability of two new modules for its popular PACSystems RX3i that reduce downtime, provide high resolution for improved process control and high performance sampling of data to improve throughput. The new isolated Thermocouple analog input modules and isolated Resistive Temperature Device (RTD) module deliver channel-to-channel isolation for performance and…
Simpler Ladder Interface ProgrammingÂ
Galil Ladder Interface Software converts Relay Ladder Logic programs into deterministic code for its compact RIO-471×0 PLC. Direct RIO programming using two-letter text instructions makes coding flexible, but it is often easier to determine the I/O logic visually with Ladder Logic. The software has an easy-to-use graphical interface that provides object types for contacts, coils,…
12V DC MicroSmart Pentra from IDEC
Sunnyvale, CA ‚– The MicroSmart Pentra from IDEC is known for its speed, flexibility and power. Now with the introduction of a new 12V DC model, IDEC is going green too. With abundant features and unparalleled performance, the new 12V DC MicroSmart Pentra is the perfect choice for eco-friendly solar applications, including traffic signs, lighting…
Small PLCs for Ethernet TCP/IP
Beckhoff‚’s BC9120, BC9020, and BC9050 Ethernet PLCs for the Bus Terminal I/O system include a direct connection to Beckhoff I/O terminals and can be operated as a stand-alone PLC or as decentralized intelligence in an Ethernet network. They all implement the Modbus TCP, ADS/TCP, ADS/UDP, BootP, DHCP, SNTP, and SMTP protocols. The BC9050 Bus Terminal…
Protect Your Machine Control Programs
Secure Strategy Distribution System is part of PAC Project‚â„¢ version 8.2, the automation software suite that includes control programming, HMI development, OPC connectivity, and enterprise database integration components. This software system lets you encrypt firmware and control programs so they can only be uploaded or downloaded to a controller through a secure encryption key. The…
China PLC Market
Dedham, Massachusetts — Buoyant foreign direct investment flowing into China, accompanied by rising consumer demand, is propelling the country’s manufacturing sector, which in turn is driving the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) market in China. The China market for PLCs is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4% over the next…
EPLAN Electric P8 Software
A direct editing function lets you edit properties such as device tags and function texts directly where they are displayed in the wiring diagrams without having to call up a device dialog box. Changes made using the in-place editing feature are automatically updated online wherever the same information is referenced in the project. Modifications can…
Beckhoff Automation Introduces the Ultra Compact CX9010 Embedded PC
MINNEAPOLIS, To increase processing power in some of the smallest DIN rail mounted Embedded PCs available, Beckhoff Automation has introduced the new CX9010. With the previous introduction of the CX9000 Embedded PC series, Beckhoff repackaged PC-based control technology into its most compact form – a Bus Coupler-sized housing. The new CX9010 differs from the CX9000,…
Speed Boost For UEIPAC Series Of Programmable Automation Controllers
(Walpole, MA) – United Electronic Industries (UEI) is pleased to announce a major enhancement/upgrade to the popular UEIPAC series of programmable automation controllers. Both maximum sample rate and the PAC’s ability to process PID loops have been sped up by greater than a factor of eight. The UEIPAC now allows analog input sample rates up…
High-resolution analog modules
DirectLOGIC option modules now include 16-bit high-resolution analog modules for the DL05 and DL06 PLCs. The F0-08ADH-1 eight-channel current input module operates with a 0 to 20 mA input range. The F0-08ADH-2 has jumper-selectable input ranges of 0 to 5 Vdc or 0 to 10 Vdc. The four-channel F0-04DAH-1 and eight-channel F0-08DAH-1 current output modules…
Machine Tool Productivity
Hoffman Estates, IL — A new brochure is available from Bosch Rexroth, detailing solutions for improving productivity, flexibility, reliability and profitability of machine tools. The free brochure can be downloaded here. The cross-technology brochure spans assembly, electric drives and controls, hydraulics, linear motion and pneumatics technology groups, showcasing the products and technology available to manufacturers…
Rexroth IndraLogic PLC Platform Provides DeviceNet and Ethernet IP Connectivity
(Hoffman Estates, IL – www.boschrexroth-us.com) Bosch Rexroth offers a universal control system in its IndraLogic PLC platform, now with DeviceNet and EtherNet IP connectivity, the latest in the company’s Indra automation family to serve the North American, European, and Asian markets. Users can now choose their dominant field bus with minimal engineering changes. Uniform DeviceNet…
Fourth Straight Year of Growth for Bosch Rexroth
Lohr, Germany — Bosch Rexroth AG, parent company of Bosch Rexroth Corporation (Hoffman Estates, IL www.boschrexroth-us.com), increased sales in 2006 by 7.1 percent to approximately $6.2 billion (4.9 billion Euros). The company achieved this growth in all technology fields and in all regions. Under the brand name of Rexroth, the company offers all drive and…
Keithley Publishes New Handbook
Cleveland, Ohio – March 2007 – Keithley Instruments, Inc., a leader in solutions for emerging measurement needs, has published “Understanding New Developments in Data Acquisition, Measurement, and Control.” The 220+-page data acquisition handbook is a practical guide to high performance test and measurement and is available for no charge at www.ggcomm.com/Keithley/MAR07DAQ_NR.html. The handbook is divided…
IDEC MicroSmart Micro PLC Expands Functionality
Sunnyvale, CA — IDEC Corporation offers newly expanded functionality to thier MicroSmart Micro PLC and a new RS232C communication module that enables configuration of up to seven serial devices. Modules can include an HMI, PC, barcode reader, RFID equipment, printer and more. The communication module easily snaps onto the right side of MicroSmart CPU modules…
Beckhoff Automation Establishes Subsidiary in Brazil
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — To increase sales and engineering support for customers in South America, Beckhoff Automation has opened its newest subsidiary in Brazil. Together with distribution partners in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, Beckhoff is now represented in four countries on the South American continent. Beckhoff Automação Industrial Ltda. is based in São Bernardo do Campo,…
SPS/IPC/DRIVES Final Summary
SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2006 show turned out to be an excellent show in terms of scope and technologies presented, and kept a clear fresh focus on drives (DC/AC/SERVOS), controllers (MOTION/PLC/SAFETY), and networks (CANBUS, SERCOS III, Ethernet I/P, EtherCAT, ProfiNET, PowerLINK, & others).The results in short: Exhibition space: 77,500 sqm (2005: 73,000 sqm) Exhibitiors:1,203 (2005: 1,160) Visitors:more than…
SPS/IPC/Drives Day 2
Wow! What a show. I thought is was crowded yesterday, but by mid-morning most hallways were so packed, you almost felt you were at a sporting event! Surprises coming from companies not usually known for having motion products such as motors/drives/controllers/software, are now bringing it out at the SPS show. Pilz, known as a world…
SPS/IPC/Drives Day 1
SPS/IPC/Drives show in Nürnburg is a break out show! Today I spent the majority of the day walking the show and here is what left an impression: Dozens of companies showing and demonstrating drives and motion controls. It reminds me of the Tokyo System Fair that I attended ten years ago in which company after…
Rockwell Automation PACK EXPO Highlights
MILWAUKEE, Wi — PACK EXPO this year, Rockwell Automation (Booth No. N-4457) will demonstrate how its wide range of integrated control and information systems can provide manufacturers with significant productivity and cost savings benefits while helping OEMs enhance their competitive position. With a “What Matters” theme, the Rockwell Automation booth will explore issues that are…
ARC Predicts PLC Market to Hit $10 Billion Mark
DEDHAM Massachusetts — ARC released a new study indicating the demand for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), a key automation component in the discrete, hybrid, and process industries, will grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% over the next five years. The PLC market was nearly $7.5 billion in 2005 according to ARC…