Leine & Linde Gateway products allow motion system designers to include virtually any encoder with an EnDat interface into their application. Now adding a PROFINET Gateway to the mix, Leine & Linde makes this addition simpler than ever, and will also support CanOPEN, DeviceNet, and PROFIBUS interfaces as well. The benefit of the HEIDENHAIN EnDat […]
Networking + IoT
Rotary magnetic sensor delivers unsurpassed ruggedness
The new SIKO MSK320 ZM magnetic sensor has a durable metallic housing. Suitable for rotary measuring tasks (such as measuring the drive shaft speed on machine tools, woodworking machines and textile machines) it also works on large-scale outdoor applications (as on forestry or stone machinery). More after the jump. Engineers can get the new sensor is already available and test it for free by contacting SIKO. […]
VACON offers comprehensive range of fieldbus-Compatible AC drives
Vacon offers a wide range of AC Drives that are compatible with numerous fieldbus protocols: VACON 20, VACON 100 and the NX Series. VACON@reg; 20 is compact with a wide power range and built-in, highly flexible PLC functionality, making it one of the most adaptable, cost efficient AC drives for packaging and processing applications. Available […]
Position sensors brochure features tutorial on LVDT basics
The latest Position Sensing Solutions capabilities brochure from Macro Sensors features a tutorial on LVDT basics and applications of linear position sensors in different markets such as power generation and subsea. Among the “Made in the USA” linear and rotary position sensors highlighted in the brochure are: Free core AC-LVDTs for general purpose, harsh environments […]
New software helps designers pick suitable enclosure cooling
Rittal now offers designers an app to calculate the right amount of cooling and fans required for electronic enclosures. The RiTherm app for Android and iPhones handles time-consuming calculations. Then it lets designers quickly and easily email results to colleagues for action or documentation. A user-friendly interface also lets users access the app from their smartphones to get […]
Engineers, don’t overlook (easier) robot setup with new buses
In preparation for a recent feature on trends in robotics, we spoke with Skye Gorter, an Automation Specialist at Cowper Inc. Gorter has almost 20 years’ experience in the automation industry, specializing in motion control, machine vision, and custom robotics. He supports customers with technical expertise and recently began integrating systems for R&D setups. Here’s […]
Trends in networks: Connecting to the Internet of Things
Back in 1982, General Motors demanded that all automation control suppliers develop a communication standard that would let the automaker gather data easily from all its machines. This attempt was known as the Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP) and it was a huge failure. The controls vendors did not cooperate, resulting in a seven-layer monster that […]
Saw it at MD&M: Functional integration in ultrasonic welding
Last week at MD&M WEST 2015, I got to visit the Herrmann Ultrasonics booth. (Thank you to my esteemed colleague Neel Gleason for the reminder.) There at the booth, Christina Van De Walker and Udo Skarke, Plastics Division vice president, showed me an automated setup for welding toy elephants … … and showcasing how their welders can […]
Problems VFDs cause and cable types that help solve them
Any machine that uses a VFD is subject to the effects of the drive’s chopped dc square-wave output signals. Here we explain how those signals affect and interact with motors and surrounding equipment, and how cables can help protect many components against the signals’ more detrimental properties. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) run myriad machines—including industrial […]
Laser-based distance sensor with measuring range up to 5 m
The new Optical Sensor LT5000 from SIKO is suitable for measuring distances of up to 5,000 mm. The sensor works with a laser light based on Time-of-Flight technology. The distance is determined by a pulsating laser light emitted from the sensor head and reflected back from the object at the distance being measured. The distance […]