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From the Publisher:
Product Portal Update
Featured Articles:
Control System Design - Part 1, Production Monitoring & Data Mining, Build to last, more
Resources & Literature:
Industrial automation reference catalog, Online measurement and automation catalog, Industrial control CD
Featured Training:
OPC Tutorial, Starting up Automation
Product Announcements:
Speed monitors, Safety grids, Motion controllers, Panel computers, and more
Company & Organizational News:
Siemens names 2 VPs, Thiele acquires SWF, Schneider Electric sales up 17.6%, ABB opens center in Asia, and more
Applications:
OPC improves plant efficiency, Reel optimizing systems, Climbing machine eliminate dangerous chemicals, and more
Featured Events:
ABB Automation World, Hannover Messe, Matrikon Summit, and more
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From the Publisher | |||||
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Welcome to this Machine Control Update We are getting closer to launching those 24 Product Portals that I've been talking about the last few weeks. If you've tried to find them on the site, they aren't there yet. However, you can get to them from this newsletter (see links just below to the left). Please be aware that these portals are still under construction. We haven't made them available from the site yet for two reasons. First, we need to make a few changes to our site layout to support the additional navigation. Second, we decided to change the layout of each portal page so we could better organize the content, making it easier for you to find information. In the end, each portal will contain and be organized by the following sections:
In addition to these site portals, we will be publishing newsletters on many of the portal topics. While the site portals will be updated multiple times a week with the latest information, we plan to publish a newsletter on many of the portal topics as soon as there is enough new information to offer you. In February, other than this Machine Control Update, you can expect to see newsletters on Process Control, Automation Software, Industrial Communication and Industrial I/O. Suppliers are asked to provide any of the above information applicable to the product portals (listed to the left). Material can be sent to press@automation.com. We are also looking for sponsors for the Product Portals and each of the e-newsletters. If you are interested in sponsoring a portal or newsletter, please don't hesitate to contact me. The goal of this topical e-newsletter, in conjunction with our online Machine Control Product Portal, is to keep you informed on what is happening in the machine control world of automation. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve our product portals or e-newsletters, please don't hesitate to contact me. Enjoy the rest of this Machine Control update! Rick Zabel |
by Tom Elavsky, AutomationDirect
This is Part 1 of a four-part series of articles on Control System Design that can act as a general guide to the specification, design and installation of automated control systems. The information and references are presented in a logical order that will take you from the skills required to recognize an operation or process suited for automating, to tips on setting up a program, to maintaining the control system.
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In essence, data mining is the process of sifting historical data to find data that supports a premise, or produces a pattern. The implication is that only favorable data is discovered, making the process somewhat dubious. There are a variety of ways data can be mined, including manually, or with increasingly sophisticated analysis software that includes artificial intelligence and neural network modeling tools.
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By Dan Hebert, PE, Senior Technical Editor, Control Design
Every automation component you buy for your machines has costs associated with it. The most obvious are upfront purchase and installation costs, but maintenance and support costs can dwarf these upfront costs. This article looks at how machine builders and their suppliers view total lifecycle costs associated with automation hardware and software, with the focus on reducing costs while still maintaining performance.
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By Joe Feeley, Editor in Chief, Control Design
Nearly all discrete manufacturing processes incorporate linear motion, and as manufacturers become familiar with the flexibility and simplicity of modular linear motion, these systems—whether one, two or complete three-axis Cartesian robotics systems—are finding their way into more and more areas of production.
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Linear-position sensors measure absolute distance along a motion axis. They are available in several technologies, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. This paper presents information on the application of magnetostrictive linear-position sensors, which are gaining popularity due to their accuracy and reliability. A comparison of magnetostrictive sensors to linear position sensors of other technologies is also included.
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By Sreejith Nair
This article is intended for new Linux users who wish to use their Linux box for some real work. Speed control of an industrial motor? Sounds complicated. It’s not as complex an affair as it sounds. A PC powered with a Linux based Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) can be used to control anything from a small motor to a complex industrial drive with the utmost reliability.
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By David Lin, Application Engineer, iC-Haus GmbH
Modern machine-control units are increasingly decentralized in their assembly and have intelligent peripheries addressed by buses. In addition to control of the overall system, the recognition of failures and states on I/O lines is of growing importance as the desire to minimize—or, where possible, totally avoid—costs for service and repairs increases. This is a task that can be assigned to peripheral devices.
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Larry Haftl, Associate Editor, American Machinist
Adaptive control systems have been in use since the early 1960s. Faster microprocessors and low-cost computer memory have dramatically increased the benefits that come from using these systems, such as reducing cycle times, extending tool life by preventing tool breakage, reducing maintenance and downtime by eliminating unnecessary tool changes, decreasing part temperatures, reducing the need for manual part program optimization and reduced scrap and rework. But how do adaptive control systems stack up against toolpath-optimization software?
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Have AutomationDirect's entire product line at your fingertips - it is more than a catalog...it is a Desk Reference containing detailed product descriptions complemented by plenty of technical illustrations, step-by-step procedures for selecting various PLC hardware and software, PC-based control, operator interface, motor contactors, drives, sensing equipment, connection systems, and much more.
Request Catalog
Measurement and Automation Catalog 2007 describes software and hardware for test, control and design applications. For 2007, NI has made it even easier for customers to find what they need by providing the catalog in a searchable, downloadable eBook format.
View eBook
SIXNET's FREE CD is a great tool for any industrial control professional's arsenal. The CD contains time-saving application suggestions and technical notes, detailed datasheets and user manuals, product demos, and useful software tools.
Get free CD
In addition to several new product introductions, the DieGuard catalog features enhanced technical information for increased usability, including all dimensions to the thousandth of an inch instead of millimeters. DieGuard sensors are designed for feed, slug, stripper plate and part-out detection applications to prevent double hits and die crashes.
Request Catalog
Catalog covers acme leadscrews, advanced coatings and anti-backlash nuts that not only eliminate backlash between the screw and nut, they also maximize system stiffness and minimize lost motion.
Request Catalog
OPC (OLE for Process Control) is the world's fastest growing standard for the exchange of process control data. While many within industry have heard of OPC, not everyone knows what OPC is and the many benefits it offers. Matrikon, an OPC Foundation Charter Member, has produced a 30-minute online multimedia tutorial to explain the basics and vision of OPC and how to begin integrating it into new and current systems.
View Tutorial
The 5 day class will help skilled trades and engineers learn the fundamentals of operations, troubleshooting, error recovery, program touchup and safety procedures. The program is designed to help line builders and OEMs bring up automotive assembly lines and integrated cells and includes training on robot programming, PLC debugging, safety systems and setting up weld guns and other peripheral equipment.
More information
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ifm efector introduces M18 and DIN-rail mountable speed monitors - 02/05/07 M18 compact speed monitor is for rotational speed applications up to 18,000 pulses per minute. The unit offers a pulse output for monitoring revolutions per minute and a switching output that indicates under-speed and over-speed conditions. DIN-rail mountable speed monitors evaluate pulse frequency, rotational speed, linear speed, and machine cycles. |
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Banner introduces PICO-GUARD Fiber Optic Safety Grids - 02/05/07 PICO-GUARD Grids provide an optically based, non-contact solution for perimeter and access guarding for use in explosive environments. They have a rugged, MEK-resistant, aluminum protective housing and are available with 2, 3 or 4 beams that can function as an emitter or receiver. |
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Siemens Milltronics BW500 belt scale integrator is NTEP approved - 01/17/07 With NTEP approval, the BW500 in conjunction with the NTEP-Approved Milltronics MMI belt scale, can now be used in custody transfer applications in the U.S. |
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Advantech launches UNO-2171 Pentium M DIN-Rail PC - 01/16/07 The UNO-2171 includes two RS-232 ports, two RS-232/422/485 ports, two 10/100 Ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, PC/104+ expansion and an operating temperature range of -4 to 149°F. It supports Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded OS, and Windows CE 5.0. Prices start at $1,475. |
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Advantech releases PC/104 4-axis motor control card - 01/09/07 The PCM-3240 stepping/pulse-type servo motor control card starts at $845. The card's intelligent NOVA MCX341-motion ASIC provides a variety of motion control functions, such as 2/3-axis linear interpolation, 2-axis circular interpolation, and T/S-curve acceleration/deceleration rate. The PCM-3240 performs these functions without requiring any main CPU processing. The PCM-3240 fits onto a standard PC/104 board. |
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NI introduces 12-in. HMI Touch Panel computer - 01/09/07 The TPC-2012 works with the LabVIEW 8.20 Touch Panel Module, giving control and design engineers an option for deploying the LabVIEW graphical development environment on Windows CE HMI devices. |
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Festo announces Multi-Axis Controllers and Drives - 01/05/07 SEC-AC-SMLC is a fully-integrated control solution providing hardware and software building blocks that are engineered to easily plug together and work as a system. This allows engineers to focus on solving their application instead of integrating control components. |
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ASI launches mini-photoelectric sensor line - 12/19/06 The XMT series of mini photoelectric sensors are available in eleven different models including diffuse reflective, focalized, polarized retro reflective, retro reflective for transparent and through beam. The sensing distance range is from 0.2 cm up to 6 meters depending on the model selected. |
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Red Lion HMI supports Allen Bradley Logix controllers - 12/13/06 Users can easily integrate Red Lion's G3 series HMI, Modular Controller and Data Station products with the ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs, via serial or Ethernet. The PLC's tags are simply exported as a CSV file from Allen Bradley's RSLogix 5000 software, and then imported into Red Lion's Crimson 2.0 software. |
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Beckhoff announces machine control synchronization software - 12/05/06 TwinCAT Remote Synchronization library of software function blocks helps users synchronize several multi-axis machines that have TwinCAT control systems. The software allows for general time synchronization of information for distributed control to coordinate multiple machines by calculating offsets to compensate for differences in execution time and CPU clock frequencies. |
Other Product Announcements
- Renco releases 3.3 Volt RCML15 optical commutation encoder - 01/29/07
- Cognex adds more color to VisionPro PC-vision systems - 01/26/07
- Interroll releases DriveControl Z-card for multi-zone conveyor accumulation control - 01/26/07
- Igus introduces stainless steel DryLin W linear guide system - 01/24/07
- Interroll announces Drivecontrol EC100 control modules for conveyors - 01/23/07
- Baumüller releases High-Performance PLC - 01/17/07
- Interroll introduces long-life BT100 Series brush type roller drives - 01/16/07
- Pepperl+Fuchs releases Inductive Proximity Sensors with Remote Amplifier - 01/12/07
- Rockwell Automation announces Allen-Bradley CENTERLINE 2500 MCC with DeviceNet - 01/12/07
- Danaher Motion releases Electronic Indexer - 01/12/07
- SKF announces CAT customizable linear actuators - 01/12/07
- Rockwell Automation releases embedded I/O for conveyors - 01/09/07
- Matrox Graphics develops dual monitor upgrade for PCs - 01/08/07
- Rexroth introduces integrated drive/control system - 01/05/07
- FKI Logistex introduces automated replenishment system - 01/05/07
- Xycom Automation launches low-power industrial PCs - 01/02/07
- Kerk announces TFE coating on lead screws - 12/29/06
- Pepperl+Fuchs introduces rugged photoelectric sensor family - 12/22/06
- Zero-Max announces couplings with zero backlash - 12/22/06
- Ixxat enhances CAN repeaters - 12/22/06
- Ixxat announces CANopen interface for PCI express systems - 12/22/06
- Honeywell announces die protection module - 12/21/06
- Applied Motion Products releases stepper drives for OEM market - 12/21/06
- Igus announces adjustable cable carrier - 12/18/06
Product Search
Thiele Technologies acquires SWF - 02/02/07
SWF Companies of Reedley, CA, is a provider of automated machinery for packaging products in cartons and corrugated containers and for palletizing complete loads. The addition of SWF to Thiele brings together packaging machinery names as Bliss Machinery, Salwasser, Padlocker, Tisma, Dyna-Pak, McDowell International, Tri-Sterling, and GSMA Robotics and System Integration.
Interroll partners with Holjeron to produce conveyor rollerdrive controls - 02/02/07
intelligent RollerDrive uses Interroll's RollerDrives and Holjeron's sensorless Zonelink Low Pressure Accumulation (LPA) control module. The result is a conveyor system that provides enhanced control capability, improved diagnostics, and lower installed cost.
Beckhoff Automation promotes Mark Lewis to Support Manager - 1/24/07
He will be responsible for managing Beckhoff’s technical support, field service and repairs departments at the company’s Burnsville, Minn. headquarters.
Schneider Electric's annual sales €13.730 billion, up 17.6% - 01/19/07
Schneider Electric’s annual sales amounted to €13,730 million in 2006, up 17.6% on a current structure and exchange rate basis. After sharp increases in the two previous years, growth reached a record 10.7% in 2006, reflecting the success of the initiatives launched under the new company program.
Siemens promotes Kopanski & Batra - 01/10/07
Tom Kopanski, currently vice president of the Automation and Motion Division (AMD) has been named the new vice president of Power Distribution and Controls Division (PD&C). Raj Batra, vice president of the Automotive and Aerospace Center of Competence, has been named to the position of vice president of the Automation and Motion Division. These appointments will become effective, Jan. 15, 2007.
Schneider Electric appoints Ralph Harris vice president of sales - 01/03/07
Ralph Harris has been promoted to vice president, U.S. sales. Harris joined the company in 1991 as a regional sales manager in the Retail Products Division. Since that time, he has held numerous key leadership positions in sales, marketing and organizational development. Most recently, Harris held the position of regional vice president, Southern Region.
ATS opens Mexican office - 01/23/07
Advanced Technology Services, Inc. (ATS) has opened its first international office in Monterrey, Mexico. The Monterrey facility currently employs 80 personnel, and ATS expects to double that number in 2007. The company will continue its international growth in 2007 by expanding its operations in Mexico even further and establishing offices in the UK.
Ford gives $150,000 in grants to SME's Education Foundation - 01/19/07
Ford Motor Company has awarded two grants, totaling $150,000, to the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation. Since 1981, Ford has donated $1,608,000 to the SME Education Foundation for scholarships and other engineering education programs.
ABB establishes Control Systems and Products center for Asia - 01/18/07
The Regional Action Center (RAC) in Singapore will provide technical and training support for automation customers, plus regional sales support, marketing and business development functions. The opening ceremony for the RAC took place on January 16, 2007.
GE Fanuc Automation dontates equipment to Kettering University - 01/17/07
GE Fanuc will provide Kettering University with a set of manufacturing control components, consisting of Assembly Application Suite (AAS) hardware and software products to simulate manufacturing environments. Kettering will install the components in the University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) labs.
Aberdeen Group Report shows technology improves performance - 01/16/07
A survey of more than 340 regulated manufacturers throughout the world shows
that those adopting an integrated, technology-based approach to compliance and
traceability are 65 percent more likely to achieve “Best in Class” status and attain a competitive advantage. The report was sponsored by MasterControl.
ARC says collaborative production management for process manufacturing to grow 12% - 01/15/07
The Collaborative Production Management Market for Process Manufacturing (CPM-P) is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 12% over the next five years. The market was slightly greater than $1.6 billion in 2006 and is forecasted to reach nearly $2.8 billion in 2011, according to a new study by the ARC Advisory Group.
Automation Tooling Systems to lay off 180 automation workers - 01/10/07
ATS is reducing its Automation Systems Group (ASG) workforce in North America by
180 people, with approximately 100 positions impacted in Cambridge, Ontario. The
company is closing five operations in North America and Europe and investing in
new facilities in China and Southeast Asia.
Igus donates various plastic machinery components to 1,300 FIRST Robotics teams - 01/09/07
Teams at the FIRST® (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics competition will be using compnoents donated by Igus.
OPC technology provides ease of access to the wide variety of devices in our enterprise, eliminating costly custom or proprietary interfaces. Providing us with a flexible and scalable solution we can build on for years to come. We are confident and secure in our ability to meet the 98% uptime emissions reporting requirements. Now that these manual processes are automated, we are saving approximately 4 hours of resource allocation in a 24 hour shift rotation.
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The Vishay Systems office in Sweden will install five custom-designed Vishay Nobel Reel Optimizing Systems in the Kondopoga Pulp and Paper Mill, located in the Karelian Republic in the northwestern part of the Russian Federation. Reel Optimizing Systems use strain gage-based load cells and transducer-based measurement and control technology to improve productivity at paper manufacturing plants. Completion is expected by May 2007.
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Providing accurate measurement of stroke, an embedded C-Series continuous position sensor located inside the electric, hydraulic or pneumatic actuator of a clamp ensures that a variety of parts can be clamped down in the proper position without sensor readjustment.
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International Climbing Machines (ICM) uses igus products in its climbing apparatus that removes lead paint or chemical toxins from tall surfaces. ICM develops portable, remote-controlled devices capable of removing lethal materials on virtually any vertical or inverted surface.
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HOUSTEX 2007 - Machine Tool & Manufacturing Exposition
March 6-8, 2007 - George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston
HOUSTEX will once again be co-located with the International Pump Users Symposium presented by the Texas A&M University Turbomachinery Laboratory.
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Taipei International Machine Tool Show (TIMTOS)
March 12-17, 2007 - Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall, Taiwan
Machine tool production in Taiwan is now worth over US$2 billion a year, a figure that outshines even Switzerland in machine tool production. TIMTOS leads the way as a one-stop center for the latest in machinery. The show is regarded as one of the world's premier machine tool exhibitions.
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ABB Automation World
March 20-22, 2007 - Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida
ABB Automation World Conference & Exhibit targets users and specifiers of process, plant and utility automation equipment, software and services. Learn about the latest solutions and future trends in automation from ABB experts and industry leaders.
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METALFORM'07
March 25-28, 2007 - Rosemont Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
METALFORM exhibitors feature: stamping and turret presses, welding and assembly equipment, press brakes, lasers, roll forming and spinning machines, coil handling equipment and feeds, automation technology, tool and die, machining, and much more.
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WESTEC 2007
March 26-29, 2007 - Los Angeles Convention Center
The largest show in the largest manufacturing center in the United States, with the most comprehensive display of manufacturing technology and services. The WESTEC audience draws from many industries including Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Consumer Products, Electronics/High Tech, Medical and many more.
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Hannover Messe 2007 combines three automation shows
HANNOVER MESSE 2007 (the Hannover Fair), which will run 16-20 April 2007 in
Hannover, Germany, combines three international trade fairs -- INTERKAMA,
Factory Automation and Industrial Building Automation.
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Matrikon Summit 2007
May 7-10, 2007 - Lincolnshire Marriott, Chicago, IL
Matrikon Summit 2007 is the technology conference for industry executives, process control engineers and other professionals. Come see the latest in process data technology for industries including petrochemical, pulp and paper, mining, oil and gas, and power and learn how it will transform your business. Through presentations, case studies, panel discussions, demonstrations and networking events, you'll be immersed in new ideas for making a step change in operational and business excellence.
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I hope you enjoyed this machine control update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Editor-in-chief
Automation.com
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