Sponsor: Mitsubishi Electric |
L Series Motion Modules

The LD77MH simple motion modules offer the flexibility to include or add motion to the L series PLC. A variety of controls including positioning, speed, torque, cam and synchronous can be achieved with simple parameter settings and a sequence program.
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| Sponsor: HollySys |
PLC 100% Redundant with SD card for data loss protection

HollySys Automation, developed the complete PLC solution: the 1st PLC fully redundant with SD card for data loss protection and program logic backup, high performing 533MHz processor, scalable and flexible I/O control modules, 100% HOTSwap & IEC-61131-3 programming standard supported, 3Y Warranty & OEM cost-effective solutions, and compact size.
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| Sponsor: Automation.com |
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| Sponsor: ISA |
Technician Guide Series

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| Sponsor: automationtechies |
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| Featured Articles |
Understanding the automation knowledge crises
Process & Control Engineering, December 2011
By Chris Lydent, PAS
The size, complexity, and interoperability of modern automation systems has increased much more quickly than human ability to document and understand them.
Remote location power surge protection
InTech, December 2011
By David Torres
When planning a remote installation, consider proper grounding and bonding, the correct surge protection device (SPD) for the job, and proper installation. When installed correctly, it is possible to protect a remote site from lightning or other surge events.
Improve efficiencies using industry experts
InTech, December 2011
By Bill Lydon
Hiring expensive consultants or having automation vendors recommend ways to improve your plant should be the last place to start. The first place to start is with the people in the plant.
Browse more articles on the Factory Automation portal. |
| Product Announcements |
ABB releases PMC Large robot controller
PMC Large brings smaller footprint functionality and simplified internal cabling benefits to robot models from the IRB 2400 up to the IRB 7600.
AutomationDirect introduces Werma Modular Stack Lights
Stack lights in 50mm and 70mm sizes are ideal for use in applications such as machine tools, packaging machines, conveyor systems, loading docks and more.
Beckhoff Automation Releases TwinCAT 3 software
In the TwinCAT 3 eXtended Automation Runtime (XAR), all modules written in IEC 61131, C/C++ or Matlab/Simulink are processed in real-time.
Other Product Announcements
Browse more Product Announcements on the Factory Automation portal.
Search all Products by keyword, category, manufacturer or release date. |
| Resources |
NEMA Surge Protection Institute updates Website
Website informs users about surge characteristics, how surge protective devices (SPDs) work, and how to specify and apply surge protection.
When Worlds Collide in Manufacturing Operations: ISA-95 Best Practices Book 2.0 - $109.00
Book 2.0 explains how to implement ISA-95 workflow applications in Mfg 2.0 to execute operations tasks through the MOM and physical process levels while coordinating them to streamline plant operations and align those operations with ever-changing supply chain processes.
Phoenix Contact publishes 2012 catalogs
The catalogs list more than 25,000 different products.
Browse more resources on the Factory Automation portal. |
| Application Stories |
Automated Solution Reduces Manual Handling By 90% At Cooperage
Process and Control Today, December 2011
Diageo, a premium drinks company, built a £10m cooperage in Clackmannanshire. CI Logistics combined materials handling with robotics to automate cask movement throughout each process.
Manufacturer Bags Significant Savings Thanks to EtherNet/IP
Automation.com, December 2011
Askim Mek Verksted in Norway builds Battpacker wool production machinery. It upgraded to Control Logix PLCs, PanelView Plus HMIs, Festo plug-in pneumatic valves, and EtherNet/IP communications.
Doing More With Less To Achieve Energy-Management Results
Maintenance Technology, November 2011
By Dan Brown, Cascade Energy, Inc.
Rising energy costs are moving energy management into a new era of sophistication, capturing substantial savings for companies large and small. Here's the approach Cascade uses to help its clients' operations become more efficient.
Browse more application stories on the Factory Automation portal. |
| White Papers |
Materials handling for assembly, fabrication and WIP
Automation.com, December 2011
By J.D. Gray Associates
White paper describes all the various material handling systems involved in automation.
The Changing Energy Landscape: A How-To Guide
Automation.com, November 2011
By SMC
Machine builders, manufacturers, and all compressed air users can decrease energy costs by following the steps outlined here.
Real Time Control Over the Web
Automation.com, November 2011
By Steve Jahnke, Galixsys Networks
Devices make use of the Web to send and receive data, usually from a cloud service or backend server. Most of the inherent latency and processing problems of the web can be removed if XML document passing is not used as the means to transmit generic commands.
Browse more white papers on the Factory Automation portal. |
| Company & Organizational News |
Manufacturing Technology Orders Up 80.5% from 2010
Orders were down 22.4% from September but up 20.3% when compared with the total of $385.21 million reported for October 2010.
Manufacturing is the third largest targeted industry for cyber attacks
Process & Control Engineering, December 2011
Symantec says the public sector is the most frequently targeted in 2011, followed by the chemical & pharmaceutical industry, and then manufacturing in third. The most frequently blocked malware for the last month was WS.Trojan.H2
Council on Competitiveness Releases American Manufacturing strategy
"Make: An American Manufacturing Movement" maps how the United States can lead the world in 21st Century advanced manufacturing that will be at the heart of our nation's long-term productivity and prosperity.
Browse more company and organizational news on the Factory Automation portal. |
| Project News |
Matrox to supply video wall controllers to PSCo Technical Distribution
PSCo Technical Distribution will build turnkey video wall solutions that complement their existing line of high-performance displays.
Emerson to automate lead and zinc plant in China
Emerson will provide a DeltaV automation system, AMS Suite asset management software, and smart field devices using Foundation fieldbus and WirelessHART.
Rockwell Automation to replace DCS at zinc smelting operation
Rockwell will replace the DCS at Nyrstar Hobart's zinc smelting operation in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, with a PlantPAx process automation system.
Browse more project news on the Factory Automation portal. |
| Featured Training |
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.
Browse more training and seminar opportunities on the Factory Automation portal. |
| Featured Events |
THE LUDHIANA MACHINE TOOLS SHOW 2012
February 23, 2012 - February 26, 2012
Location: Ludhiana, India
Punjab Machine Tools Fair 2012 is exclusive showcase of engineering, machine tools, automation & automotive technology. Punjab Industrial Fair 2012 is a systematic promotional attempt undertaken by the trade fair leaders, possessing real sense & insight of Indian trade fair sector in order to put engineering sector to growth corridor.
SPS - Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou,China
March 7, 2012 - March 9, 2012
Location: Guangzhou, China
SIAF, as the No.1 trade fair in Asia for industrial automation products, services and technologies, attracts 354 suppliers from 15 countries. More than 19,300 professional buyers from 40 countries and regions come to the fair to see and source the latest technological innovations.
ABB Automation & Power World 2012
April 23, 2012 - April 26, 2012
Location: Houston, TX, USA
ABB Automation & Power World is an annual four day program consisting of educational workshops, technical training, customer case studies, application workshops, and panel discussions. This year's 130,000 sq. ft.Technology & Solution Center features the latest technology by ABB and our technology partners.
Hannover Messe 2012
April 23, 2012 - April 27, 2012
Location: Hannover, Germany
Boasting eight flagship trade fairs with exhibitors and trade visitors from all over the world, HANNOVER MESSE will once again confirm its unique global standing in 2012. It remains without rival as a showcase of industrial technology, with more world firsts on display and more integrated solutions than elsewhere.
Browse more industry events on the Factory Automation portal.
Add an event to our calendar. |
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