AR is poised to bring major improvements in industrial efficiency, making phones and tablets obsolete. There’s been a lot of effort to improve productivity and reduce costs by bringing smart phones and tablets into the industrial world. But Bob Meads is predicting that in just a few years, these handhelds will fade away as industrial companies … [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 Fail-Safe ET 200SP Module for SIMATIC Automation Systems
The Siemens SIMATIC ET 200 is an I/O system for use inside and outside control cabinets. Modular design allows it to be easily scaled and expanded in small steps: digital and analog inputs/outputs, CPUs with full S7-1500 functionality, safety technology, motor … [Read More...]
Siemens Brings Safety and Reliability to the Orlando Eye
Transporting 1500 passengers per hour to a height of 400 feet with safety and reliably is an awesome responsibility. Continuing it 14 hours per day, 365 days per year requires the utmost confidence in the control system vendor. That’s why the Coca Cola Orlando Eye … [Read More...]
Siemens IPCs with SSDs
Solid state drives (SSDs) have taken the IT world by storm. While PCs have traditionally always shipped with hard disk drives (HDDs), more and more now contain SSDs. As a result, shipment numbers of hard disk drives (HDDs) have been in steady decline since the … [Read More...]
Fast Entry into PC-Based Automation Via SIMATIC IPC Starter Systems
PC-based automation enables facilities to implement applications and solutions that far exceed the functions of a classic controller. Siemens SIMATIC industrial PC-based (IPC) products offer flexible, innovative platforms to meet the challenges of the digital … [Read More...]
Four Ways to Turn a Basic Controller into an Automation Dynamo
Automation in today’s manufacturing environment is being called on to perform increasingly complex tasks faster and more efficiently. While advanced controllers are typically top of mind to perform such functions, smaller controllers should never be ruled out as … [Read More...]
Siemens Technology Modernizes Town Water Supply
The problems inherent in bringing fresh water to communities have been in the news in recent times. Aging infrastructure, poor filtration, pollution and lack of adequate controls can lead to unhealthy conditions and undersupply. The town of Tega Cay, South … [Read More...]
Drive Modules Add Wireless Commissioning
Siemens Sinamics G120 drive series now includes an option for wireless commissioning and service. The Smart Access module enables wireless connectivity of mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and laptops over Wi-Fi to Sinamics G120 and Sinamics G120C … [Read More...]
Thin Clients Offer Many Sizes, Extensive Connectivity
The SIMATIC ITC V3 and SIMATIC ITC V3 PRO Industrial Thin Clients now come in three sizes, 15, 19 and 22 inches, all providing high-resolution, capacitive widescreen fronts. Version 3 of the high performance clients includes diverse communication protocols, making … [Read More...]
Comfort Panels Provide Ruggedness for Food, Pharma
Selected INOX Comfort Panels have been upgraded to withstand high pressure washing and other challenging requirements arising in the food and pharmaceutical industry. The touch sensitive HMI devices all meet the IP69K degree of protection, some permit two-finger … [Read More...]
Industry Leaders Share How to Make Digitalization Real
Siemens recently held its 23rd annual Automation Summit. This is a time when the Siemens team gathers with end users and solutions partners for a few days of best practice sharing and networking. Whether a first-time or regular attendee, there’s tremendous interest … [Read More...]
Oil, Gas Industries Fuel Demand for Seamless Pipes
A drive for efficiency prompted pipe manufacturer Tenaris to automate operation of its largest factory. In recent years, the oil and gas industry worldwide has responded to severe market-pricing pressures by finding ways to gain new efficiencies. That impacts … [Read More...]
Better Beer Via Automated Brewing
Consumers are becoming far more discerning about their beer. That’s why craft brewing is a booming business. According to the Brewers Association, craft beer production grew 5% in the U.S. while the beer market as a whole fell by 1%. Small and independently owned … [Read More...]
Preparing for an Electric Vehicle Future with the eMobility Module – SIMATIC ET 200SP TM ECC 2xPWM ST
Electric vehicles (EVs) look very much like the wave of the future. 2017 was a landmark year for worldwide sales of EVs. The number of plug-ins available in the U.S. is now more than 40. In addition to models like the Prius and Tesla, other major car manufacturers … [Read More...]
SINAMICS V20 Smart Access
Rapid access to systems plays a critical role in their success. User frustration can quickly build if complexity or too much restriction exists about how machinery and equipment are accessed. The Siemens SINAMICS V20 Smart Access web server module solves this issue … [Read More...]
Boosting Automation Engineering Productivity with TIA Portal Add-Ons
Manufacturers that embrace digitalization are benefitting through operational agility, greater efficiency and increased ROI. Similarly, the adoption of digitalization in automation engineering software can reduce engineering costs, improve productivity, and shorten … [Read More...]
