Organizations often go to great lengths to increase their processing capabilities, and to beef up the amount of available storage. But without a reliable network with enough bandwidth and throughput, bottlenecks are inevitable. At the same time, the rise of cloud computing, the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and a relentless push toward … [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...]
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...]
Searching for Depth in Cybersecurity
Protecting networks becomes mainstream industrial activity Industrial security has transformed from an afterthought to an important concern over the past several years. Devising efficient strategies for operational networks must now be part of corporate planning … [Read More...]
Integrating Holistic Safety Yields Major Benefits
Integrated safety for motor control centers demonstrates gains from overall architecture Safety has evolved beyond protecting workers, extending to factors that include an integrated, affirmative view of product safety and brand protection. Safeguarding … [Read More...]
Introduction to Arc Flash: Avoidance and Mitigation
Every day, 5 to 10 arc flash injuries result in hospitalization. But that number doesn't even begin to capture risk, as it isn't taking into account a far greater number of smaller arc flash-related accidents or injuries. As many arc flash occurrences do not result … [Read More...]
Robotics Thrive Due to Automation Improvements and Tax Incentives
Robotics have been a mainstay of large-scale manufacturing for years. From automotive assembly lines to welding, painting, assembly, printed circuit boards, packaging and labeling, there are now millions of robots deployed in industrial applications. But the high … [Read More...]
Connected Food and Beverage Manufacturing: Unlocking the Benefits of Digitalization
According to recent studies, conversion to a digital enterprise could help the global food and beverage manufacturing industry reduce production costs and increase margins by anywhere from $290 billion and $450 billion. This won't happen, however, due to the … [Read More...]
SIMATIC IPC327E Box PC – the Building Block of the Digital Factory
The digital factory is the goal of ongoing industry initiatives to digitize factories, and enterprise operations. In manufacturing and production, being able to link information across all levels of the organization and all systems opens the door to unprecedented … [Read More...]
New Firmware Adds Power and Functionality to SIMATIC S7-1500 and ET 200 Controllers
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 Advanced Controllers offer maximum performance for medium-sized to high-end machines and automation systems that experience high demands on performance, communication, flexibility, and technology. SIMATIC ET 200SP controllers are designed to … [Read More...]
WinCC Capabilities Rise, Price Doesn’t
Support for more functions lets users do more The latest update of SIMATIC WinCC/PerformanceMonitor brings significant improvements at no cost to users. It adds support for Microsoft Windows Server 2016, SIMATIC Process Historian 2014 SP2 Update 3, and SIMATIC … [Read More...]
Desert City’s Water Never Stops
UPS helps keep El Paso’s water supply running smoothly Having enough water to meet the demands for the fourth largest city in Texas wasn’t the biggest challenge facing El Paso Water (EPWater) technicians. Keeping it flowing all the time proved to be a major … [Read More...]
Comfort Panel Lifetimes Extended
Redesign ensures long-term parts availability SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels from 15 to 22 inches have been redesigned to ensure that spare parts will be available over the long term. These advances have been made without altering functionality or pricing. The … [Read More...]
Brewing Up a Potent Automation Solution
Automation has helped premium brewer outpace industry’s growth Overall beer sales are flat, whereas craft brewer sales continues to grow, with retail dollar sales of craft up 10%, to $23.5 billion, accounting for nearly 22% of the $107.6 billion U.S. beer … [Read More...]
