Relays are used in motor-driven applications to measure and monitor operating parameters such as temperature, current, or voltage, preventing damage to the motor and connected equipment in the case of a fault or abnormal operating condition. Voltage monitoring relays can detect not only under-voltages and over-voltages, but also voltage-related issues such as phase imbalances, phase […]
Networking + IoT
Contactless energy transfer, cable-free communication open up new possibilities for machine builders
One of the more promising recent developments in connection technology is contactless energy and data transfer and its use in the industrial world. Such technology can replace wiring and cables and cable carriers, lowering costs and streamlining designs. For instance, robotic systems are sometimes limited by constraints in automation and drive technology. However, consider the […]
Sensors aid packaging machine flexibility
Sensors have always been the unseen elements that make complex machines perform at their optimal level. This is true for all kinds of machines, including the latest generation of packaging machines. Companies that need to invest in packaging machines value flexibility where a single machine can handle a wide range of package sizes and formats. […]
Bosch Rexroth adds new offerings to its ctrlX AUTOMATION platform
Bosch Rexroth has added several new offerings to its recently introduced ctrlX AUTOMATION machine control platform. The new offerings include ctrlX SAFETY, ctrlX I/O and ctrlX SERVICES. These offerings expand the overall ctrlX AUTOMATION system functionality, with more capabilities planned in the near future. ctrlX SAFETY ctrlX SAFETY is the fastest and most compact safety […]
What are geared cam limit switches?
Electromechanical switches are often placed at the ends of linear axes to indicate the limits of travel. But for applications with rotary — rather than linear — motion, geared cam limit switches can perform a similar function by tracking rotations of the motor shaft and triggering switches to stop movement when the specified number of […]
What are thermal overload relays and what motion components do they protect?
Heat is a major factor in the performance and life of a motor, and one of the primary sources of motor heating is current running through the motor windings. Since heating is an unavoidable condition of motor operation, it’s important to protect the motor from overheating, or thermal overload. In a previous post, we described […]
Beckhoff EL51xx EtherCAT Terminals enhance incremental signal analysis
Beckhoff Automation has introduced new EL51xx EtherCAT Terminals with built-in incremental signal analysis functionality. Incremental encoders have become indispensable in many applications due to their compactness and low price points. Beckhoff meets this important need with the comprehensive EL51xx series for analysis of 5 V incremental encoders via RS422 and TTL signals. These four new high-performance […]
Smart controller provides performance, wear monitoring for clutches and brakes in IoT systems
Regent Controls, a Carlyle Johnson Company, has introduced the SmartSense(IoT), a sensorless controller for clutches and brakes in industrial Internet of Things systems. The SmartSense(IoT) provides real-time information and insights on a clutch or brake’s functional health and operation, with data that allows users to optimize maintenance, lifespan, power consumption and performance. “Our SmartSense product […]
How do vibration sensors measure acceleration to track machine health?
Condition monitoring of machines is intimately linked with the larger program of predictive maintenance. The goal of predictive maintenance is to reduce or eliminate entirely sudden and catastrophic machine failure by actively monitoring those components that are critical to machine function. By monitoring components such as motors, fans, pumps and other constituent components such as […]
Increased market share for Industrial Ethernet; wireless stays stable
Industrial network connectivity for devices and machines is key to achieve smart connected factories. HMS Networks annual study of the industrial network market shows that Industrial Ethernet increases its market share to 64% of new installed nodes (59% last year), while fieldbuses drop to 30% (35). The leading networks EtherNet/IP and PROFINET share first place at 17% each. […]
