Integrated automation and motion control simulation software provides simple and quick virtual commissioning for machine builders. By Kevin Wu and Colm Gavin | Siemens Digital Industries In the development of any new machine or plant, faults are almost inevitable. Failure during commissioning is especially problematic, because it’s likely to significantly increase costs and delay the […]
Controls
Motion controller offers real-time processing for complex manufacturing
ETEL’s new UltimET Advanced is a powerful and versatile multi-axis motion controller now available to bring fast real-time processing and a higher level of flexibility to a variety of complex manufacturing applications. This standalone controller from ETEL, a HEIDENHAIN company, is perfect for high-level machine processes in the electronics and automation industries, and of special […]
What are breakpoints and how are they used in motion control?
In computer programs, breakpoints are functions within the code that help with monitoring and debugging the program. The programmer can mark, or flag, a line of code as a breakpoint, and when the program encounters the breakpoint marker, it pauses before executing that line of code. This allows the programmer to inspect variables, I/O status, […]
Trends: PC-based controllers enable easy IoT connectivity, predictive maintenance
Rather than traditional standalone systems, modern motion systems are integrated into the overall machine environment, making for easier connectivity and IoT implementations. Here, Daymon Thompson, U.S. Software Product Manager and Sree Swarna Gutta, U.S. I/O Product Manager, Beckhoff Automation LLC, weigh in on how their technologies are enabling this transition. 1. What edge devices do you […]
Miniature controllers from FAULHABER control a range of dc motors
The new MC 3001 are unhoused versions of the FAULHABER motion controllers and, by means of the integrated output stage with optimized current measurement, can control dc micromotors, linear dc servomotors or brushless dc motors from the company’s product line from 6 to 30 mm. With an overall height from 2.6 mm and a format […]
New ultra-compact motion controller from Performance Motion Devices
Performance Motion Devices, Inc. (PMD) debuts their new ION/CME N-Series Digital Drives, new members of the ION Digital Drive family that provide high-performance motion control, network connectivity and amplification. N-Series ION digital drives feature a patented, ultra-rugged PCB-mountable package with three power output levels – 75, 300, and 1,000 W. All ION/CME N-Series Digital Drives […]
IoT connectivity enhances controller performance
The controllers available today to design engineers have more built-in functions, are more powerful, and are being used in a wide array of diverse applications. We asked some of the top controls manufacturers what trends they’re seeing in the industry. Here’s what they told us. Do you see automation controllers in any new uses? Where […]
Controller provides multi-axis motion control to packaging systems
Developed by Servotronix with an EtherNet/IP interface from STXI Motion, the softMC compact microcontroller lets any major OEM programmable logic controller (PLC) seamlessly control any motion control component, including robots, drives, and motors to add innovation and modularity to packaging systems. “The softMC motion controller provides packaging equipment suppliers the flexibility and controls they need […]
ctrlX HMI from Bosch Rexroth offers an optimized user-experience combination
Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX HMI offers machine manufacturers optimum freedom when it comes to implementing the user experience with intuitive user guidance. The portfolio includes small operating panels, tablets, panel PCs, or large stationary displays with a screen diagonal of up to 24 inches. Anti-glare and chemically hardened front glass make display and operating panels ideal […]
Building IoT into new machines
With IoT-capable hardware and software readily available, engineers are seeing the benefits of including IoT functionality into new machine designs by default. Rich Carpenter Silvia Gonzalez Emerson Rapid developments in the consumer electronics realm have become a general expectation of users everywhere, with vendor releases each year predictably topping previous iterations for performance, features, and […]
