The international standard IEC 61131-3 specifies programming languages for programmable controllers (aka programmable logic controllers, or PLCs), including ladder diagram (LD), structured text (ST), function block (FB), instruction list (IL), and sequential function chart (SFC). Of these, instruction list and structured text are considered textual languages, meaning they use text, numbers, and punctuation — like […]
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS gearmotors and drives support IIoT installations
Intelligent drive technology is key to digitalization and production automation, because it enables networked and autonomous production processes in smart factories. Here, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS supplies drive solutions (hardware and software) and communications and application support for Industry 4.0 environments. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS drive units support intelligent IIoT digitalized production with advanced maintenance services. The industrial motor […]
Beckhoff introducing XTS, EtherCAT G, and TwinCAT Vision to the U.S. at Pack Expo
To revolutionize packaging machine flexibility, scalability and energy efficiency, Beckhoff Automation will launch the eXtended Transport System (XTS) into the U.S. market at Pack Expo 2019 in Las Vegas. Visitors to booth LS-6149 in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s lower south hall will also experience the North American debut of TwinCAT Vision software, which introduces […]
Nippon Pulse debuts new bipolar rotary hybrid stepper motors
Nippon Pulse has introduced its new PJE series of bipolar hybrid stepper motors, which are available in sizes from 20 to 86 mm in diameter (NEMA sizes 8 to 34). These new motors round out the company’s hybrid motor line, joining the existing PJP unipolar hybrid motor series. The PJE series provides high torque in […]
Deterministic, real-time control: What does it really mean in motion control applications?
Two terms are often used to describe the type of control, that can be achieved with Industrial Ethernet networks: deterministic and real-time. Although sometimes used interchangeably, the terms deterministic and real-time refer to different, but related, characteristics of a network’s ability to transmit data or respond to events. Industrial Ethernet networks, such as EtherNet/IP, EtherCat, […]
Applied Motion Products to construct new corporate headquarters for U.S. operations
Motion control and automation solutions provider Applied Motion Products recently purchased land to build its new corporate headquarters in Morgan Hill, CA, located in Santa Clara County at the southern tip of Silicon Valley. The new headquarters will consolidate all U.S. operations (now conducted in two separate buildings located in Watsonville, CA) including production, warehouse, […]
eXtended Transport System (XTS) linear transport systems and mechatronics from Beckhoff
The eXtended Transport System (XTS) from Beckhoff Automation is now available in the U.S. The EtherCAT-enabled XTS offers paradigm-shifting capabilities for motion control and mechatronics by combining the advantages of proven rotary and linear motion principles into a new modular platform. With its compact and flexible design, the advanced mechatronic system can reduce machine footprint […]
EtherNet/IP versus EtherCAT: What’s the difference?
A recent report by HMS shows that Industrial Ethernet now makes up 59% of the global industrial network market. Here, we look at two of the most prominent Industrial Ethernet networks — EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT — and compare the strengths and drawbacks of each. EtherNet/IP According to the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association, EtherNet/IP is “the name given […]
Control-software portability with IEC 61131-3: How reusable are XML files?
Say an engineering team wants to switch their design’s PLC from one model to another — a relatively infrequent but ordinary specification decision. How well do XML files really work for importing and exporting? How much are component manufacturers really motivated to make that work … and not lock engineers onto one specific hardware? Engineers […]
Motion control and motor market sees slight decline in Q1 2019 versus Q1 2018
The global motion control and motor market saw a 0.2% decline in shipments in the first quarter of 2019 versus the same period last year, down to $952.3 million. However, according to the Motion Control & Motor Association, part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), shipments were up 0.6% ($6 million) compared to the […]
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