The New Kollmorgen Engineer's Library

One definition of an engineer is someone who's always curious about the way things work, and how to make them work better.

Just for those people, we've created a new Engineer's Library, with resources to help you envision, design and realize a better machine.

First up, we have three white papers on servo drive technologies, full-frequency auto-tuning and solutions for flexo printing. We'll be updating the Engineer's Library several times per year, so check in often.

Visit the Engineer's Library.

Big Wave Surfing by Kenneth J. Thurber Ph.D.

Big Wave Surfing: Extreme Technology Development, Management, Marketing & Investing presents the issues of our innovation-based, technology driven economy in an understandable form through the exciting analogy of big wave surfing.

It's written for entrepreneurs, investors, managers, or anybody who wants to glide into the flow of abundance just like riding a big wave.

Order your copy today!

Congratulations to our iPad winners!

During Rockwell Automation Fair 2012, held in Chicago, IL, Automation.com offered attendees who subscribed to our e-newsletters a chance to win an iPad. Congratulations to our two winners:

Mark R. - Winchester, KY
Chao C. - New Berlin, WI

There's still time to take an expert-led ISA technical training course in 2011

Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control (FG07): December 5-9, Research Triangle Park, NC Register Now

PLC/PAC Automation: Advanced System Integration, Programming, and Design (TC36P): December 5-9, Research Triangle Park, NC
Register Now

Installing, Calibrating, and Maintaining Electronic Instruments (TI25): December 12-16, Research Triangle Park, NC Register Now

MES Integration Engineer

This is an opportunity to work in a fast paced project execution environment in CA or OR. Both a Senior and Mid-level position open.

View Job Details and Apply!

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Why is good control important?
By Dick Caro for InTech
It takes a lot of effort to attain "good control." Certainly, loop tuning is taught, but few control/instrument engineers actually practice loop tuning. Understanding ways to improve control makes engineers more valuable to their company and improves operations.

A New HMI Software Product. Why?
By Bill Lydon for Automation.com
I was recently introduced to a new HMI software offering, Tatsoft FactoryStudio. My first reaction was - Why does the industry need another HMI software product? I interviewed Tatsoft CEO and founder, Marcos Taccolini to learn more.

2011 Salary Tables, Charts & Graphs - Oh My!
By Automation.com
The results of our 2011 Salary Survey are in. Because many of you are highly analytical, we published a number of salary-related tables, charts, and graphs on Automation.com, including a breakdown of average salaries by regions within the U.S. See how you stack up.

Browse more Articles by topic on our Automation Portals.

A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge, 2nd Edition - $129.00
A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge, 2nd Edition, has been updated and additional topics added covering custom software, control equipment structure, and continuous emissions monitoring systems to better provide the reader with comprehensive information about all major topics in the broad field of automation.

Rockwell Automation announces Energy-Saving Calculator app
App lets users compare conventional methods, such as valves for pump control and dampers for fan control, to variable frequency drives, to see estimated cost savings.

BEI Kimco Introduces Calculation Tool for Voice Coil Actuators
Tool calculates the optimum Linear Voice Coil Actuator size for a given application.

Browse more Resources by topic on our Automation Portals.

ASI introduces S8 Miniature Photoelectric Sensors
The S8 Series offers an outstanding detection performance, which is the ideal solution for the food and beverage industry, electronic plants, packaging lines, test and assembling machines and automotive.

OMEGA releases NS series touch screen HMIs
NS series can monitor ladder programs without using a personal computer.

Advantech releases two Atom-based DIN-rail computers
UNO-1170A and UNO-1170AE1G DDR2 RAM have an Intel Atom N270 processor, fanless design, compact size, energy efficient power consumption, and wide temperature operating range of -10 to 60°C.

Novotechnik introduces Vert-X 90E rotary angle sensors
These sensors use a magnetic pick up that is secured to the rotating object, so there is no direct mechanical linkage between the shaft and the measuring system.

Acromag announces AXM-A75 I/O extension module
AXM-A75 I/O module plugs into PMC and XMC cards to provide front-end A/D conversion, D/A outputs, and discrete level monitoring/control functions.

Thomas & Betts adds coatings to conduit fittings
Form 7 and Form 8 Conduit Outlet Bodies have interior BlueKote finish, which creates a smooth surface that facilitates wire pulling and prevents wire damage.

Servo2Go introduces Vacuum Stages & Actuators
Low-vacuum units use vacuum compatible greases and epoxies. High-vacuum units have components rated for low out-gassing and low CVCM.

Banner releases Q26 Photoelectric Sensor
Q26 provides reliable detection of clear, translucent or opaque objects, including mirror-like surfaces.

MTS Sensors enhances R-Series Sensors
Enhancements include a detached electronics housing that allows electronics to be removed from harsh environments,

Hamamatsu introduces deuterium light source units
L11798 and L11799 light sources offer ultrahigh brightness for a wide variety of UV inspection applications.

Browse MORE new products introduced this week

Datalogic acquires Accu-Sort for $135 million
Accu-Sort produces Automatic Identification (Auto-ID) systems, with revenues of approximately $92 million in 2010.

HANNOVER MESSE 2012 focuses on sustainability
By adopting "greentelligence" as its keynote theme, HANNOVER MESSE 2012 has put the spotlight squarely on green technologies as a central growth driver for industry.

Francis Tuttle Technology Center awarded for Manufacturing Education
SME selects Francis Tuttle Technology Center as one of six exemplary schools for community-based manufacturing education.

HMS announces partner program
The program targets system integrators, machine builders and other companies wishing to include Anybus gateways and Netbiter remote management solutions in their offering.

EtherNet/IP usage grows
ARC says the highest percentage of all industry Ethernet nodes shipped worldwide is for EtherNet/IP devices.

B&R's John Kowal elected to PMMI board
Kowal is the first Supplier Member to be elected to the PMMI board, a recognition of the key role suppliers play in the advancement of packaging technology.

Other Company & Organization News:

• HMS starts green automation initiative
• Intelligrated to double its Headquarters and add jobs
• Igus continues cable carrier contest
• European HVAC Drives Market to expand

Browse more Company & Organization News by topic on our Automation Portals.

ABB to supply spectroradiometer to Canadian space agency
The instrument will monitor weather and climate changes throughout the Arctic region.

ABB to hoist ore in Australia
ABB will design, supply and commission all the electrical and mechanical equipment for a new ground-mounted mine ore hoist system.

Browse more Project News by topic on our Automation Portals.

New Job Postings

• Business Development Manager: Ann Arbor, MI
• Electrical Controls Engineer: Baltimore, MD
• Process Technology Engineer: Eastern, IL
• MES Integration Engineer: California
• Lead Engineer: Walnut Creek, CA

To view all job postings, please use our Job Search Function. For recruiting and contract staffing services, please visit www.automationtechies.com.

Is your company hiring?
If so, Automation.com can help. Post your job and tap into more than 90,000 unique industry professionals that frequent the web site each month. Plus, your job postings will be featured right here in future issues of this e-newsletter.

It's easy! Set up an Account today. Call us at 1-877-300-6792, ext. 3, with any questions.

Upcoming Events:

• ARC World Industry Forum: 02-06-12
• CoDeSys Users' Conference 2012: 03-13-12
• Ener.CON Europe 2012: 03-15-12

Upcoming Training:

• PLC/PAC AUTOMATION: 12-5-11
• Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control: 12-5-11
• PROFINET Certified Network Engineering Class: 12-5-11
• Installing, Calibrating, & Maintaining Instruments: 12-12-11
• PROFIBUS One-day Training Class (San Diego, CA): 12-13-11

See our Calendar of Events for other upcoming events and training. Add an event to our calendar.

Dilbert
Smartphone interface rage.

Automation Cartoon - Cartoon Caption Contest

Congratulations to our winner! The cartoon caption was submitted by Ken Belteau in Texas.

View this cartoon online and email it to a colleague.

Submit your Cartoon Ideas and share your humor with our audience. If we use your cartoon idea, we'll publish your name with the cartoon and send you an Automation.com mug.

View Cartoon Archive