Articles and News

Automation.com, June 2010 By Tony Udelhoven, TURCK Conditions sensors must endure in welding environments remain consistently harsh: temperatures in excess of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, currents ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 Amps, and frequent weld flash occurrences.

Automation.com, June 2010 By Sam Drury, Impress Sensors & Systems The latest silicon pressure sensors have much-improved mechanically-sealed designs, which use only a fraction of the volume of oil compared to previous versions.

As the manufacturing world becomes more and more automated, industrial sensors have become the key to increasing both productivity and safety.

Automation.com, June 2010 By Scott Howard, Byres Security Although Trusted Network Connect (TNC) was originally conceived for protection of IT networks, it addresses many security issues that are also encountered in industrial control and SCADA systems.

Automation.com, June 2010 by Andy Stadheim, President of Barix Technology The flexibility of the smart grid and the many tools and devices available can be used to build a manageable and effective load shedding system.

Automation.com, June 2010 By Harald Poesch, Siemens Permanent magnet synchronous torque motors offer significant advantages on high energy consuming and high dynamic applications.

Automation.com, May 2010 By John Boville, Schneider Electric Companies are partnering with their supplier of electrical distribution, automation and control products and solutions to ensure seamless process changeovers.

Automation.com, May 2010 By Mark Howard, Zettlex A key step in selecting a suitable position sensor for an application is to be absolutely clear about what is needed, particularly with respect to sensor resolution, repeatability and linearity.

Automation.com, May 2010 By Dr Peter Harrop, IDTechEx Wireless Sensor Networks are machine to machine M2M mesh networks operating like the internet in that they are self organising and self healing.

A RFID Case Study demonstrated the benefits of using a single RFID tag to carry information critical in manufacturing, logistics and retail processes.

As many of you know, Hannover Messe is taking place this week in Hannover, Germany. As one of their US-based media partners, three of us from Automation.com had plans to be there to cover the show. Unfortunately, the Iceland volcano had other plans.

By David Johnson, Applied Measurements This weighing approach is cost effective and quick to install, causes a minimum of production down time and is ideal as a retrofitted system.

By Manny Mandrusiak, OPC Foundation The OPC Foundation has been receiving a lot of email lately regarding the different technologies that are now offered in the OPC portfolio in 2010. It is very easy to see where individuals could become overwhelmed with the number of options that now exist. Here at the OPC Foundation we have taken steps to bring some clarity to the marketplace by simplifying the OPC message regarding the three core OPC technologies: OPC Classic, OPC Xi, and OPC UA.

By Motion Controls Robotics Buying a used robot? Here's what to consider.

By Brent Evanger, Banner Engineering Many engineers use machine vision equipment in quality control inspection processes. To attain accurate results from these inspections, however, the user must ensure sufficient lighting.

By Chris Jones, Micro-Epsilon Customers sometimes need to measure to sub-micron or nanometre resolutions, against difficult surfaces or materials that cannot be touched. This article compares four types of non-contact displacement measurement technology, advising on the pros and cons of each.

Automation.com, March 2010 By Sal Austin, DGX With RFID and geospatial technologies, corporations can track and manage their inventory anywhere in the world at real time speed preventing losses and theft.

By Nathan Pocock, Director of Compliance, OPC Foundation The OPC Foundation Compliance and Certification program offers different levels of certification. It is extremely important for individuals who purchase this software to understand the rigors that each level of certification requires, and the benefits of those results.

Are you ready for your e-mail marketing efforts to reach further than your company's own customer database? Read how Automation.com's Custom e-Mail Message and White Paper Alert Message opportunities can play a role in your company's overall marketing strategy.

Attendees came together again on the afternoon of February 10, 2010 for a second, Forum-wide general session. This session included a timely and interesting OpX presentation by BASF's Werner Setzwein; an attention-getting and thought-provoking presentation on immersive virtual environments by Chevron's Kevyn Renner; a brief introduction and overview by Daryl Dulaney, President and CEO of the recently formed Siemens Industry business; and finally, a presentation on a successful continuous improvement process by Dennis Inverso, from DuPont Engineering.