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Read the online version if links don't work in this Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Update. |
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March 2009 |
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Can You Afford Not to Track and Trace?
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eATM modules snap into an A-B ControlLogix rack so you can exchange factory floor data with a computer system for tracking and tracing applications - all without programming. A new white paper from Online Development explains how these modules can make tracking and tracing easier to deploy.
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| In this Issue |
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| Featured Articles |
PLC Programming
Control, January 2009
By Dave Harrold
The three top reasons why RLL — Ladder Logic — remains the control language of choice of PLC users worldwide are – it’s easy to learn, robust to use and offers transparency across platforms.
PLCs, PACs and DCSs Can Do Windows
Control, January 2009
By Rich Merritt
The capability of today’s PC-based industrial computers are overcoming engineers’ resistance to “the Wal-Mart of Operating Systems.”
3D Vision Seamlessly Enables Perfect Welds
Machine Vision On Line, December 2008
By Winn Hardin
3D machine vision systems – laser-based triangulation systems in particular – are helping manufacturers meet stringent welding requirements in a number of ways, while simplifying system integration with PLCs and other common industrial automation equipment.
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.
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| Product Announcements |
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| Other Product Announcements
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| White Papers |
Understanding the IEC61131-3 Programming Languages
By Ted Thayer, Bosch-Rexroth
Long dismissed as just being a European phenomenon, the IEC’s programmable controller languages are gaining traction in the United States. This white paper provides a brief overview and comparison of each of the five main PLC/PAC programming languages.
Adding Process Control to a PLC-based System
By Opto 22
Today’s automation applications are less narrowly defined than in the past. Today, both discrete control and process control are often required to get the job done. Because of the architectural differences between a PLC-based system and a DCS, approaching a hybrid system from the PLC side can offer some challenges.
Removable Storage Media Add Flexibility to PLCs
By Mark DeCramer, WAGO
An interface to removable storage media, such as USB memory devices and CompactFlash, are providing flexibility never before realized in PLC architectures. Because these devices are capable of holding gigabytes of data, years of collected data can be stored to a single device.
Expanding Allen-Bradley Logix Systems with Intelligent Remote I/O
By Opto 22
With the new options provided by intelligent remote I/O, expanding an Allen-Bradley Logix system is no longer a dilemma. Instead, it's an opportunity to add functionality and explore opportunities while staying within your current system and within budget.
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| Resources & Literature |
AutomationDirect Industrial Automation Product Reference Catalog
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, operatorinterface, motor contactors, drives, sensing equipment, connection systems, and much more.
Siemens Automation and Drives Interactive CD Catalog
The interactive catalog of Siemens Automation and Drives Business (CA01) gives you information on more than 80,000 products and systems used for industrial automation and control.
Omron redesigns its web site to shorten searches
The new site combines enhanced research, selection, sourcing and shopping tools tuned to deliver a satisfying experience based on input from customers and distributors.
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| Application Stories |
DL06 PLC puts heaters to the test
By Tom Brickey & Mike Sabatine, Pyromatics Automation Systems
Pyromatics built a Life Cycle Test Station for electric heating elements. If a heater failed, the test had to be shut down and QC alerted. Pyromatics used a DirectLOGIC DL06 PLC to control eight PID loops, DirectSOFT ladder logic editor, and a C-more EA7-T10C 10-inch TFT touch-screen operator interface.
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.
Open-source Software Controlling Japan’s Top Particle Accelerator
Control Engineering, December 2008
By Shin Kai
The KEK B-factory double-ring electron-positron collider in Japan has begun using Linux-based PLCs and open source EPICs software for beam mask and magnet controls.
Software Interprets between Rockwell Automation and Siemens
By Softing
Krones, a packaging manufacturer, uses control systems based on Siemens and Rockwell Automation equipment. Using Softing software, Krones can communicate between Simatic, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC-5 and SLC-500 controllers.
Pump control bolstered with remote systems
Control Engineering Europe, December 2008
Aberdeen Control is using Bosch Rexroth PLCs in nine systems for the remote control on two oil rigs, Rowan Gorilla VI and Leiv Eriksson.
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| Featured Training |
CoDeSys to hold User Conferences across Europe
Through June 2009
CoDeSys Users' Conferences on IEC 61131-3 programming will be held in Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland and Netherlands.
PLCopen awards Certified Training certificate to Shanghai school
The Shanghai Institute of Process Automation Instrumentation is certified for the course IEC 61131-3 Concepts and Languages.
Coastal releases ControlLogix eLearning Series
Participants will learn to create projects, work with tags, and add and edit ladder logic elements, plus advanced programming skills and troubleshooting techniques.
PLC Structure, Programming, Installation, and Maintenance
March 23-27, 2009 Houston, TX
This course will enable you to understand PLC architecture, configuration, installation, maintenance and ladder logic programming with over 50% hands on training.
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| Company & Organizational News |
Rockwell Automation and ProLeiT to pursue brewery applications
ProLeiT will integrate its Plant iT with the Logix control platform for applications in the brewing, dairy and related industries.
ABB orders decrease in Q4, but 2008 income up
Orders decreased 19 percent in the fourth quarter but full-year EBIT nevertheless reached a record $4.6 billion.
Jerry Yen joins Mitsubishi Electric Automation
Jerry Yen has been named director of the company’s new Custom Solutions Center.
ILS Technology offers lab to Florida Atlantic University
ILS is opening its development-and-testing labs to FAU researchers working on technologies such as programmable logic controllers and radio-frequency identification (RFID) equipment, among others.
Integrated Automation Solutions Become More Important To PLC Suppliers
Differences in performance and appearance between PLC hardware from different suppliers are becoming less, says IMS Research. Accordingly, major PLC suppliers are focusing more on being a ‘solution provider’ to expand both their PLC and other automation business. This integrated automation solution market for PLCs is growing faster than the traditional PLC market, in which PLCs are sold as a single hardware component.
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| Project News |
Siemens to automate vacuum tank degassing facility for SSAB
Equipment includes an HMI system, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), panels for the control rooms and operation stations for motors and pumps.
ABB to automate solar thermal power plant
ABB is supplying System 800xA, AC500 PLCs, as well as other automation and power equipment for Extresol 1 and 2 solar thermal power plants in Extremadura, western Spain.
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Browse more project news on the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) portal.
Add an event to our calendar. |
| Featured Events |
ABB Automation & Power World
March 24-26, 2009 Orlando, FL
Event merges ABB Automation World and ABB Power World into one comprehensive users conference and exhibition.
Assembly Summit - 2009
March 24-26, 2009 Chicago, Illinois
Two-day forum brings leaders from every facet of manufacturing. Speakers will cover advances in assembly technology from lean manufacturing to robotics, and explain how to turn assembly technology into a competitive weapon for capturing market share. Senior manufacturing executives will reveal the strategy and tactics they are using to keep their assembly operations here in the USA.
International Conference on Hybrid Systems: Computation and Control
April 13- 15, 2009 San Francisco, CA
Papers cover areas pertaining to the analysis, design, control, optimization, implementation, and applications of hybrid systems, including: Real-time computing and control; Embedded and resource-aware control; and Computation and control over wireless networks.
Hannover Messe
April 20 - 24 Hannover, Germany
HANNOVER MESSE is the world's leading industrial technology trade fair. Established 60 years ago, the event is internationally renowned for new products, innovative technologies, and knowledge transfer in sectors that range from automation, energy, and microtechnology to compressed air, power transmission, and surface treatment. HANNOVER MESSE also features an extensive range of conferences and special events, including Energy Efficiency, Global Business Forum, World Energy Dialogue, and Hermes Award, the world's most lucrative prize for pioneering technology.
Plant Maintenance and Design Engineering
May 12-14, 2009 Montréal, QC, Canada
The leading event for manufacturing professionals from throughout Quebec to find the products, services and information they need to stay competitive.
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I hope you enjoyed this Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 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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