Rotary Inductive Sensor Detects 360-Degree Angles

TURCK rotary inductive sensors with resistance inductive capacitance (RLC) measuring technology detect 360-degree angles.

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Fully Redundant PLC with SD card for data protection

HollySys, the leading automation and control technologies supplier, developed the 1st PLC fully redundant with SD card for data loss protection and program logic backup, high performing 533MHz processor, 100% HOTSwap supported, scalable and flexible I/O control modules, IEC-61131-3 programming standard supported, 3 year warranty & OEM cost-effective solutions.

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Manufacturing and the "Internet of Things"
Automation World, October 2011
By David Greenfield
The concept of networking every device imaginable to achieve higher levels of automated interaction is driving changes in industrial networking. But is this idea as viable for manufacturing as it is promised to be for the consumer sector?

New defences after Stuxnet
Automation, September 2011
By Chris Evans, Mitsubishi Electric
It is generally accepted ‘gateway PCs’ found in many automation architectures, represent weak points and are vulnerable to potential malware attacks from ‘the outside’ and also from CDs and USB sticks.

Are Hydraulics the Way to Improve Machine Efficiency?  
Design News, Ocotber 2011
By Bill Savela, Delta Computer Systems
Fluid power, specifically hydraulics, can be a more efficient power source than electric motors.
                                     
Dispelling the myths about machine vision systems
What’s New in Process Technology, October 2011
By Sean Carter, Sick Australia
Machine vision systems have developed a reputation as being expensive, unnecessary, superfluous and incapable of performing the very tasks they are expected to execute. While resistance to machine vision systems manifests in many forms, it is possible to distil it down to six clearly defined misconceptions.

Evolving automation systems drive advances in manufacturing  
What’s New in Process Technology, October 2011
By Paul McRoberts, Rockwell Automation Australia
Manufacturing systems are becoming more complex and interconnected but the classical programming and data management techniques are increasingly incapable of managing greater levels of integration. A paradigm shift is occurring in how critical and complex automation systems are designed, configured, and controlled.

Browse more articles on the Factory Automation portal.

Cognex adds TestRun to In-Sight Vision Systems
TestRun allows manufacturers to easily and automatically test the vision system and verify that it is functioning correctly.

Rockwell Automation adds 3-D Animation to Simulation Software
Arena simulation software v14.0 includes a Visual Designer tool that allows users to build realistic 3-D animation and dynamic business graphic dashboards in an intuitive drag-and-drop environment.

Siemens announces Simotion D445-2 motion controllers
Features include onboard Profinet interfaces and high-speed I/O. A single controller can support up to 128 axes of motion.

HMS announces cloud-based Netbiter for remote management
Netbiter remote management enables users to monitor and control machinery such as power generators, tanks, wind turbines, building applications and base stations from a standard web browser.

Other Product Announcements

• Rockwell Automation introduces ControlLogix 5570 Series PACs
• MYNAH Technologies enhances MiMiC Simulation Software
• Inductive Automation updates Ignition HMI/SCADA
• Savigent upgrades Catalyst xM workflow automation software
• Visibility puts ERP in the cloud
• Motoman releases MH80 robot
• Secomea adds remote access to SiteManager

Browse more Product Announcements on the Factory Automation portal.

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Hands-On Technical Support Speeds Troubleshooting  
IEN, September 2011
Intelligrated established its material handling Technology Repair Services Lab at its Cincinnati Customer Service and Support center. The lab includes workstations for electronics and computer repair, as well as a hands-on troubleshooting environment that provides up to 50% faster issue resolution time.

Servo2Go announces Motion Control Textbook & Video Library  
Focusing on Motion Control Technology & Embedded Systems, the library has 10 Teaching Textbooks & Videos.

MESA Publishes Metrics Guidebook and Framework  
This guidebook is intended to help manufacturers in all segments improve performance by creating better business decisions through alignments between operations to financial results.

Thomson introduces web-based ball and lead screw sizing tool  
Linear MOTIONEERING sizing and selection tool simplifies machine design by quickly identifying the best ball and lead screw options for application requirements.

Rockwell publishes EtherNet/IP guide for machine builders  
The guide provides detailed design guidance, recommendations and best practices to help control-system engineers use EtherNet/IP.

Browse more resources on the Factory Automation portal.

Cognex Vision Helps Shorten Production in Germany  
Process and Control Today, October 2011
Theilinger Automation & Papiertechnik, a robotics and automation specialist in Nuremberg, Germany, uses a Cognex vision system to speed up the production of high-volume small automotive components.

Retro Fits  
Control Design, October 2011
By Jim Montague
Three application stories—including replacing legacy PLCs with new PLCs from AutomationDirect—show that it’s possible to renovate an old machine with new controls.

Apex advances accuracy with drive solution
What’s New in Process Technology, October 2011
Apex Automation and Robotics in Sydney builds factory automation machinery and robotic systems. It built an automatic machining centre for polymer foam panels using servomotors from SEW-Eurodrive for faster throughput and greater precision.

Teamwork, New PLCs Improve Printer Control  
Automation World, September 2011
Rock-Tenn’s printing plant in Jacksonville, Fla. was experiencing gradually increasing unreliability of its automation systems. All the old PLCs were replaced with DirectLogic D2-260 and D0-05 models connected to C-More touchscreens, all from Automation Direct.

Honeywell controls quality at Hamburger Pitten paper plant  
Hamburger Pitten, a producer of containerboard, upgraded its production line with two Honeywell Experion MX Quality Control Systems (QCS) systems, which will be used to improve product quality.

Browse more application stories on the Factory Automation portal.

The Future of Machines: Self-Aware Control Systems  
Automation.com, October 2011
By Christian Fritz, National Instruments
You can use sensors to create systems that are aware of their environment, perform real-time process monitoring, and know every detail about their mechanical component health. The key to solving new challenges is creating control systems that can integrate sensor data, gather information in real time, and use information from multiple sensors within high-speed control loops.

Effective OPC Security for Control Systems
September 2011
By Eric Byres and Darek Kominek
By While the consequences of cyber attacks and malware are no longer in doubt, the question remains, "Exactly how can an engineer reliably secure his or her control system?" This white paper outlines a simple and cost effective answer – a security solution based on OPC technology that can be deployed in almost any industrial facility today.

Building a Business Case for Wireless  
Automation.com, October 2011
By Apprion
This white paper provides some best practices, core economic benchmarks and performance metrics to use when developing a strategy and plans for deploying wireless at a plant. It includes case study examples with proven real-world data of the positive ROI of industrial wireless application systems.

Browse more white papers on the Factory Automation portal.

Manufacturing technology orders up 101% from 2010  
August U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $460.61 million according to AMT and AMTDA.

Machine Production to Hit Record Growth in 2011  
This is set to be a record year for worldwide machinery production, recording aggregate 10.2 percentage growth, according to IMS Research.

Manufacturing must protect global supply chain  
Process and Control, September 2011
The global manufacturing industry must act now to protect and prepare their supply chain matrix against a ticking time bomb of financial instability, warns a new report. report asks manufacturers if they have the right tools in place to adapt and prepare for potential future risks.

AMT goes into the magazine publishing business  
AMT will acquire Time Compression and Process Cleaning magazines from Gardner Publications.

TÜV Certifies Mechatrolink Network Safety Protocol  
Certification of the Mechatrolink field network for safety makes it possible for MMA members to build motion control and machine control systems for use in applications that comply with safety standards.

Browse more company and organizational news on the Factory Automation portal.

RMT Robotics to supply Mobile Robots to system integrator  
The ADAM robots will be used to automatically transport work-in-process materials and finished goods between production machines and the automated storage system.

Emerson to automate arthritis drug plant in Korea  
A DeltaV system and AMS software will automate Hanwha Chemical’s biotechnology process and support the compliance requirements for FDA approval.

Honeywell to control energy at Krakatau Steel  
Honeywell will provide energy management and monitoring solutions which will help the steel mill get long-term cost savings through greater energy efficiency.

Metso to supply IQ quality control systems to Sappi mills  
Metso will supply four IQ systems to replace four aging quality control systems in three separate Sappi paper mills in Europe.

ABB to supply drives for steel mill in South Korea  
ABB won an order from Hyundai Steel Company (HSC) to supply the drive system for the extension of its existing heavy plate mill in the Chungnam province of South Korea.

Browse more project news on the Factory Automation portal.

Introduction to Industrial Automation and Control (FG07)
November 7, 2011 - November 11, 2011
Location: Houston, TX, USA
This popular course combines lecture and hands-on labs to provide an overview of industrial measurement and control. Technicians, engineers, and managers are provided with a foundation for communication with other control system professionals

PLC/PAC AUTOMATION: Advanced System Integration, Programming and Design (TC36P)
November 14, 2011 - November 18, 2011
Location: Houston, TX, USA
This course defines Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Process Automation Controllers (PAC) architecture, configuration, and programming from out-of-the-box to actual installation.

Hands-On PLC Training Workshop
November 15, 2011 - November 17, 2011
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Basics to troubleshooting, then learn the foundations of good PLC programming while writing your first IEC-1131 compliant PLC program. (1.6 CEU)

Sigma Process releases Siemens WinCC online course  
Online training course covers all the programming techniques in Siemens Simatic WinCC Flexible software.

Manufacturing Institute Adds Mechatronics Certificate Program  
PMMI's Mechatronics Certificate program has been added to The Manufacturing Institute's Manufacturing Skills Certification Systems offerings.

Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Factory Automation portal.

Invensys OpsManage'11
November 8, 2011 - November 10, 2011
Location: Nashville, TN, USA
Invensys Operations Management hosts a multi-discipline event for collaborating on your journey towards manufacturing enterprise optimization.

MTConnect: Connecting Manufacturing Conference
November 8, 2011 - November 10, 2011
Location: Cincinnati, OH, United States
MC2 is aimed at promoting the benefits and implementation of MTConnect and showcasing commercially available products that utilize the standard. Offering two tracks: Technical, focusing on the "hands-on" side of implementing and using MTConnect; and the Business track, emphasizing the increased productivity and ROI that the standard can enable.

Automation Fair 2011
November 16, 2011 - November 17, 2011
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Join us in Chicago as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Automation Fair. A great opportunity to explore a wide variety of smart, safe, sustainable manufacturing solutions geared toward improving your business profitability. And, best of all, it's FREE.

AUTOMATION 2011
November 23, 2011 - November 25, 2011
Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Saint Petersburg "Automation" exhibition is the largest independent specialized international exhibition on industrial automation and computer technologies in Russia.

ENGIMACH 2011
November 23, 2011 - November 27, 2011
Location: Ahmedabad, GA, India
ENGIMACH provides the latest happenings in the field of Engineering, Machinery and Machine Tools.

Browse more industry events on the Factory Automation portal.

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