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Machine Control Portal
Machine Control Products, News, Articles, Events & Resources
Welcome to the Automation.com portal for Machine Control with information for automation and controls engineers to design the best machine control for an application. The demand to design machines with increased accuracy, speed, and flexibility requires a constant flow of new ideas, methods, and products to meet the challenges. Technologies and topics covered on this portal include controllers, motion, software, sensors, safety, and other related devices.
Subscribe to our e-Newsletter or get the latest information on Machine Control sent to your desktop as soon as they are published on this page.
Articles
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Open Architecture "Use Cases" - the Next Frontier
- 01/23/12 Automation.com, January 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor The next major frontier in the evolution of open architecture is the development of application standards built around Use Cases to increase automation productivity and efficiency. Packaging machine standards from OMAC's Packaging Workgroup is a good example. |
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Tandem Encoders
- 02/04/12 Automation.com, February 2012 By Mark Howard, Zettlex The term ‘tandem encoder’ refers to an encoder with at least two measurement axes but only one power input and one data output. A Tandem approach effectively spreads the cost of a single set of electronics across two (or more) encoders. |
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Ethernet Inside the Intelligent Device
- 02/04/12 Automation.com, February 2012 By Jessica Forguites, Rockwell Automation Embedding Ethernet switch technology into devices brings new advantages to high-performance applications. It simplifies machine design, configuration and maintenance. |
White Papers
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Why doesn’t everyone use remote access?
- 05/03/11 Automation.com, May 2011 By Frank Hurtte, River Heights Consulting The question we would like to explore is pretty simple. Back 20 years ago it was significant, today it’s huge. To illustrate the point, let’s look at what might happen when a special machine builder experienced issues in the field. |
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Ethernet I/O – Technical Considerations
- 01/25/12 Automation.com, January 2012 By SoftPLC The number of vendors offering Ethernet I/O products is continually growing. However, not all products are designed for all applications. This paper discusses some of the important considerations when selecting Ethernet I/O products. |
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The Changing Energy Landscape: A How-To Guide
- 11/17/11 Automation.com, November 2011 By SMC Machine builders, manufacturers, and all compressed air users can decrease energy costs by following the steps outlined here. |
Application Stories
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Laser sensor measures width and height of cutting discs
- 01/17/12 Carbide cutting tool specialist Ceratizit relies on a measurement system that uses Micro-Epsilon’s optoCONTROL 2500 sensor during production control of the cutting discs. |
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Integrated Architecture streamlines cable manufacturing in Spain
- 02/04/12 An unnamed manufacturer of cable and conductors in Spain used Rockwell Automation’s Integrated Architecture, including CompactLogix PLCs connected to PanelView Plus operator terminals via EtherNet/IP. |
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Cheesemaker Uses PACs to cut the cheese
- 02/04/12 Barbers Farmhouse Cheesemakers in the UK uses Rockwell Automation’s ControlLogix PAC and 3D laser scanners to control an Arcall C52 cheese cutter. Another PAC controls a suite of conveyors driven by servo motors. All communications are via EtherNet/IP. |
Resources & Literature
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Machine & Process Safety Engineering Guide
Omron Scientific Technologies introduces the 2011-2012 Guide to Machine and Process Safeguarding. The guide also highlights Omron STI’s Safety Library with access to educational resource material including fully-illustrated articles on safety regulations and directives, risk assessment, types of protective measures and background on safety technologies. |
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Dynomax announces Dynospindles Website
- 12/30/11 Dynospindles.com website streamlines the ordering of custom and standard machine tool spindles and related accessories. |
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Siemens releases Online Energy Savings Estimator
- 01/31/12 Energy Savings Estimator gives customers using drives, motors, couplings and gearboxes the ability to estimate potential energy savings across an entire drive train. |
Training News
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Omron Expands eLearning to Include Introductory Courses
- 02/02/12 The eLearning portal features 10 introductory courses on types, functions and general knowledge of factory automation equipment. |
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BEI produces How to Install an Encoder Videos
- 12/30/11 Video series details how to install industrial rotary encoders. |
Training & Seminars
Cartoons
Featured Products
Product Announcements
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Dynomax Introduces New Robotic Grinding Spindles
- 12/30/11
Dynogrind spindle series is designed specifically for robotic grinding of abrasive materials such as glass, ceramic, composite and forged materials. |
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NUMERIK JENA introduces non-magnetic LIK encoders
- 02/01/12
The encoders can withstand a high magnetic environment without loss of accuracy or resolution and are mechanically stable. |
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SAS announces GSZ Sprue Plier Arm for injection molding
- 02/01/12
its spring loaded arm enables GRZ to absorb the ejector stroke of a mold. Spring loading allows individual sprues and runners to be secured prior to ejection. |
Company & Organization News
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Dynomax Achieves Aerospace and Defense AS9100 Rev C Quality Certification
- 12/30/11 Rev C involves a very rigorous audit process heavily influenced by major aerospace and defense companies. |
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Mechatrolink Members Association Offers Free Upgraded Membership
- 01/31/12 Mechatrolink is the most widely used motion control network in Asia, and is gaining ground in the U.S. An annual Regular Membership in MMA normally costs $1,500, but until March 31, 2012, it’s free. |
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Medium Voltage AC Drives Market in India Growing
- 01/12/12 ARC says the total medium voltage AC drives market in India will exceed $180 million in 2015. |
Project News
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Nexen to supply Roller Pinion System to Flow International
- 09/08/11 Nexen will supply Roller Pinion Systems to Flow International for Flow’s new line of waterjet machines. |
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Heason to control Synchrotron at Brookhaven National Laboratory
- 04/13/11 The project involves six EPICS based control systems, with each controller capable of 4 axis synchronised motion control. |
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ABB automation takes copper mining to new heights in Peru
- 03/10/11 The solutions include a mine-wide electrical package integrated with a System 800xA process control system, and gearless mill drives – all engineered to operate at the 4,600 meters above sea level. |
Event News
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Industrial Supply 2012 Showcases U.S. Industrial Subcontractors
- 12/06/11 Leaders in the subcontracting business will be presenting their latest product developments in industrial materials to a vast audience attending HANNOVER MESSE. |
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HANNOVER MESSE 2012 focuses on sustainability
- 11/21/11 By adopting "greentelligence" as its keynote theme, HANNOVER MESSE 2012 has put the spotlight squarely on green technologies as a central growth driver for industry. |
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Rockwell Automation Celebrates 20 Years of Automation Fair
- 10/17/11 Manufacturers, machine builders, partners, industry analysts and media from around the world will meet Nov. 16-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago for the 20th anniversary of Automation Fair. |
Events
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Send your articles, white papers, application stories, resources, training and events for publication consideration to content@automation.com.