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Read the online version if links don't work in this Machine Control Update. |
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January 2009 |
Sponsor: National Instruments |
Better Machines, Faster
Today's machine builders are faced with designing increasingly complex mechanical and electronic systems to stay competitive. NI programmable automation controllers (PACs) are an ideal platform for machine builders that need high-speed control, industrial connectivity, and breadth of I/O.
Download the Machine Design Guide to learn step-by-step best practices for designing your next machine.
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| Featured Articles |
Six Key Machine Control Challenges Solved
Rahul Kulkarni, Product Marketing Engineer, National Instruments
When designing your next-generation machine, cutting-edge technologies in control systems, software architectures, and electromechanical components differentiate your automation system from the competition. This article explores the top software and hardware challenges machine builders face today and offers a performance-driven approach to solving these challenges.
Choosing a machine control architecture
Control Engineering Europe, November 2008
An important step in machine control systems is the use of prefabricated, self-contained modules during the creation of control programs. To accomplish this, machine builders are using function blocks from IEC 61131-3 programming languages. Using standardized software decreases engineering time.
The Adaptive Approach
Control Engineering Asia, November 2008
By Peter Dickin
Capable of providing a real boost to manufacturing productivity, adaptive machining techniques use in-process measurement to close information gaps in the process chain.
Industrial Machining Embraces Nano Positioning
Control Engineering, November 2008
By C.G. Masi
Today, advances in automated machining allow tolerances to reach below one micron (1 mm). that’s 0.00004 in! Conventional measurement techniques become physically impossible. Actuators relying on fine-pitch precision ballscrews simply can’t do the job. These are real concerns for growing numbers of engineers, as some applications already require holding positions to a tenth of a nanometer.
Condition Monitoring Pays Healthy Dividends
Chemical Processing, November 2008
By Johan De Wever, BASF
BASF’s Antwerp complex decided to implement predictive maintenance based on monitoring the condition of key assets. We periodically take vibration measurements on some 3,000 machines throughout the facility. Moving from time-based maintenance to this approach has resulted in significant cost savings because fewer unexpected equipment breakdowns occur.
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| Product Announcements |
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| Other Product Announcements
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| White Papers |
How to match laser cutting technology to application requirements Part 1
By Markus Klemm, Spartanics
Advances in laser cutting technology, and especially those that relate to the sophistication of the software engineering underlying laser cutting controls, have created dramatic improvements in the type of outputs that can be expected from laser cutters.
How to match laser cutting technology to application requirements Part 2
By Markus Klemm, Spartanics
To source the best laser cutting technology for your operation, first determine application requirements in terms of: complexity of geometries to be cut; production rates required; sheet vs. web; and type of materials (PET, ABS, polycarbonate, etc.).
Benefits of Fuzzy Logic for Advanced Process Control
By Jeffrey Shearer, Rockwell Automation
White paper provides best practices for designing with fuzzy control and examines its benefits compared to conventional control methods. In addition, the paper outlines how to develop fuzzy logic algorithms for the Allen-Bradley Logix family of programmable automation controllers.
Driving towards a better future
White Paper by ABB Low Voltage Drives
With an estimated 65% of industrial electrical energy used by electric motors, it is no wonder that major users in industry increasingly see energy reduction as a key to improving their profitability and competitiveness. Because variable-speed drives reduce energy consumption while increasing productivity, they can, depending on the application, pay for themselves within a few months.
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Browse more white papers on the Machine Control portal.
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| Resources & Literature |
SMAC updates actuator website
Site contains information on moving coil actuators, controllers and other products.
Omron publishes Industrial Automation product catalog
The catalog contains 800 pages with more than 4,800 products, including hundreds of new items.
Allied releases 2009 Catalog
Catalog has over 115,000 products plus technical information and product photos.
Rexroth Offers Lean Problem Solving Tips
'Daily Problem Solving in a Lean Organization' explores principles and work practices that businesses which have already implemented lean can use in daily problem solving to sustain the improvements they've made, and to deepen their commitment to lean.
Danaher publishes Lead Screw, Ball Screw and Ball Spline guide
Guide details lead screws, inch and metric series ball screws, ball splines and bearing supports/end machining, including all relevant product specifications and performance attributes.
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| Application Stories |
Sandvik automates mining operations with AutoMine System
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.
Automation solutions key to alumina refinery expansions
European Process Engineer, December 2008
By Sean Ottewell
Summaries of how major aluminium manufacturers are using state-of-the-art automation solutions.
Nestle Purina plant reduces downtime by saving configurations
By MDT Software
Before MDT AutoSave was installed at the Nestlé Purina plant in Mechanicsburg, PA, the plant used a “home grown” program to track changes in their programmable devices. AutoSave ensures that, if a device fails or a program results in undesired performance, a prior version of the program is readily available.
Brakes Improve Stage & Theater
Process and Control Today, November 2008
Warner Electric’s ability to provide a bespoke solution to a brake problem on hoists for stage and theatre applications has enabled Prolyte in the Netherlands, world leader manufacturer of staging, rigging and trussing products, to cut the time for assembling the brakes onto its hoists.
Securing Remote Internet Maintenance Services
By Innonimate
Applications in various industries illustrate how TCP/IP connections provide remote maintenance capabilities via secure links.
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| Featured Training |
CAN in Automation
February 3, 2009 Nuremberg, Germany
Within the CAN seminar, the CAN protocol is discussed in detail. In addition an overview on further CAN-related topics is provided. The CAN seminar may serve as a good preparation for the CANopen seminar.
Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Protection of AC Electrical Motors and Drives
March 2-3, 2009 Cork, Ireland
This course gives you a thorough understanding of electrical motor's working, maintenance and failure modes and gives you the tools to maintain and troubleshoot electrical motors
CANopen Training
March 3, 2009 Nuremberg, Germany
For development engineers and system integrators who want to get an overview about CANopen and want to judge the technical opportunities CANopen provides. This training is also for technical decision-makers, who question whether CANopen can fulfill the communication related technical request of their application
Reliability Week
March 23 – 27, 2009, Raleigh, NC
The reliability week combines a carefully selected collection of training workshops with presentations from practitioners in the industry. The reliability training workshops presented by IDCON cover the major business processes needed to achieve equipment reliability in any process or manufacturing plant.
Understanding Motion Control Systems - AIT Training Course MCS110
3-Day Course - This practical course introduces engineering concepts of motors and drives that can be easily understood by both engineers and technicians unfamiliar with the technology and not accustomed to complex theory and mathematics.
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| Company & Organizational News |
Legal disputes among suppliers halts exiderdome U.S. tour
Legal disputes have prevented exiderdome from being transferred from a barge to land for the second half of its U.S. tour.
Cybersecurity collaboration to deliver advanced control solutions
European Chemical Engineer, December 2008
Wurldtech Security Technologies announced a strategic co-operative agreement with Kenexis Consulting to deliver specialized safety process designs and services to address the evolving cyber risks facing operators of real-time industrial automation systems.
Frost & Sullivan says wireless not taking over factory automation yet
Wireless devices are perceived as the next big technological wave in factory automation, but users are wary.
Rockwell Automation to acquire Xi'An Hengsheng in China
Xi'An Hengsheng Science & Technology, a privately held engineering firm, delivers automation solutions to the electrical power and other heavy process industries in China.
Ralph Carter named President of Rockwell Software
Carter, former president and CEO of Pavilion Technologies, was named president of Rockwell Software.
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| Project News |
Insulfoam Cutter running on PBC linear guide
Running along an Integral V track, the drill rig can move more precisely and excel in the dusty environment while using fewer mounting components.
Rockwell Automation to supply automation to Chinese Provincial Government
Rockwell to supply automation technologies to help Hebei provincial government upgrade traditional industries.
Okuma integrates THINC with SAP
SAP software can be installed on THe Intelligent Numeric Control (THINC) instead of relying on a stand-alone computer to provide the necessary link.
ABB to automate steel mill in Sweden
ABB will supply electrical and automation equipment for SSAB’s steel mill in Borlänge, Sweden, including System 800xA, ACS800drive systems, motors and MNS switchgear.
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| Featured Events |
Promat
January 12 - 15, 2009 Chicago, IL
Show has 700 of the top material handling and logistics providers. The 300,000 square foot show floor will feature manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, assembly, logistics and IT solutions for the supply chain. An Educational Conference will offer industry expertise on the latest supply chain innovations.
ATX West
Feb 10-12, 2009 Anaheim, California
See the Latest advances in automation, meet leading suppliers and take advantage of exception business-building opportunities. This year’s show is co-located with MD&M West, WestPack, Pacific Design & Manufacturing, Electronics West, PLASTEC West Pavilion and the Green Manufacturing Expo.
HOUSTEX 2009
February 24-26, 2009 Houston, TX
Since 1976, HOUSTEX has been manufacturing's new product showcase in South Texas. Includes advanced machine tools, cutting-edge production systems, and pioneering technology applications.
Automation Technology Expo
March 11-12, 2009 Charlotte, NC
Covers a wide array of products and services, including adhesives/dispensing equipment, assembly systems, custom automation, control software/hardware, end-of-line packaging and more.
The Assembly Summit - 2009
March 24-26, 2009 Chicago, IL
Hosted by ASSEMBLY Magazine, this two-day forum will bring leaders from every facet of manufacturing together to share their real-world experience in tackling the toughest challenges in product assembly.
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Add an event to our calendar. |
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, Publisher
Automation.com
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