Parker’s Electromechanical and Drives Division North America now sells the XT – Parker’s Xpress PowerStation. The XT comes pre-loaded with the next iteration of Parker’s runtime and development software, Xpress 4.1. The XT was designed with the Industrial user in mind. The XT is a fully solid state device with 15-g peak shock and 5 to 500-Hz vibration […]
Controls
New Omron controller functions simplify setup of automation involving weighing tasks
Omron Automation now offers an array of Sysmac library functions on its expanded Sysmac Studio integrated development environment. One is a set of weighing-system Function Blocks to let engineers easily design weighing tasks using load cells. More after the jump. The Function Blocks eliminate the complicated programming usually required to communicate with weighing indicators and […]
FAQ: Is a PLC fast enough to meet my application’s requirements?
Knowing if your PLC is fast enough and can handle your application is really a two-part process. That is, it can be looked at from two different but intertwined perspectives; one is from the PLC perspective and the other is from the application level. The most important factors are knowing the specifics of the application […]
Opto 22 announces availability of Node-RED
Industrial automation manufacturer and Internet of Things platform developer Opto 22 announced immediate availability of Node-RED nodes for its industrial programmable automation controllers, significantly decreasing IIoT application development time and complexity. These Node-RED nodes for PACs make it easier to prototype and develop applications for connecting physical assets to cloud applications. Rapid IIoT Application Prototyping […]
Motor thermistor relays monitor up to six motors
The new DTA7 Series of Motor Thermistor Relays from Carlo Gavazzi are capable of monitoring the temperature of up to six motors (via thermistors on the internal windings). This type of monitoring and control prevents false alarms, which may cause interruptions in production and expensive machine downtime. Features include universal power supply (which reduces the […]
FAQ: What are some PLC I/O, visual display, and networking options?
A PLC can be a highly customizable controller, depending on application needs. And with advances in technology, the options designers have continue to expand. Specifically, we focus here on three types of options; I/O (input/output), visual displays, and networking. I/O I/O options can be classified in several ways, including some basic groupings such as analog […]
LabVIEW 2016 New Channel Wires simplify development and improve productivity
Latest version of LabVIEW features 500+ new supported instruments, 5 new 64-bit add-ons, supports improved Python integration. National Instruments (NI), announced the LabVIEW 2016 system design software, empowering engineers to simplify development and effectively integrate software from the ecosystem into their systems. The latest version of LabVIEW introduces new channel wires to simplify complex communication […]
Select the right machine controller for your application
by Don Pham, Product Manager, IDEC Picking the right type of machine controller will minimize costs and complexity, while still providing the performance required for the application. Many different controller options are available for machine automation, giving you the opportunity to select a controller closely matched to the application. All those choices can cause confusion. […]
Motion controllers help planes take precision aerial photos of disasters
Quick response to catastrophes such as floods and fires is critical, but disaster sites are often inaccessible and unsafe for inspectors and adjusters who come after first responders. Now Pictometry, an EagleView company, collects and supplies ultra-clear aerial photography to let insurance carriers, restoration companies, utilities, and contractors identify safe-access points, areas of total loss, […]
MICROMO announces the next generation of motion controllers
Updated July 18, 2016 with new links || MICROMO launches the new MC3/MCS motion control family. The new controllers are optimized for use with FAULHABER motor technologies, offer electronics for simple operation with state-of-the-art interfaces for multi-axis applications and provide a motion control system solution with the most compact integration into industrial grade housing. These high […]