RFID Readers Fit Many Applications

The need to identify and track parts and packages at high speeds with high reliability levels is driving far wider use of radio frequency identification. Siemens is broadening its offerings in this field with a compact, cost-effective RFID reader system, the SIMATIC RF200. Designed for intra logistics and small assembly lines, the SIMATIC RF200 RFID readers support the ISO 15693 RFID standard, operating at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. It meets a wide range of application requirements... Read More

Rugged Industrial Laptop Offers Broad Capability

The SIMATIC Field PG M3 industrial notebook brings a host of options including wireless technology and Bluetooth connectivity to industrial applications. It also offers capabilities that are state of the art in commercial systems, offering an Intel Core i5 processor, high-resolution 15.6″ widescreen display. The laptop comes in two versions, with a third offering Premium capabilities and additional interfaces that let it connect to S5 PLCs. The M3 has a dual core 1.86 GHz... Read More

Case study: Advanced Process Control Enables New Technique for Manufacturing Photovoltaic Cells

Manufacturer innovates with new manufacturing method that slashes production costs in half while increasing product quality. An advanced, open-architecture control system that handled both process and discrete control was a key requirement. Having a commercially-viable innovation is only the first step in the birth of a new company. The idea leads to proof of concept and then – all things being positive – you have to ramp to full production and that means making the right... Read More

Siemens, Intel, and Microsoft Team Up to Envision Production Line of the Future

At the heart of the new Innovative Production Line (IPL) proof of concept is an end-to-end enterprise connectivity architecture that extends to cloud services. Green manufacturing, immersive 3D user interfaces, continuous optimization, and energy management all play a role. Industrial automation is rapidly evolving as information technology drives new levels of efficiency and productivity.  As a result, customers in the industry are demanding solutions that are both innovative... Read More

ISO 12100 Machinery Safety Standard Explained

A primer on the newly updated ISO 12100 machine safety standard, the three types of standards it encompasses, and how it helps designers identify risks during the design stage of machine production, reducing the potential for accidents. ISO 12100:2010 (ISO 12100) specifies basic terminology, principles, and a methodology for achieving safety in the design of machinery. It specifies principles of risk assessment and risk reduction to help designers achieve this objective. These... Read More