PC-based control technology from Beckhoff, which has already been used successfully for almost three decades in all areas of industrial automation, has become an integral component of intelligent building automation. The demands on the intelligence of buildings have increased constantly in recent years, such that the energy efficiency as well as a good “return on investment” is the priority.
In the public water utilities sector, plant operators must ensure a reliable water supply to all consumers, while at the same time getting by with tight budgets. Their requirements include reliability through redundancy and safe communication of all components with the control system.
When it comes to optimizing and designing seamless processes in control cabinet manufacturing, the process steps and interfaces must be considered even before the actual engineering. Finding, obtaining, preparing, revising, and adapting item data for use in a CAE program eats up valuable resources and increases lead times for many companies that specialize in control cabinet manufacturing.
In spite of advancing digitalization, the following still applies: Manual workstations are indispensable, because automation is not always profitable with small batch quantities or complex processes. Such workstations are preferred at the Martinshof Werkstatt Bremen, a sheltered workshop for a mixed workforce including people with handicaps, as they are ideally suited for integrating persons with physical or cognitive handicaps into working life.
Laser direct structuring (LDS) is a special success story. For almost 20 years, it has been possible to apply electronic conductor paths directly onto plastic parts during series production. LDS enables the production of electronic assemblies with flexible geometric shapes. This process enables electronic products (such as smart phones, sensors or medical devices) to become even smaller and more powerful. Automated manufacturing processes also make this process more economically attractive.
Volkswagen has recently released the sixth generation of its VASS (Volkswagen Audi Seat Skoda) Standard, which includes an update to Eplan Version 2.9. The standard – used in production plants for models on the MEB platform – has also been expanded with 3D functionality in switchgear system engineering and with data for bi-directional exchange with PLC project planning tools. The new VX25 control cabinet system from Rittal has additionally been integrated into the standard.
The industrial transformation is in full swing. As a result, the market conditions are changing. Eplan is consistently adapting to these changes: As of August 2021, new software licences will be offered exclusively on a subscription basis. Companies will especially benefit from more flexibility.
Southwire is pleased to welcome Fernando Esquivel as its new Executive Vice President of Human Resources. Esquivel’s multi-faceted background aligns well with the company’s values and culture, and, through his leadership, Southwire will continue its commitment to building and prioritizing a workplace that is inclusive, supportive and engaging.
We’ll show you how to quickly and faultlessly assemble and expand motor starters with the SIRIUS 3RV29 infeed system without complex wiring, and with less screws or special tools.
In aircraft construction, exceptional component quality and precision are crucial, for obvious reasons. However, sheet-metal aircraft parts are often extremely large, making machining and handling problematic. Working closely with CNC specialist Penta-Tec and with milling specialist A&T – a company that supplies Premium Aerotec, an Airbus subsidiary, with structural components – Harmuth CNC-Frästechnik has built large-format milling machines that use PC-based control technology from Beckhoff to successfully overcome these challenges.
The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is a project of superlatives. After a long construction and planning period, the next-generation telescope is expected to go live in 2029. With seven mirrors and a combined diameter of 25 m, it will enable entirely new resolutions and even allow a look back into the time after the Big Bang. PC-based control from Beckhoff was specified as the future automation equipment.
After a lengthy period of connector manufacturers pursuing various approaches with regard to M12 PushPull locks, IEC 61076-2-010 is now finally bringing a system that is consistent across the industry. Or at least that is the opinion held by Dirk-Peter Post, Head of Global Product Management Circular Interface Connectors, Harting Electronics, and Jürgen Sahm, Senior Specialist Product Marketing Circular Connectors, Phoenix Contact, in this interview.
A sudden power outage can be a critical issue for businesses and organizations. If something happens to the power, then it’s important to get things up and running as soon as possible. For example, a construction company that is working in a remote or isolated location may be at risk for power outages. A back-up generator will minimize the risk of the operation losing power and the project getting significantly delayed.
In this modern age, the world around us is becoming more connected than ever before. Internet connected devices give us many conveniences in our personal lives, but how can we use this technology in the industrial environment? Let’s discuss the benefits of adding remote connectivity to your machines.
To encourage positive climate action across the world, industry groups and corporations around the world are leveraging their expertise to offset climate change. Pepperl+Fuchs is pleased to announce that SSI SCHAEFER—a Pepperl+Fuchs partner and provider of products and systems for material handling—has been recognized for its sustainability efforts.
When control equipment is used in the U.S., the UL standards have to be complied with in respect of safety and fire protection. The standards-compliant configuration of the control panel plays a major role here. Control circuits according to NEC Class 2 must be limited in power to 100 VA. By selecting the right power supply and fuse protection, acceptance can be simplified significantly and costs can also be saved.
