In the field of programmable controllers, there are a number of different types of product offerings, depending on the application requirements. Traditional programmable logic controllers (PLCs) have been the industry standard for decades. They are well known and understood in terms of operation and programming and there are many PLC manufacturers to choose from. As […]
PLCs + PACs
Controller trends in edge computing and fog computing
Edge computing and greater connectivity are some of the key trends controller manufacturers are seeing in their industry. Here’s what else they told us they’re seeing in the way of tech trends. With respect to the IoT and IIoT, what kinds of capabilities do your components or engineered designs incorporate to support functions related to […]
VFDs with integrated PLCs for motion and machine controls: Programming and setup considerations
Today’s ac drives can be controlled by either an external or internal PLC. Those with built-in controls move machine intelligence to the edge. By Jeff Payne • AutomationDirect Though ac drives can operate as standalone devices, they often integrate into automation systems to control speed of three-phase ac motors that commonly run conveyors, fans, and […]
HMI simplifies setup of robot-assisted automation for one integrator
Integrator Inovatech Automation recently decided they were spending too much time programming expensive HMI and PLC platforms, so contacted Pro-Face America for help. The integrator needed an HMI capable of universal robot and I/O-Link integration, legal for Inovatech Automation branding, and easy to program. “I was apprehensive at first because we have a lot of […]
Application example: Motion components on a typical form-fill-seal machine
Form-fill-seal machines are used to package edible powders, dry food, and liquids into bags and pouches. It’s a common machine design that comes in versions for both continuous and intermittent operation. No matter the design, top design objectives for form-fill-seal machines are high throughput with minimal downtime and the ability to reconfigure the machine to […]
New Add On Instructions for Allen Bradley software from Applied Motion Products
Applied Motion Products has released new Add On Instructions (AOI) for Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix 5000 software to better control industrial devices and motion control components over EtherNet/IP networks. The new Add On Instructions increase the capabilities of Applied Motion Products’ drives and integrated motors within the RSLogix 5000 environment, supporting a faster and easier integration […]
New version of Parker Automation Manager debuts
Parker’s Electromechanical and Drives Division North America has released Automation Manager 1.4, an update that significantly expands Parker Automation Controller (PAC) features and functionality. While the PAC is Parker’s all-in-one machine controls solution that combines PLC, HMI, and motion control functionality into a single device, Parker Automation Manager (PAM) is the single integrated development environment […]
IoT with Beckhoff at IMTS: Hardware + software + networking for machine tool and metalworking
Beckhoff Automation will highlight smart-factory hardware, software, EtherCAT, and TSN networking solutions this September at the Integrated Automation, Motion & Drives (IAMD) USA show — Hannover Messe USA 2018 — in booth 134417. Visit them September 10 to 15, 2018 at McCormick Place in the convention center’s Lakeside Center — the east building. This IAMD […]
Mitsubishi Electric launches new safety PLC
Mitsubishi Electric’s modular PLC series MELSEC iQ-R is now available as a fully redundant pair of controllers for high performance and extra reliability. To help reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO), the system also integrates various features into the PLC for monitoring and managing safety. In recent years, compliance with international safety standards has […]
How an IDE reduces development time in PACs
Applications that require complex process or motion control also require elaborate and complicated programming — often across multiple components, functions, and parameters. But thanks to the integrated develop environment found in programmable automation controllers (PACs), the programming task for these complex applications is faster, less burdensome, and more reliable. When ARC Advisory Group introduced the term “programmable […]
