SIMATIC Rack IPC Doubles Speed and Improves Graphics

The SIMATIC IPC547D addresses applications that need a lot of computing capabilities, offering twice as much computing performance and three to five times the graphics performance of its predecessor. However, the latest module from Siemens Industry Automation Division still uses the same mounting, interfacing and software. This dramatic increase in performance is provided with a range of models so users can select the price points that fit their applications. The controllers offer... Read More

HMI is Small yet Powerful

An HMI Panel from Siemens Industry Automation Division can replace both a panel or text display and an alarm indicator, yet it is small enough to squeeze into very limited space conditions. Though it is small, the 3.6 inch KP300 has an FSTN display with plenty of versatility. Its backlight color can be programmed for many functions, showing white, green, yellow or red backgrounds to provide easy visual information about the nature of the message being displayed. The monochrome... Read More

How Increasing Safety Standards Actually Reduces Operating Cost

In a challenge to conventional wisdom that increasing safety adds cost, new research and evidence reveals the opposite. In a recent survey conducted by Aberdeen Group, best-in-class companies created a safer working environment for their employees, and in doing so were able to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace by improving productivity and achieving higher operational efficiencies. Separately, IMS Research reported that global revenues for discrete machine safety components... Read More

Code Readers Offer Versatility, Speed

A line of stationary 1D/2D code readers from the Siemens Industry Automation Division is characterized by its high reading reliability and speed as well as by diverse communication and connection possibilities. The rugged Simatic MV440 code-reading systems, which feature high protection rating IP67, read data matrix codes such as direct part marks (DPMs) under difficult ambient conditions in industrial environments. The readers have many lighting options so they can be adapted... Read More

Extreme Manufacturing Makeover: Latex Mattress Manufacturer Automates from Scratch

After a devastating fire, Latex International built a new manufacturing operation from the ground up. The automation strategy, including totally networked processes with SCADA, enabled much higher throughput with 20% less floor space and 37% fewer employees. Part of an occasional series. The morning of May 15, 2001 caused more than a few sleepless nights for the executives and workers of Shelton, Conn.-based Latex International (LI), which is somewhat ironic as the company is... Read More

Benefits and Latest Advances of 2D Bar Codes for Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturers

An explanation of how 2D bar codes can benefit tracking and tracing of consumer packaged goods throughout the supply chain, including a quick overview of recent advances that simplify integration and operation of 2D bar code readers. Data matrix codes bring manufacturers plenty of benefits without adding a lot of cost or complexity to manufacturing lines. These 2D codes can help marketers create a range of variants such as regional packages and holiday specials, while also providing... Read More

SITOP Power Supply

Siemens Industry has expanded its power supply offering with new additions to the SITOP product family. The SITOP PSU100C controlled power supplies for the low-end performance range offer a number of new benefits including increased efficiency and an extremely slimline design that makes them ideal for distributed applications because they can be installed in small control boxes or control cabinets on the shop floor. “No matter what industry we are talking about, whether it is... Read More

LOGO Ethernet

Siemens Industry has announced a new range of Logo! logic modules equipped with integral Ethernet interfaces. The new devices, with communication and network capabilities are geared to meeting more demanding applications.  The logic modules are simple to integrate into an existing structure via Ethernet and can be combined, for example, with PCs, Simatic S7 PLCs or Simatic HMI (Human Machine Interface) components. This provides Logo! users with new options for data storage and... Read More

HMI Comfort Panels Deliver Integrated Functionality for Demanding Visualization Tasks

Siemens Industry is continuing to roll out devices that enhance and extend the reach of its Totally Integrated Automation Portal – a unified engineering environment that simplifies the engineering tasks associated with automation projects. One result is significant time reduction during application development.  The latest offering is a new series of high performance SIMATIC HMI operator panels which deliver integrated functionality for demanding visualization tasks. “A big... Read More

Case Study: Dairy Food Company Proves Wireless Networking is Ready for Mission-Critical Control

Texas ice cream manufacturer replaces five aging PLC’s with one modern PLC on each of its three automated storage and retrieval systems, all outfitted with wireless Ethernet for control. Also: Seven things to know before implementing wireless on the plant floor. Although wireless networking is no longer new in the realm of industrial automation, many manufacturers are still reluctant to depend on wireless for control applications. “The primary concerns people have about trusting... Read More