Articles and News

By Physik Instrumente Paper describes the development and lifetime tests of PI's ceramic encapsulated actuators in comparison with conventional polymer coated piezo actuators. Several graphs enable the quick calculation of lifetime under different operational and environmental conditions.

This implementation guide, by the OMAC Packaging Workgroup, has been created to aid software developers in achieving a clean and efficient implementation of PackML.

Grand opening ceremonies will feature machining and productivity seminars. Both centers will have Okuma CNC lathes and machining centers on display.

Siemens Energy & Automation, Siemens Transportation Systems, Siemens Building Technologies, and Siemens VAI Services merged into a new company, Siemens Industry.

OPTOCODE rotary encoders with PROFINET I/O interfaces are now certified for IRT (isochronous real-time) data transfer protocols.

Website covers actuators, ball screws and lead screws, clutches and brakes, linear bearings and guides, linear motion systems, precision balls and planetary gearheads.

Software Toolbox products listed in the Siemens catalog include TOP Server and TOP Server UCON for Siemens Simatic WinCC and WinCC flexible products.

Rockwell Automation expects to host more than 8,000 attendees in Anaheim, CA, Nov. 11 and 12 at its 18th annual Automation Fair event.

Deadline for conformity with EN ISO 13849-1 or EN/IEC 62061 remains 29 Dec 2009. Extension of EN 954 1 to be considered at December meeting.

Fryer Machine Systems selected the Sinumerik 840D numerical control, together with Siemens’ ShopMill and ShopTurn software packages, for its job shop milling and turning machines.

July U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $149.51 million, according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association, and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

By Bill Lydon, Automation.com PLCopen finalized release 2.1 of the PLCopen Technical Committee 6 – XML Standard. This release 2.1 is based version 2.0 published in December 2008, as well as the feedback received from PLCopen members and the AutomationML organization. Here’s a synopsis of what the standard contains.

On June 23, 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany, the PLCopen Fluid Power Task Force had its first technical meeting to define function blocks for fluid power and hydraulic applications. Founding members of the task group include Bosch Rexroth, Eaton and Parker Hannifin bringing broad fluid power and controls experience; B&R, Eckelmann, ISG, Siemens representing control and integration expertise; 3S CoDeSys with a commitment of tightly integrated control software tools.

Sansteel chose Proficy Process Systems for its furnace revamp project in Shanghai. The solution, valued at $300,000, will provide critical control for both the metal furnace and the plant utility system.

Latest Selection Guide for Encoders is designed to help users quickly select the appropriate incremental, absolute, wire draw or linear encoder for their application.

OASIS (Omron Authorized Systems Integrator Solution) introduces Omron-certified systems integrator partners who can design and deliver an automation system using Omron controls.

A federal strategy and support is critical if American manufacturers are to thrive in the post-recession global economy, leading U.S. manufacturing experts said Wednesday.

Catalog contains a 36 page profile rail engineering guide that includes educational information on sizing, selection and life load calculations, deflection vs. applied load, and other factors.

Design guide helps users determine the suitability of a membrane switch for their product, equipment or instrumentation.

Applied Motion Systems develops motion control systems for a broad range of industries.