General Manufacturing

Migration Strategies for Supporting Legacy Automation
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Migration Strategies for Supporting Legacy Automation

August 29, 2023 By Scott Martin, KCC Software When support for legacy systems fades away, there are options to keep them up and running. Experienced systems integrators are well-versed in up-to-date digital platforms to modernize operations with minimal effort. For a period beginning in the late 1990s, Windows CE was a popular choice as a lightweight…

WAGO: Compact Controller 100
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WAGO: Compact Controller 100

Taking a PLC and connecting it with WAGO’s 750 Series I/O couplers, provides the flexibility and high-performance needed for applications large and small. Carefully engineered for machine builders, plant floor tasks and other digitalization projects, our Compact Controller 100 is easy to use and maintenance free. With Wago’s Compact Controller 100, you get the benefit of both a compact controller, digital as well as analog inputs and outputs all-in-one! With CODESYS version 3 software, this system combines advanced programming with capabilities of professional software development for modern control applications.

Omron: H5CC Digital Timer – Revolutionizing Time Control with Effortless Programming and Predictive Maintenance Algorithms
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Omron: H5CC Digital Timer – Revolutionizing Time Control with Effortless Programming and Predictive Maintenance Algorithms

Omron Automation Americas has recently released the H5CC, a new digital timer that combines the functions of a variety of timers into one. This new timer features a user-friendly LED screen, offering instant insights into production processes across diverse sectors such as food processing, packaging, assembly lines, and material handling. Downtime increases the cost of production through WIP loss, excess labor costs, and maintenance. The H5CC timer comes with predictive maintenance functionality that benefits manufacturers by notifying them of impending equipment failure, enabling scheduled maintenance at their convenience and eliminating the risk of costly unscheduled downtime.

Pepperl+Fuchs: ICE11 IO-Link Master with Multiprotocol Functionality
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Pepperl+Fuchs: ICE11 IO-Link Master with Multiprotocol Functionality

IO-Link masters enable efficient and reliable communication between management and sensor/actuator levels. They transmit sensor data to higher-level information systems and can also receive data from there. The new ICE11 IO-Link master for PLC-based applications is multiprotocol-capable and now supports not only PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and MODBUS TCP but also EtherCAT and CC-Link IE Field Basic. It can be used worldwide in various application areas such as robotics, intralogistics, and motion control applications.

8 Factors for Panel Builders to Consider When Choosing a Thermal Management Supplier
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8 Factors for Panel Builders to Consider When Choosing a Thermal Management Supplier

By: Kooltronic August 18, 2023 Building electrical enclosures presents many challenges. Considerations such as ingress protection, mechanical strength, component costs, National Electrical Code (NEC) compliance, and thermal management are equally important when building safe, reliable, cost-effective control cabinets. Panel builders may also face challenges related to the availability of materials, the complexity of the design,…

IDEC: New RC Series PCB Relays – Industrial-Grade Power Handling in a Low-Profile Form Factor
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IDEC: New RC Series PCB Relays – Industrial-Grade Power Handling in a Low-Profile Form Factor

IDEC Corporation has recently announced the release of their new RC Series printed circuit board (PCB) relays, with features supporting a wide range of industrial-grade applications. These relays come in several low-profile configurations, provide high-capacity power switching, and perform reliably even in challenging environments. The RC Series replaces and upgrades the proven RJxV Series PCB mount relays.

Rockwell Automation: ArmorKinetix Distributed Servo Drive
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Rockwell Automation: ArmorKinetix Distributed Servo Drive

Recently, Rockwell Automation, Inc. was pleased to launch ArmorKinetix Distributed Servo Drives. This new distributed servo drive is an extension of the Kinetix 5700 platform and provides customers with a scalable drive solution that helps them deliver leaner, greener, and more powerful machine designs. Manufacturers are increasingly seeking scalable solutions that simplify their machine control architectures, minimize the number of components, reduce manufacturing time, and optimize productivity.

Fibox Partners with Jameco Electronics to Introduce High-Quality Indoor and Outdoor Enclosures
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Fibox Partners with Jameco Electronics to Introduce High-Quality Indoor and Outdoor Enclosures

July 28, 2023 Fibox is excited to announce its collaboration with Jameco Electronics, a trusted source of electronic components and tools. As part of this partnership, Fibox’s superior-quality enclosures will now be available in Jameco Electronics’ line card, offering customers a comprehensive range of top-notch solutions for their electronic equipment protection needs. Designed for a…

DQS Series
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Mersen Introduces DQS Series Fast-Acting DC Fuses

Mersen has recently announced its latest DC (Direct Current) high performance round body fuses; the D100QS and D70QS high-speed fuses. D100QS and D70QS high-speed fuses are Mersen’s next evolution for the protection of high-power conversion applications for those industries shifting to DC systems. DQS series fuses are specifically designed to reduce the I2t, peak let-through current, and arc voltages during fault conditions to protect applications such as battery charging systems and other DC components like relays and contactors.

Will Industrial HMIs go touchless?
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Will Industrial HMIs go touchless?

July 17, 2023 Human-machine interfaces (HMIs) are a crucial component of industrial control systems, as they allow operators to interact with and monitor the performance of industrial equipment. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in touchless technology, which eliminates the need for physical contact between the operator and the interface. This technology…

Pilz: PNOZ m C0 Standalone Base Unit – Smallest Safety Controller PNOZmulti 2
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Pilz: PNOZ m C0 Standalone Base Unit – Smallest Safety Controller PNOZmulti 2

The standalone base unit is extremely compact at just 22.5 mm width. With eight freely configurable safe inputs and four safe semiconductor outputs, it monitors up to four safety functions on machines. Depending on the application, it can be used to implement safety requirements up to PL e of EN ISO 13849-1 and SIL CL 3 of EN IEC 62061. PNOZ m C0 is safe, high-performance and highly economical for small machines in a range of industries and application areas, such as packaging, on robot cells or in the food and beverage sector.

Emerson Strengthens Data Management Tools and Integrates Analytics with Asset Management Software
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Emerson Strengthens Data Management Tools and Integrates Analytics with Asset Management Software

Emerson is helping process manufacturers improve performance and sustainability by breaking down the data silos that make it difficult to digitally transform their reliability and maintenance strategies. AMS Device Manager Data Server securely extends intelligent field device data to outside systems to make it easier for reliability and maintenance teams to further capitalize on modern advanced analytics software, providing a step change in operational efficiency and smart manufacturing.

Beckhoff: Expanded MX-System Portfolio for Control Cabinet-Free Automation
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Beckhoff: Expanded MX-System Portfolio for Control Cabinet-Free Automation

If control cabinet-free machines are the question, then the Beckhoff MX-System is the answer. The integration of functional modules onto a backplane system creates a waterproof and dustproof composite of metal enclosures suitable for automating a wide variety of manufacturing/production solutions. These systems often include 48 V motion components, for which the MX-System portfolio now offers four variants of a 48 V / 40 A power supply.

MENNEKES: SDS Series Stainless Steel Motor Disconnect Switch
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MENNEKES: SDS Series Stainless Steel Motor Disconnect Switch

The SDS Series of motor disconnects from MENNEKES offer a cost-effective way to transition from non-metallic to stainless steel disconnects, which are designed to excel in harsh environments. These units even match Hubbell HBLDS3 and HBLDS3AC footprints, making the upgrade process quick and easy. Thanks to its durable stainless steel construction, the SDS Series features superior corrosion and impact resistance for demanding operating conditions.

Siemens: New SIMATIC S7-1500 Virtual PLC (vPLC) on Industrial Edge
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Siemens: New SIMATIC S7-1500 Virtual PLC (vPLC) on Industrial Edge

SIMATIC S7-1500V is an entirely virtual PLC based upon the functions and operation of the SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC and is independent of its hardware. It extends the current S7-1500 PLC offering, which allows for more flexible and modular design of production plants, and is a virtual controller that is completely compatible with TIA Portal. With this, you can rely on familiar tools and build on projects that are already created in TIA Portal, and use OT solutions you have previously employed in an IT environment and benefit from their advantages without giving up familiar structures.