Articles and News

The idea is to be able to link variables in different engineering systems via a top level architecture in a very easy way.

Part 3 – Extensions to the Function Blocks extend the scope of the safety specification, and harmonize the diagnostics interface for easier handling by the user.

Opto aPAC app monitors and manages a SNAP PAC System using mobile devices running the Android operating system.

Is a VFD or Valve Faster?

Automation.com, April 2012 By John Krasnokutsky, Siemens Industry Machine builders and automation engineers should note that an energy-efficient system can actually translate into higher productivity.

What are the factors that affect VFD rangeability?

CIMdata estimates that end-user payments for NC software grew from $1.333 billion in 2010 to $1.525 billion in 2011.

Automation.com, April 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor There is a great deal of discussion about DCS migrations and retrofits these days, raising questions that can be overwhelming for users. Suppliers offer upgrades from their legacy systems as well as upgrades from a competitor’s DCS. I interviewed industry veteran, Paul Galeski, to get his insights on this important topic.

P&IDs should generally follow ISA symbols for the basic instruments. If you follow that symbology, most anyone can read and understand the P&IDs quickly.

February U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $444.06 million according to AMT, up 9.3% from January and up 35.2% from February 2011.

SNAP PAC acts as a central controller that manages more than 180 interconnected onboard systems aboard director James Cameron's Deepsea Challenger submersible.

Automation.com, April 2012 By Bill Lydon, Editor Sandvik Coromant, DMG / Mori Seiki USA, and Siemens PLC collaborated to replace multiple machines and cutting tools with intelligent design of a new method to accomplish gear hobbing using one machine and one cutting tool.

2012 AIChE Spring Meeting & 8th Global Congress on Process Safety

Look for an industrial systems integrator that can add value…not one that just does what you tell them. A good integrator will ask lots of questions so they fully understand your process.

V1.3 specification broadens the functionality and the range of applications of the international Sercos real-time standard, while considering new trends in machine and plant construction.

The training software offers realistic operation and programming capabilities for milling, turning and drilling sequences, independent of any machine tool hardware.

Automation.com, March 2012 By Mark Howard, Zettlex Resolvers are good. Encoders are good. But which is the best? This article examines the strengths and weaknesses of each and offers some alternatives.

Automation.com, March 2012 By Rockwell Automation Rockwell installed three ControlLogix PACs, FactoryTalk, and a 100Mbit network with two Stratix 8000 switches to replace five old PLCs and ControlNet at a BASF shipping facility in Germany.

Nanotec Electronic US will offer Nanotec’s Plug and Drive Servo stepper motors, BLDC motors, stepper driven linear actuators and intelligent motor controllers.

PACs and MCCs from Rockwell Automation helped standardize plant-wide control and contributed to UK completing the project under budget and six months ahead of schedule.