Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a technology that provides Ethernet transmission over a single pair of copper wires, while also transmitting power to connected devices via Power over Data Line (PoDL). Single Pair Ethernet was initially developed to meet the demands of the automotive industry — smaller, lighter cables and connectors for transmitting data from […]
Industrial Automation
Motor-drive simulation expands virtual commissioning
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 […]
Machine circuit protection gets smart
While fuses and circuit breakers offer tried-and-true electrical circuit protection for machines, new electronic circuit protectors provide far more advanced capabilities. Kevin Kakascik AutomationDirect Although it may often not be top of mind, electrical circuit protection is critical to machine design. For automated machinery, the controllers and drives are typically powered by low voltage and […]
New distributed drive system designed for conveyor applications
The Sinamics G115D from Siemens is a new compact and powerful drive system specifically designed for horizontal conveyor applications. The drive system comprises the motor, drive and gearbox in one unit and is offered in two versions — wall-mounted and motor-mounted. The Sinamics G115D drive system features a robust design with a high IP protection […]
Festo Productivity Master demonstration at Hannover Fair points the way to digitalization
The Productivity Master, a modular demonstration system for personalized USB memory sticks from Festo, shows how automation technology will evolve along the value chain when combined with digitalization. The Productivity Master demonstration will be the centerpiece of the Festo exhibit at the upcoming Hannover Fair Digital Edition April 12-16. Thanks to seamless connectivity, everything fits perfectly, […]
The benefits of integrating vision into machine control
Scalable PC-based automation, robust network solutions and open camera standards allow machine vision to ditch black boxes and increase throughput. Daymon Thompson U.S. Software Product Manager Beckhoff Automation LLC Machine vision has become indispensable for many tasks in quality inspection, track-and-trace and more. As costs decrease and capabilities increase, practically any machine in any industry […]
Wafer-handling machine maximizes performance with specially clamping belt-pulley and bushing assembly
In one recent machine redesign, Florida-based machine builder Hine Automation added precision engineered pulley-bushing assemblies to their SL-200C Vacuum Cassette-to-Cassette-Wafer Handling System for a boost in performance. This machine’s function is to transfer silicon wafers from a wafer cassette to a wafer process module under vacuum. The moves are commanded by computer controls. Hine Automation […]
New integrated servo motors from Maxon feature IP65 protection
Maxon’s new IDX compact integrated servo gearmotor + drive combines a powerful, brushless EC-i motor and an EPOS4 positioning controller, which can be complemented with a maxon planetary gearhead when required. This integrated motor features high torque density, high efficiency, maintenance-free components, and a high-quality industrial housing providing IP65 protection. The IDX also features configurable […]
Podcast: Planar motors and linear transfer systems in action (addressing COVID and more)
In a recent podcast interview, we got the chance to talk with Jeff Johnson of Beckhoff Automation about linear-motor conveyors (also called intelligent transport systems) as well as the planar-motor system from Beckhoff called the XPlanar. Listen in: Design World · Planar motors and linear transfer systems in action! Beckhoff engineer Jeff Johnson explains […]
TwinCAT IoT now supports Siemens’ MindSphere
MindSphere, the Industrial IoT as a service solution from Siemens, is now one of the latest solutions that can integrate with TwinCAT. Beckhoff has offered diverse IoT communication capabilities with its TwinCAT IoT product family since 2015. Transmitting data to the cloud or between networked machines in this way creates enormous potential for increasing production […]
