Read the online version if some of the links don't work in this Machine Control Update.
White Paper:
Graphical System Design for Machine Control
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This technical white paper describes embedded system development for machine control using a single, automated graphical programming tool chain and Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs).
New highly automated graphical system design (GSD) tools and PAC hardware systems can help you streamline the machine control development process.These new GSD tools offer complete customization of reconfigurable FPGAs, real-time processors, and industrial I/O modules using the National Instruments LabVIEW graphical programming language.
From the Publisher:
Machine Control for the Second Time
Featured Articles:
Machine safety made easier; Aerotech Pushes Mechatronics Envelope with Motion Systems; Correcting errors that never happen; and more
Resources & Literature:
Free Mechatronics Development Kit; Mechantronics Webcast; EMC2 Computer Control Software for Machine Tools; CANopen releases profiles for extruder downstream devices; and more
Featured Training:
Machine Safety Tutorials
Product Announcements:
SNAP motion control subsystem; Touch panel computers; SNAP PAC System; Mini PCI Fieldbus Cards; Electromechanical Rod Actuators; and much more
Company & Organizational News:
Xycom Automation becomes Pro-face; Fieldbus Foundation to exhibit at Interkama 2007; Thiele Technologies acquires SWF; and more
Featured Events:
ABB Automation World Conference & Exhibition; Interkama Factory Automation; and more
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From the Publisher | |||||
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Machine Control for the Second Time We launched these topical newsletters starting in January, so some of them are coming around for their second issues. This Machine Control newsletter is the first to have a second issue, so we thought we would clarify what we are doing here. Second, we don’t track you or make your name and email available to any vendors just because you VIEWED their information, like some similar web sites. We believe in Safe Surfing. There are some exceptions when vendors offer white papers or other materials and they ask you to complete a form in exchange for the item. At the top of these forms, we always let you know your information will be sent to the vendor. We only ask you to subscribe so we can send you our weekly and topical newsletters, but we do not release your information to vendors without your consent. We would love to hear your comments on the newsletters and portals. Are they informative and useful? How can we improve them? Talk to me. Enjoy the rest of this Machine Control update! Rick Zabel |
Control Design, February 2007
By Loren Shaum, contributing editor, Control Design
Machine safety takes on some semblance of standard thinking among machine builders. Today, standards are more focused on the type of machine, with different machines having different standards. These standards allow machine builders to incorporate specific safety equipment on specific machines. Towards that end, the strategies, tactics, and actions revolve around safety relays and safety controllers. This article will focus on the relays.
Read full article
Design News, February 2007
By Lawrence D. Maloney, Contributing Editor
Interview with Robert Novotnak, manager of Aerotech’s Advanced Automation Division, which supplies complete motion systems for machines ranging from a 5-axis laser cutting station to a high-performance stent cutter for the medical field. In this interview, Novotnak discusses some of the essential building blocks of mechatronics.
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Machine Design, February 2007
By Steven Reese, Parker Hannifin Automation Group
The Luenberg Observer lets motion-control systems mathematically predict and cancel position errors before they happen. This type of control gets results that are six times more accurate than those of standard PID controls. Proactively chasing expected errors not only reduces errors in position but also stops resonances before they happen
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American Machinist, February 2007
By James Benes
Spindles get blamed for a lot of machining problems but, in many cases, the spindle is not the root cause of the problem. Crashes and heavy cuts can eventually lead to a need for a rebuild. A diagnostic tool that measures and analyzes spindle error motions determines if a spindle is the cause of machining problems. This article discusses testing techniques and the causes of spindle failure.
Read full article
Download this mechatronics resource kit to learn how you can integrate mechanical design, control design, simulation, sensing and actuation, signal processing, and electronic design. Mmechatronics design tools from NI and SolidWorks bring the electrical and mechanical worlds together to make simulation easier. The kit includes:
• Embedded System Design for Machine Control White Paper
• Accelerate Machine Design with SolidWorks/COSMOSMotion and LabVIEW/NI SoftMotion
• Control Prototyping with LabVIEW for Haptic and Telerobotic Systems Webcast
• Human Transporter: A Mechatronic System Design Case Study
• Interactive Motor Control Online Demonstration
• Integrating 3D Mechanical Design and Analysis with Physical Testing White Paper
• National Instruments Mechatronics Microsite
Download the Mechatronics Resources Kit
Click here for more information
"Programmable Controllers, 4th Edition" by Thomas A. Hughes discusses all phases of programmable controller applications from systems design and programming to installation, maintenance, and startup.
More information
Fully searchable CD-ROM provides complete product and design information contained in the company's print catalogs. More than 1,000 pages of technical specifications, product numbers, dimensions and application tips on 28,000 products are fully searchable by keyword or product number.
Get free CD-ROM
Free webcast shows how electromechanical simulation can bring your machine to life before you've ordered a single part: visualize motion, size motors, evaluate performance, design control logic, optimize throughput and more.
View Webcast
EMC2 is a software system for computer control of machine tools such as milling machines, cutting machines, robots, hexapods, etc. EMC2 is free software released under the terms of the GNU GPL (General Public License). EMC2 is a descendent of the original EMC software, which is in the Public Domain. EMC2 has many new features and brings a lot of new functionality (a flexible and powerful Hardware Abstraction Layer that allows you to adapt it to many kinds of machinery, a software PLC controller, easier-than-ever installation, a new trajectory planner, and more.)
Free Download
Market Intelligence Service (MIS) provides a database of global statistics for all automation and software products. It lets you select more than 40 automation and supply chain products, choose a worldwide or individual region or country view, analyze over 20 specific industries, and select the currency to view results.
More information
CAN in Automation (CiA) published the CiA 420 CANopen profile (Euromap 27), for extruder downstream devices. The PDF files are available for free-of-charge download. The CANopen family of profiles consists of interface specification for corrugators, saws, pullers, calibrators, and co-extruder. These downstream devices communicate solely with the main extruder unit, which also controls the CANopen Network Management (NMT master function).
Download the specifications from CiA's web site
Banner Engineering offers free tutorials on Safety Light Screens, Two-Hand Control Safety Systems, Emergency Stops, Machine Safety Basics, and Risk Assessment Basics plus free Q/A sessions on Improving E-Stop Safety, Risk Assessment; Safety Light Screens: Type 2 vs Type 4; Fiber Optic Safety Systems; Safety Modules and Fiber Optics in Explosive Environments.
More Information
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Opto 22 releases SNAP motion control subsystem - 03/12/07 SNAP Motion Control Subsystem offers a cohesive development platform for applications that require motion control along with analog, digital, and serial control. The system combines a SNAP Motion host communication module in a SNAP I/O form factor, a SNAP Motion breakout board, and the OptoMotion command library. |
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Advantech unveils ADAM-5550KW Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) - 03/08/07 ADAM-5550KW Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) is for control tasks that require the features of both PLCs and Industrial PCs. It has an AMD Geode GX533 CPU along with control specific features such as a watchdog timer, battery backup RAM, deterministic I/O, IEC61131-3 programming languages and Windows CE 5.0. Prices start at $995. |
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Opto 22 announces PAC Project software - 03/07/07 PAC Project software suite includes all of the control programming, human machine interface (HMI) development, and connectivity tools needed to design, develop, and maintain industrial control, monitoring, and data acquisition applications. |
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Advantech launches RoHS-compliant TPC-66S and TPC-66T computers - 03/01/07 The TPC-66S and TPC-66T fanless touch panel computers with RoHS compliance start at $790. |
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Opto 22 announces SNAP PAC System - 03/01/07 The SNAP PAC system includes PAC Project Software Suite, higher performance SNAP PAC brains, five SNAP I/O modules, four SNAP PAC racks, OptoDataLink enterprise connectivity software, SNAP Motion Control Subsystem, and SNAP PAC Sim, a software application that simulates a fully functioning SNAP PAC controller on a PC. |
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Beckhoff Automation announces Mini PCI Fieldbus Cards for Industrial PCs - 02/27/07 Mini PCI fieldbus cards support PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet and Ethernet networks. The resulting smaller PC size saves valuable control cabinet space, but, like standard PCI fieldbus cards, the interfaces are optimized for fast controllers and real-time tasks. |
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Festo releases DNCE Electromechanical Rod Actuators - 02/22/07 The DNCE screw-driven linear actuator has a nonrotating round piston rod suitable for conversions from pneumatic to electromechanical automation. the DNCE is a drop-in replacement for the Festo DNC and other pneumatic cylinders based on ISO standard 6431. |
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Schneider Electric releases Telemecanique Unity application generator software - 02/22/07 The UAG platform creates and manages application and configuration data for a PLC-based process control solution and the associated HMI and SCADA system. This gives users one tool to design a complete automated solution. |
Other Product Announcements
- RTI incorporates IPv6 in its Data Distribution Service middleware - 03/12/07
- Carlo Gavazzi releases CGDP Series Contactors - 03/10/07
- P+F SBL series photoelectric sensors mount between conveyor rollers - 03/09/07
- BEI introduces Model M58 Metric incremental encoder - 03/08/07
- LM76 releases Micro Stages with up to 0.01 mm repeatability - 03/08/07
- PM Bearings introduces FMB Series Bearing for Precision Positioning - 03/08/07
- SAS Automation introduces Lift Degater - 03/08/07
- Adept releases Viper Class 1 Clean Room 6-Axis Robots - 03/07/07
- GE Fanuc enhances VersaMax Micro 64 Controller software - 03/07/07
- Advanced Motion Controls announces DigiFlex® servo drives - 03/07/07
- ELUTIONS releases WizReport XL 7 reporting software - 03/06/07
- IntelliCom updates NetBiter web based I/O - 03/05/07
- SME web site connects kids to the world of manufacturing - 03/02/07
- Igus announces Interior separating options for Energy Chain Systems - 03/01/07
- Igus offers free CD-ROM of its Energy Chain and iglide product catalogs - 03/01/07
- Baldor introduces Ethernet Powerlink three-phase AC drives - 03/01/07
- Rexroth introduces IndraMotion system for Metal Forming - 02/28/07
- Haydon Switch enhances Linear Actuators - 02/27/07
- Stafford Manufacturing introduces ACME threaded collars - 02/27/07
- Adept announces Cobra s800 robot for high-speed packaging - 02/27/07
- Rexroth expands line of miniature linear motion products - 02/26/07
- AMCI introduces SSI DuraCoder rotary encoder - 02/25/07
- General Monitors releases TS Series H2S gas sensors - 02/23/07
- General Monitors' FL4000 Flame Detector receives FM approval - 02/23/07
- General Monitors' HazardWatch Fire & Gas Detection System meets NFPA 72 - 02/23/07
- Pepperl+Fuchs introduces VBA AS-Interface I/O Nodes - 02/23/07
- ICS Triplex ISaGRAF is compliant with IEC 61131-3 - 02/22/07
- Applied Motion Products introduces STAC6 Stepper Drives in 220 Vac - 02/22/07
- RENCO releases RHDi heavy duty incremental shaft encoder - 02/21/07
- GE Fanuc adds serial communications modules to PACSystem RX3i - 02/21/07
- Adept Technology introduces Quattro s650 packaging robot - 02/21/07
- Command Tooling announces presetting solution for precision machining - 02/20/07
- Danaher Motion enhances NDC8 Control Platform for AGVs - 02/15/07
- SICK STEGMANN intriduces PKS Incremental wire draw encoder - 02/13/07
- Portescap introduces 26DAM digital linear actuators for precise positioning - 02/09/07
- Technosoft announces IPS210 Minidrive motion controller - 02/08/07
Product Search
Invetech appoints Ian Fitzpatrick Manager of Manufacturing Innovation -
3/08/07
Ian will lead a team dedicated to exploring how specific client’s manufacturing needs can be achieved. He moves from a project management role at Invetech’s Australian office to take up the new position.
MTS sensor helps brake Bugatti Veyron -
3/07/07
MTS adapted its mobile hydraulic (Model MS) Temposonics magnetostrictive sensor for use in the Bugatti Veyron high-end passenger car, the world's fastest street-legal motor vehicle.
Irby named Allen-Bradley Distributor in Mississippi -
3/07/07
Stuart C. Irby Co. has become the authorized Allen-Bradley distributor for the Columbus and Meridian, Mississippi, markets. Irby will establish two new locations as full-line commercial and industrial branches to complement and expand their existing Mississippi footprint.
FANUC Robotics receives Supplier Appreciation Award - 3/07/07
FANUC received SsangYong Motor Company’s Supplier Appreciation Award for the development of an automated paint system installed in 2006.
Schneider Electric's Jim Pauley elected vice chairman of ANSI Board of Directors - 3/06/07
Jim Pauley has assumed the role of vice-chairman of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). He will also continue serving as vice-president, industry and government relations for Schneider Electric North America.
Rockwell Automation and Endress+hauser demonstrate partnership - 3/06/07
At the ARC Forum, Rockwell Automation and Endress+Hauser demonstrated progress in their strategic alliance. The two companies provide comprehensive solutions for plant engineering, operations and management and support a range of standard bus technologies, including the HART Communication Foundation, Fieldbus Foundation, FDT Group and ODVA.
Xycom Automation becomes Pro-face - 2/28/07
Xycom Automation is adopting Pro-Face as its new corporate name. Xycom will remain a product brand name fully supported in the Pro-face family of Operator Interface and Industrial PC products.
Fieldbus Foundation to exhibit at Interkama 2007 - 02/28/07
The booth layout will feature purpose-built kiosks offering an extensive overview of key fieldbus applications and FOUNDATION technology solutions through displays and demonstrations of registered devices, host systems, tools and services available from more than 20 of the world's leading automation equipment suppliers. The Interkama 2007 International Trade Fair is held April 16-20 in Hannover, Germany.
ARC says Servo Drive Market to reach $3.8 billion by 2010 - 02/27/07
The worldwide market for servo drives is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% over the next five years. The market was $3.07 billion in 2005 and is forecasted to be over $3.839 billion in 2010, according to an ARC Advisory Group study.
ABB 2006 net income rises 89% to $1.4 billion - 02/16/07
ABB's net income rose 89 percent to $1,390 million in 2006 amid strong demand for technology to increase power grid reliability, industrial productivity and energy efficiency. Revenues for 2006 reached $24,412 million, an increase of 11 percent (10 percent in local currencies) over 2005, while orders were 22 percent higher (22 percent in local currencies) at $28,401 million.
Deutsche Messe launches TectoYou program to attract young Germans - 02/14/07
TectoYou is sponsored by the Federation of German Industry (BDI) under its business development program "Germany - Land of Ideas" and by Deutsche Messe. TectoYou provides a program of information and events targeted directly at young people, professionals, and university graduates who are coming to the end of their training and need to find their way around the world of work.
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 - 02/22/07
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.
To most of us the word “automation” suggests images of robotics and futuristic technology. In a “real life” operating mine, automation is defined as a computerized tool that is used to improve mine performance which will result in significant benefits to the entire mining process.
Read full article
UK's Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) upgraded its facility for the storage of parts and tools involved in the servicing of RAF and naval aircraft with 11 Lean-Lift automated vertical lift storage systems.
Read full article
Machine Design, February 2007
Two Baldor H2 smart drives replaced the original ac drives and PLC control that wound custom cables of different diameters onto large drums at Centrilift Cable, Claremore, Okla. Electronic gearing in the H2 drives lets both motors operate as if connected with mechanical gears to assure the cable winds properly onto the drum. The two smart drives let Centrilift eliminate the PLC and complicated manual programming steps. The new setup also got rid of many signal wires for a cleaner installation with more reliable operation. The change improved productivity more than 25%.
Read full article
Kuka Robotics has been selected by Transbotics Corporation to provide robotics to work with a new line of Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV). The robots and AGVs streamline material handling processes for manufacturers by offering a complete solution for material handling from receiving to production to shipping.
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Rockwell Automation sold two medium voltage drive turn-key solutions to zinc and iron ore mining operations in the Swedish mining industry, valued at 4 million Euros.
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Castors and wheels manufacturer Tente has selected Barco to provide a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for their plant in Ballymote, Co Sligo, Ireland. The PLANTMASTER MES will be installed at Tente's injection moulding facility in Ballymote to provide real-time visibility of all Key Performance Indicators (KPI.)
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ABB Automation World Conference & Exhibition
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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Robo Expo + Programming Seminars in Ottawa on March 28th
March 28, 2007, Ottawa, Ontario
Includes products and half-day 'hands-on' training tutorials on plug & play servo and stepper motion control, robotics and software programming.
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2007 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
April 10-14 2007, Rome, Italy
The conference site is the historic building of the Angelicum University, conveniently located in the downtown area. The conference theme is Ubiquitous Robotics
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Interkama Factory Automation
April 15-20, 2007, Hannover, Germany
Part of the massive Hannover Fair, Factory Automation presents the whole spectrum of integrated automation solutions for industrial manufacturing, with particular emphasis on mechanical engineering and robotics. The exhibits are aimed primarily at companies in mechanical and plant engineering, electrical engineering and electronics, food and semi-luxury goods, plastics and metalworking, the automotive industry and component suppliers, chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, raw materials and producer goods.
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Toronto & Montreal Automation Fair & Expo April 17 & 19
April 17 - 19, 2007, Toronto, Canada
Electromate Industrial Sales will be hosting a Toronto & Montreal Automation Fair & Expo on Tuesday April 17th at the Holiday Inn Select Toronto Airport and on April 19th at the Dorval Airport Hilton. The Automation Fair/Technology Expo is a tabletop Automation/Motion show format complete with concurrently running free Classroom Technical Seminars.
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Hannover Fair includes 12 trade shows
HANNOVER MESSE (Hannover Fair), scheduled for April 16-20, 2007 at the Hannover Fairgrounds, will host 12 leading international trade fairs on various industrial automation areas, including Interkama for process control, the digital factory, building automation, and motion control. 200,000 attendees are expected.
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TiPS User Conference to be held April 17-19
The TiPS User Conference is scheduled for April 17-19, 2007 in Austin, TX. A highligh is an alarm management panel seated by founding members of the ASM Consortium; contributing authors of the EEMUAR 191 guideline; and people who have been involved with assessment and analysis of the world's most notorious incidents and who remain on the leading edge of alarm and upset management.
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35th ANNUAL PTRA CONFERENCE
April 29-May 2, 2007, Captiva Island, FL
Annual meeting of the The Power-Motion Technology Representatives Association.
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SMMA Spring Management Conference
May 9-11, 2007, San Diego, CA
Spring meeting of SMMA-The Motor & Motion Association emphasizes sales and marketing for motors and drives.
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ASi-Tech 2007 to be held in UK May 22
May 22, 2007, Manchester, UK
Featuring a full day of education, information and technical updates on AS-Interface, ASi-tech 2007 will be held at the Old Trafford Football Club Stadium, Manchester, UK.
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International Robots and Vision Show
June 12-14, 2007, Rosemont, IL
The International Robots & Vision Show, held just once every two years, draws more than 5,000 potential customers looking for new products and solutions. In 2007, it will be co-located with Sensors Expo.
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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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