Automated installations feature more robots than ever. But unless it’s a custom or Cartesian setup, robot controls are traditionally segregated from those for automated motion axes. So connectivity between robot and system controller or PLC is via a network — usually based on Ethernet. Then a control system coordinates the machine functions of nearby conveyors or […]
Stand-Alone Controllers
Integrated “all-in-one” stepper motor + drive + controllers from AMCI now smaller
Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI) has added a smaller size-17 option to their lineup of PLC-based SMD Series “all-in-one” stepper motor + drive + controllers to satisfy a wide variety of applications with varying torque requirements. The SMD Series offers many sophisticated features at a budget friendly price point, and integration eliminates the need to […]
New Omron NX-Series safety network controller supports two industrial safety networks
Omron Automation Americas recently developed a new safety controller featuring both CIP Safety and Safety over EtherCAT. The CIP Safety networking protocol has gained popularity among industrial robot manufacturers thanks to its ability to enhance flexibility and facilitate advancements in the industrial internet of things (IIoT). This protocol is now supported by a new version […]
Compact positioning controllers from maxon communicate via EtherCAT
The EPOS4 Compact positioning controllers from maxon can now be incorporated into EtherCAT networks, thereby creating new opportunities for a large range of applications. The new EtherCAT models comply with the CoE standard (CAN application layer over EtherCAT) and can be easily integrated into existing EtherCAT networks. The new, intelligent motion controllers with real-time communication […]
Elmo Motion Control at IMTS: Making smart machines smarter
At IMTS 2018, Elmo Motion Control will showcase its new Double Gold Twitter ultra-small servo drive and its Platinum Maestro motion controller, which controls up to 256 axes. These motion products suit the most demanding applications in the era of Industry 4.0. The new Double Gold Twitter is among the smallest STO-certified (IEC 61800-5-2, SIL-3) […]
maxon motor’s EPOS programmable smart drive+controller simplifies positioning setup
maxon motor has now expanded its line of EPOS modular digital-positioning controllers. These drive+controllers are suitable for controlling permanent-magnet motors (including encoders) with 1 to 1,050 W of continuous output power. The wide range of operating modes (as well as various command interfaces) make it work in different drive systems employed in automation technology and […]
High-performance sensorless control from maxon motor
Now, a new control option from maxon motor has compact wiring and slim design. Called the HPSC, this sensorless speed and torque control allows field-oriented control (FOC) of brushless motors. Such control is without sensors from full stop to full speed under load. This HPSC uses a sophisticated signal-injection algorithm which precisely determines the rotor […]
New compact EPOS programmable smart drive/controller from maxon with EtherCAT
With the EPOS4 Compact 50/8 EtherCAT and EPOS4 Compact 50/15 EtherCAT, maxon launches the first compact devices compatible with the fast industrial Ethernet connection EtherCAT. The fully integrated, plug-and-play positioning controller in a compact design is perfectly suited for use in networks with cycle times up to 1 msec. The EPOS is a digital positioning […]
Beckhoff Automation expands Ultra-Compact Industrial PC Series
In order to improve coverage for all tasks in the fields of automation, visualization and communication, the C60xx series of ultra-compact Beckhoff Industrial PCs has been expanded with the addition of the new C6017. This latest addition to the Beckhoff Industrial PC (IPC) portfolio combines compact design and installation flexibility with an increased variety of […]
New controllers simplify machines, improve safety performance
Engineers can simplify their machine safety systems and improve safety performance using new controllers from Rockwell Automation. The Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5580 and Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers can be scaled from safety system levels SIL 2/PLd to SIL 3/PLe. This scalability can help engineers optimize a safety system design and potentially reduce its costs, while adhering […]
