Most people are familiar with door control technology in supermarkets and other public places. As you approach the entrance, a sensor is triggered. The door then opens – or at least, it is supposed to. Sometimes the door moves too slowly. Sometimes the sensor is triggered when people are passing as opposing to entering/leaving the building. At … [Read More...]
More Totally Integrated Automation
Space Saving High-Density Expansion I/O Modules for Popular S7-1200 Line
High density, four- and eight-channel modules offer twice the number of channels per module in the same standard expansion module case size. New space saving analog modules for the SIMATIC S7-1200 compact controller give users a range of capabilities for many … [Read More...]
Compact Starter Protects Motors
Distributed motor starter provides IP65 protection. The M200D AS-Interface Basic distributed motor starter line offers both small size and a high level of protection for spatially distributed motor applications. Designed for material handling and conveying … [Read More...]
The Many Benefits of Biomass Energy
As the fastest growing renewable energy industry, biofuels offer manufacturers a low-cost, sustainable and proven energy source. As political and social pressure mounts to adopt more sustainable energy practices, there has been a burst of research aimed at … [Read More...]
Cutting Cost With COTS: Leveraging Commercial Hardware
Office technologies are taking hold, but not without changes. The ubiquitous PC architectures, Ethernet and wireless networking are transforming industrial applications, helping integrators reduce costs. The industrial world is continuing to move to … [Read More...]
Reducing Energy Consumption Offers Huge Potential Savings
Equipment makers help in the drive to cut energy usage. A number of factors are pressuring companies into going green and conserving energy. Uncertainty about spiking prices and an increasingly stringent regulatory environment, not to mention changing public … [Read More...]
Software Service Pack Expands Functionality
Upgrade gives S7-1200 expanded HMI tag count and enhanced indirect addressing. Service Pack 2 for Step 7 Basic, the next generation Simatic engineering software for S7-1200 compact controllers and Simatic Basic HMI panels, targets the need for enhanced indirect … [Read More...]
Upgraded Tools Simplify Web Development
The LOGO! 8.2 basic devices, TDE and LOGO! Soft Comfort, support custom Web pages with Web server integrated in each device. Both are available for immediate shipments. LOGO! Soft Comfort V8.2 makes it easy to create specialized applications, featuring an … [Read More...]
PCs, PLCs Unite to Improve Efficiency
Multifunctional Platform brings best of both worlds Programmable controllers and personal computers are both powerful tools in industrial environments, each providing different benefits that help companies speed production and improve efficiency. Plant floor … [Read More...]
Automation Slashes Package Delivery Times
Material handling equipment enables faster times for shipping orders The market for automated material handling equipment is growing by leaps and bounds as consumer demand evolves from a world that once found 4-to-6-week delivery windows acceptable to one where a … [Read More...]
Rugged Flat Panels Provide HD Resolution
Industrial Flat Panel monitors that offer full High Definition (HD) resolution are ready for delivery. The ruggedized 15-, 19- and 22-inch displays provide touch input and the option to operate the devices isolated with 24 V DC. The wide-screen displays have a … [Read More...]
Crafting New Solutions for Brewers
Digital systems let brewer try more flavors, ramp up for hot sellers Intense competition in the brewing and distilling field is driving a significant digital transformation. Time-to-market is essential for craft brewers who need to capture consumer interest before … [Read More...]
Controllers Add Motion Control Functionality
The SIMATIC S7-1500 controller family is being upgraded with a pair of advanced CPUs that give the controller family motion control capabilities. The 1516T-3 PN/DP and 1516TF-3 PN/DP, handling tasks and functions such as speed, position, gearing, camming, and … [Read More...]
Global Aerospace Manufacturer Reduces Risks of Production Disruptions with RFID
Maine-based Caron Engineering develops advanced CNC hardware and software solutions to improve performance, productivity and profitability. A global jet engine manufacturer approached the company to find a way to better manage the tools used by its CNC machines. … [Read More...]
HMI Design: The Key to Process Efficiency
Instant impressions are important. Visitors quickly flee from a poorly designed website to others with more visual appeal. It is the same with the Human Machine Interface (HMI). Some companies go to great lengths to ensure their product caters to every possible … [Read More...]
Beginning the IoT Journey:
Establishing Connectivity and Finding IoT Value in the Cloud Many predict that the Internet of Things (IoT) will transform the world as we know it. That’s why many companies have begun developing IoT applications. However, a study by Gartner showed 60% of IoT … [Read More...]
How to Implement a PROFINET Controller on a PC
In a challenging economy, industrial manufacturers look for ways to reduce costs. For example, many now harness standard PCs or internally developed embedded systems. They develop control applications and host them on PCs. As well as lower cost, this can provide … [Read More...]
The SIMATIC PN/BACnet LINK
PROFINET (Process Field Net) is the standard for industrial networking in automation. It brings Ethernet to the factory floor where it collects data from, and controls industrial systems, equipment, devices and systems to improve the quality and efficiency of … [Read More...]
New Display Sizes Extend Rugged Modules
Family offers versatile mounting, large memory capacities The SIMATIC IPC477E PRO now comes in 15-, 19- and 22-inch versions, expanding the portfolio of Siemens PRO devices. Rugged aluminum enclosures help the line provide all around IP65-rated protection. The … [Read More...]
Gateway Links PROFINET and CAN
Connects up to 126 nodes The SIMATIC PN/CAN LINK communications gateway lets users connect a PROFINET network to a CAN or CANopen fieldbus and exchange data between the two networks. The module gives the user the option of communicating with up to 126 CAN nodes. … [Read More...]
Wall Mounts Simplify Drive Installation
Rugged kits save space, speed setup Wall-mounting kits for Siemens Sinamics G120C and G120 PM240-2 modular drives allow easy, fast installation of the drives. The low-cost kits conform to NEMA 1 and UL Type 1 standards for interior applications. These wall-mount … [Read More...]
Time Sensitive Network Usage Speeds Up
TSN, OPC UA combine to address growing demand for real-time communications The automation world’s drive to do more intricate tasks at increasingly higher speeds is driving interest in Time Sensitive Networking, which lets systems handle real-time communications. … [Read More...]
