Lenze is paving the way for easy configuration of pick-and-place robotics used in the areas of intralogistics, packaging technology, assembly and material handling systems. Robotic motion for gantry systems and automatic stackers is designed more easily with the robotics module in the Lenze FAST application software. “Most gantry robots operate on a single axis using […]
Controls
One to three-axis motion control for any servos + steppers
The Sonata series of motion controls from Optimal Engineering Systems (OES) is a standalone plug-and-play motion control. The systems in this series support up to three axes of motion, in any combination of steppers, DC servo and brushless servo motors, and voice coil motors. More after the jump. Each system includes the power supplies, the motion […]
Control Techniques’ Add-on Instructions simplify drive, PLC integration
Control Techniques’ Add-On Instruction (AOI) offering makes it easy to integrate Unidrive M with Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs. An open and editable file, the Unidrive M AOI integrates easily into the Logix architecture allowing for further future flexibility. This free AOI download provides an easy path to integrate Control Techniques’ Advanced Motion Controller (AMC) […]
B&R simplifies packaging automation for ladder-logic fans
North American packaging machinery users and OEMs benefit from familiar ladder-logic programming, but new packaging-automation software is easier. As machine functionalities become more sophisticated, ladder programs can become too complicated, even when supplemented by function blocks. Modular application (mapp) technology from B&R maintains familiar, IEC compliant ladder and function block programming – except with mapp components, […]
Technology Tuesdays Podcast: Jeff Phillips on LabVIEW 2015
For this week’s Design World Technology Tuesdays Podcast, I spoke with Jeff Phillips, Section Manager for Software Platforms at National Instruments. Last week at NI Week 2015, National Instruments released the latest version of LabVIEW with an emphasis on “faster”; opening code faster, writing code faster, debugging code faster, and deploying code faster. I talk […]
PLC + HMI helps streamline machine testing
When flammable gasoline is in play, no container failures are acceptable. Now, one manufacturer tests its gas-pump hoses with equipment sporting advanced PLCs. Vapor Systems Technologies makes breakaways, whip hoses, gas nozzles and other gas-dispenser hardware that stems from gas dispenser. The manufacturer wanted to test its nozzles to 1,000,000 cycles, the equivalent of about […]
Software with standard modules can now drive motion and robots
By Detlef Stork – Technology Manager, Motion – Lenze Machine builders must deliver designs with more flexibility than ever. Standardized motion software helps them go beyond segregated component and drive purchases with efficient programming of even complex robotic movement. Today’s increasingly custom products are leading to smaller production batches, so production machinery is becoming more […]
New controllers for design of industrial internet of things (IIoT)
National Instruments now sells new embedded systems hardware based on the open, flexible LabVIEW reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture. This hardware includes the high-performance CompactRIO Controller for integrators with rugged, industrial applications, Controller for FlexRIO for designers with high-performance embedded applications and Single-Board RIO Controller for designers who require more flexibility in their embedded applications. These controllers integrate […]
OMRON Corp. to acquire Delta Tau Data Systems Inc.
OMRON Corp. announced its entry into a stock purchase agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Delta Tau Data Systems, Inc. of California, which will result in Delta Tau becoming a member of the OMRON Group. The acquisition is subject to customary conditions to closing. Omron expects the acquisition to close in early September, 2015. […]
Powerful new drive electronics for stepper motors
Searching the multitude of available programmable motion controllers for one that is ideal for micro stepper motors with phase currents of sometimes less than 100 mA was once a real challenge. The new MCST 3601 series, developed from the cooperation between FAULHABER and Trinamic GmbH (the motion controller specialist for stepper motors), offers the solution. […]