Robots Take on Machining Apps, and more...

Home  |  Past Issues  |  Upcoming Events  |  On-Demand Events  |  Videos | Send to a Friend Industry Trends & Events . . . Trends Shaping Automation in 2012 Today's market forces require manufacturing companies to achieve greater operational holism and asset reliability to remain competitive. In response to these demands, manufacturers are beginning to administer quality business processes at the enterprise level, transitioning from plant-level manufacturing execution systems to technologies that manage the entire plant network holistically. These include manufacturing operations management systems, business process management technology, and unified data models. The article also examines how factory owners are tailoring investments to achieve greater interoperability, security, and safety.   ControlNet Self Healing Ring Ultra Electronics formerly Weed Instrument Company Save up to 50% — Modular Stacklights/Buzzers/Sirens Automationdirect.com ControlNet is its deterministic, repeatable transfers of mission-critical control data that supports non time-critical data transfers on the same physical wire. Building upon decades of innovation and global market leadership in industrial fiber optic networking, Ultra Electronics, NSPI has created the most robust line of ControlNet Fiber Optic Self-Healing Rings. WERMA modular stacklights allow safe, easy connection in seconds. The IP65 70 mm series (starting @ $20.50) offers up to five elements per base incandescent/LED/Xenon) with effects: permanent, blinking, rotating, flashing, and buzzers/sirens. The IP54 50 mm series allows up to four steady or blinking incandescent or LED lights and 80 dB audible element. Unique Profibus Connector VIPA Automation ISF for Gearing and Bearings  REM Surface Engineering VIPA Automation Connector offers effective design, speeding up implementation, connection, and troubleshooting. Four LEDs, are visible from both sides, indicate bus and device health status. Full metal case, with transparent cable slot, ensures high noise immunity at high transfer rate of 12MBaud for harsh conditions. Learn more... Gear and bearing components often have complex geometries as well as high-speed and efficiency requirements. REM's Isotropic Superfinish (ISF®) process reduces friction, resulting in extended component life and increased fuel efficiency. From REM Surface Engineering.
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Industrial Computers, Systems & Controllers . . . Learn More Robots Target Machining Applications Today's industrial robots are ill suited for machining applications because they lack positioning accuracy, immunity to process disturbances, and reliable programming and simulation tools. The European Commission, however, is funding work to overcome these shortcomings. Research groups are developing programming and simulation tools that ensure accurate path generation, tracking, and compensation (see videos). Their goal: reliable operational cells that perform CNC operations at reduced costs. For more on this subject, subscribe to the GlobalSpec e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Robotic Systems. The Evolution of Distributed Control Systems The shape of distributed control systems is changing. To reduce I/O cost and complexity, DCS suppliers are adding more intelligence and programmability to their hardware. This, in turn, has led to growing use of bus networks, wireless I/O, and commercial off-the-shelf technology. As a result, DCS networks and general IT infrastructure are becoming intertwined, creating new roles for server virtualization and smartphone and tablet interfaces. Communications & Connectivity . . . Learn More Making Mobiles Work for Manufacturing Machine Design examines the nuts and bolts of adapting iOS- and Android-based mobile devices to automation and control applications, and reviews some of the leading apps available today (see video). The report explains key issues, such as app vs. mobile-enabled Web site interfaces, latency, application development, integrated Web services, and security. The piece closes with a glimpse at potentially high-impact technologies. I/O Options and Trends The I/O issues confronting plant engineers are as numerous and complex as the control signals they contend with every day. This Control Design video examines fieldbus, Ethernet, and wireless I/O networking; centralized, distributed, and remote architectures; and PLC, DCS, and PC controller platforms. The experts in the video explain functionality choices and predict technology and application trends that will shape future manufacturing.   Reduce Your Energy Costs Opto 22 Polyline™ — Polycarbonate Enclosures Allied Moulded Products, Inc. OptoEMU makes real-time energy monitoring simple. View data online; use it in automation systems and databases; earn revenue from DR programs. Opto 22's easy-to-use OptoEMU Sensor and Sensor DR monitor your building/subpanels/equipment. Manufactured and supported in the U.S.A. Product support included. See OptoEMU now. Polyline™ Enclosures come standard with "industry exclusive" mounting options; out-of-the-box flange or adjustable feet. Features include: metallic or nonmetallic snap latches and molded-in latch keepers and mounting bosses, a tongue and groove seal design. Clear polycarbonate cover option for when critical electronic equipment must be visible and protected from the elements. Simplify Motion Control Testing Data Device Corporation (DDC) Custom and Standard Gear Reducers Toledo Gearmotor Company Save Time and Cost with Portable USB Synchro/Resolver Test System •  Fast and easy connections — no solder and no crimping •  Two independent programmable input channels and one minute accuracy •  On-board programmable reference oscillator and easy-to-use graphical user interface included. More info... Toledo Gearmotor Company offers acomplete line of custom and standard gear reducers, manufactured with experience and quality that has been proven since 1948. We are a complete machine shop, capable of modifying our product line or any parts to meet specific requirements. Power Strategies . . . Learn More The Green Effect of Drivetrain Optimization   To achieve maximum energy efficiency in industrial drivetrains, engineers must take a holistic approach rather than focus on individual components in isolation. This Control Engineering Europestudy examines optimization techniques for individual components and explains how success requires consideration of the interactions and synergies of each measure in combination with the others on an application-specific basis. The result can be a 60% energy savings. Liquid-cooled Servomotors for Precision Applications Heat and temperature fluctuations adversely affect precision applications such as the operation of machine tools. A new servomotor design, however, sidesteps this problem and maintains stable ambient temperatures by using liquid coolant and a cooling jacket. The design maintains the motor housing size and promises improved dynamic performance and almost triple the power density of standard air-cooled servomotors with the same flange size. Instruments, Sensors & Networking . . . Learn More Bluetooth LE's Place in Automation Bluetooth Low Energy creates an opportunity to integrate wireless sensors and actuators into industrial equipment. According to one expert, the other flavors of wireless are less than optimal because they are too expensive, too slow, or consume too much energy. This in-depth report explains the features that make Bluetooth LE robust, reliable, secure, and energy efficient enough for automation applications. Modbus — Still a Good Choice Modbus has been around nearly 30 years, but it's still one of the top communications protocols on the plant floor, and for good reason. It's simple, inexpensive, easy to use, and universal — plus it works well in both legacy and greenfield infrastructures. APlant Engineering tutorial explains Modbus basics, from message formats and memory to how well it plays with HART, Ethernet, and wireless.   It's Your Advantage over the Competition LINAK U.S. Inc. Custom Gearboxes and Gearheads Precipart Corporation Improve efficiency and boost productivity with electric actuators. Use a proven alternative to hydraulic and pneumatic — the LINAK LA36 electric actuator, designed to operate under extreme conditions. Benefit from a simplified system design, easy installation, various positioning feedback options, zero maintenance, lower costs, efficient power usage, and low noise. Precipart engineers develop motion control solutions for worldwide customers who rely on the company for their critical gear specifications and demanding requirements. Custom gears and gearboxes are our core competency...and we dedicate our resources and expertise in providing you with the exact motion control solution for your project or application. FUTEK's Webinar:  Exploring Load Cells: Through a Miniature S-Beam Jr. Sensor — 2/15/2012 On February 15, FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. will present "Exploring Load Cells: Through a Miniature S-Beam Jr. Sensor". Join your peers for this free, informative, and interactiveONLINE webinar — right from the convenience of your desktop. Learn more about FUTEK's S-Beam Jr. miniature load cells for test and measurement applications. Register today!