Articles
Understanding the IEC61131-3 programming languages
It was about 120 years ago that Mark Twain used the phrase “more than one way to skin a cat”. In the world of PLC programming, that cliché is still applicable today. Thanks to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), five standard programming languages have emerged as the most common, used for both process and discrete programmable controllers.
[ + ]Robotic automation enabling SMEs to compete on global market
Industrial robots, once the preserve of large-scale manufacturers, are increasingly being seen in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
[ + ]Robotics safety
Major technological advances have ushered in a new age of robotics, in which once-futuristic visions have either become realities or are on the horizon. Yet despite breakthrough applications in areas ranging from manufacturing to medicine, robots carry risk.
[ + ]Sticky fingers? Tiny robots to grip nanotubes
How do you handle the tiny components needed for constructing nanoscale devices? A European consortium has built two demonstrators that include microrobots equipped with microgrippers to automatically pick up and install carbon nanotubes thousands of times thinner than a human hair. They have even tackled that ever-present bane of nanotechnology - sticky fingers.
[ + ]Flowmeter selection for improved gas flow measurements: a comparison of DP and thermal dispersion technologies
As the costs of fuels and consumables continue to rise, the ability to accurately measure the amount used in a process becomes significant in controlling costs and determining bottom line profits.
[ + ]Night Train bound for Australia
Shamic Sheetmetal has now become the first in Australia to sign for delivery and installation of a completely automated ‘lights-out’ materials handling system.
[ + ]Applying wireless to EtherNet/IP automation systems — Part 2
The ODVA EtherNet/IP network standard is gaining popularity as an industrial protocol, and wireless ethernet technologies have emerged that can now reliably reduce network costs while improving plant production.
[ + ]Packaging for experts
Foodstuffs must be packaged precisely, safely and, above all, carefully. That final factor alone presents a particular challenge for packaging line manufacturers, whose machines need to meet increased standards when packaging delicate foodstuffs.
[ + ]Compressed air auditing shows huge savings potential
A compressed air auditing program developed by the Electricity Commission is set to play a significant part in achieving targeted energy savings of $2 billion a year for the New Zealand manufacturing sector within five to 10 years.
[ + ]Building a perfect industrial telemetry system
This article explores the challenges of developing telemetric SCADA systems and covers the seven most important features to look for in selecting a GPRS solution.
[ + ]Prevent 24 VDC overloads from stopping production
Along with the laws of physics, engineers have to be aware of the law of unintended consequences. Take, for example, something as simple as the 24 VDC power supplies that feed the control circuits in automation systems as a case in point.
[ + ]Precision motion control for plasma cutters
Four high-definition precision plasma cutters used to help build new aircraft carriers for the British Navy use the latest in four-axis motion control.
[ + ]The safest way to calibrate fieldbus instruments
Fieldbus transmitters must also be calibrated just like conventional instruments, and there are also industrial environments where the calibration of fieldbus instruments should not only be made accurately and efficiently, but also safely.
[ + ]Compressor controller reduces energy costs
Operators of multiple compressors can achieve significant energy savings thanks to the Ingersoll Rand X-Series System.
[ + ]Applying wireless to EtherNet/IP automation systems — Part 1
While EtherNet/IP has many advantages, cable installation is often expensive, and communications to remote sites or moving platforms may not be reliable or cost effective. Wireless ethernet technologies have emerged that can now reliably reduce network costs while improving plant production.
[ + ]