ACS Motion Control now sells a multi-axis motion controller that includes a high-speed EtherCAT-to-EtherCAT bridge to address the needs of highly demanding modern equipment. The SPiiPlusES combines ACS’ powerful motion controller capabilities with an external EtherCAT network master controller. The SPiiPlusES is used both as a node in any EtherCAT Automation Controller network, and as a […]
Controls
Industrial IoT for updating the dated — B&R Orange Box brings intelligence to legacy operations
For those looking to bring manufacturing intelligence to legacy production sites, B&R Automation introduced its new Orange Box at the 2017 Hannover Fair. According to company officials, the Orange Box lets machine operators collect and analyze data from previously isolated machines and production lines and upgrade them for IIoT/Industry 4.0 operations—with a minimal effort. An […]
Yokogawa releases enhanced version of the STARDOM network-based control system
The latest version of Yokogawa’s STARDOM network-based control system supports Windows 10, and the high-speed CPU module comes with a new function that enables Java applications to run on a STARDOM controller. In addition, an oil flow rate calculation function has been added to meet the needs of oil and gas well operations. STARDOM is […]
FAQ: What to know about integrating I/O with a PLC?
Input/output (or I/O) is central to every PLC. I/O is the connection of the controller to the outside world and to the machine or process being controlled. Inputs to the PLC can be either voltages or currents representing physical variables or the status of devices such as switches, motors, or lights. Inputs and outputs can be […]
HEIDENHAIN now offers CNC for auxiliary axes
HEIDENHAIN now offers the PNC 610 control system for auxiliary axes for modular expansion of the TNC hardware. The independently working PNC 610 enables machine tool builders to realize modular and scalable automation solutions for handling workpieces and tools in order to respond to the end users’ respective requirements in an optimum manner. Auxiliary axes […]
Motion controllers see major shifts in design thanks to IoT, online configuration, and more
We recently asked several industry experts about trends in the design and application of motion controllers to get an idea of where these precision command centers are changing approaches to design engineering. Then we published a much-abbreviated sampling of the enormous amount of insightful feedback Design World received. Below is the uncut commentary in its entirety. Enjoy […]
New Sigma-7Siec, servo amplifier & single-axis controller in one, from Yaskawa
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has released Sigma-7Siec, a unit that combines a SERVOPACK servo amplifier with a one-axis motion controller in a single compact package. The new product was created for automation applications that require the control of only one servomotor, yet also call for exceptionally quick, precise and reliable […]
FAQ: What’s the learning curve for programming a PLC?
The answer is… it depends. For starters, it depends on one’s level of programming experience. Either past PLC programming or computer programming in general, as well as the types of programming environments (visual or textual, for instance) one is used to. Someone with a good bit of programming experience will probably find the process easier […]
Motion controller for linear and rotary air bearing stages from PI
PI (Physik Instrumente) has released a new high-performance motion controller designed to handle 1, 2 or 4-axes of PIglide air bearing positioning stages. Air bearings provide advantages over mechanical bearings when frictionless vibration-free motion is required, highly constant velocity control is crucial, and when angular repeatability and geometric performance must be optimal. Equipped with ultra-low […]
Direct from Chicago: New motion technologies at Automate 2017
There’s a lot of excitement at the Automate 2017 show here in Chicago. The event has more than 400 exhibitors this year, and some 20,000 attendees have made the trek to Chicago for it. We’ve been tooling around to see some of the latest motion control, linear designs, and robotics for automation on display. Here are some highlights […]