Factory automation

Quad-core embedded controller

11 May, 2009 | Supplied by: National Instruments Aust Pty Ltd

The NI PXI-8110 is a 3U quad-core embedded controller for PXI systems. Featuring a 2.26 GHz Intel Core2 Quad processor Q9100, up to 4 GB of 800 MHz DDR2 RAM and a high-performance 7200 rpm drive, the PXI-8110 provides an up to 80% performance improvement over dual-core controllers with similar CPU clock frequencies for applications that are optimised to use the controller’s four processing cores.

High-speed camera system

11 May, 2009 | Supplied by: SciTech Pty Ltd

The PCO.dimax is a 4-megapixel digital high-speed CMOS camera system with a 12-bit dynamic range. It provides 2012 x 2012 pixel resolution at a rate of 1100 fps with lower resolutions at rates as fast as 56,300 fps. The 31.4 mm-diagonal CMOS image sensor features 11 micron pixels and a quantum efficiency greater than 44%. The camera is available in colour and monochrome.

Machine vision for factory automation

06 May, 2009 by Steve Geraghty and Marc Fimeri* | Supplied by: Adept Turnkey Solutions

Many key tasks in the manufacture of products, including inspection, orientation, identification and assembly, require the use of visual techniques. Human vision and response, however, can be slow and tend to be error-prone either due to boredom or fatigue. Replacing human inspection with machine vision can go far in automating factory operation, but implementers need to carefully match machine vision options with application requirements.

100% inspection of up to 2000 different circuit breakers

04 May, 2009 | Supplied by: Cognex Australia

The Osiswitch Compact line at Télémécanique, a Schneider Electric brand, makes circuit breakers. This production line allows the possibility of creating up to 2000 different product types from just 100 different components. Each circuit breaker is manually assembled meaning a 100% reliable inspection of the individual components is essential in order to verify each breaker before packaging.

Incremental encoder expansion modules

20 April, 2009 | Supplied by: http://www.pca-aus.com.au/

Motrona has extended its range of incremental encoder expansion modules to include four and eight channel DIN rail mounted modules with individually optically isolated output channels.

With a human touch — how robots have learned to polish

14 April, 2009 by Xianjie Bao, Wen Peng, Xingguo Yin, Xinyu Fang, Hui Zhang* | Supplied by: ABB Australia Pty Ltd

An apparently simple operation to polish a work piece is in fact highly complex. A skilled person with a long experience in this process can do it very well and most of the handling is based on ‘feeling’.

Compact ultrasonic sensor

01 April, 2009 | Supplied by: Turck Australia Pty Ltd

Turck has introduced an ultrasonic sensor in a compact Q12 style housing that achieves a 40 cm sensing range with a small 2.5 cm blind zone. The small profile of the sensor allows it to be mounted in narrow spaces, like those found in packaging applications.

Distance sensor

01 April, 2009 | Supplied by: SICK Pty Ltd

The DT50 series measuring and switching distance sensors have been designed for medium ranges of up to 10 m. They exhibit a 20 ms response time, 1 mm resolution and 10 mm accuracy.

Micro PLCs

01 April, 2009 | Supplied by: Omron Electronics Pty Ltd

Omron Electronics has increased their offering of micro PLCs by adding both 10 and 60 I/O CPUs to the CP1L range. Also, all six CPU types are now available with AC power source and transistor (NPN) output, offering additional flexibility to customers.

Parallel actuator controller

01 April, 2009 | Supplied by: LINAK Australia Pty Ltd

The TR-EM-239 parallel controller is designed to drive two actuators in parallel. It is suitable for 12-24 VDC motors each with a maximum of 10 A capacity and in applications where parallel movement is required — for example, across a bench, hatch, door, slide, transfer, directional guide or conveyor line.

Scalable mobile control system

01 April, 2009 | Supplied by: Daanet Pty Ltd

The Scalable Mobile Control System from Hirschmann Automation and Control can be used for controlling and monitoring machine functions as well as for safe load indicator. The product family includes controls from the iFLEX series and the iSCOUT operating consoles. The modular concept also ensures that each solution can be adapted economically at any time to changed requirements.

DC motors for the food industry

01 April, 2009 | Supplied by: M Rutty & Co Pty Ltd

The BG65 motors from Dunkermotoren have smooth housings in order that machinery and facilities manufacturers working within the food and beverage industry are able to capitalise on the advantages of electronically commutated DC motors.

Robotic bin picking

01 April, 2009 | Supplied by: ABB Australia Pty Ltd

ABB has introduced robotic bin picking technology that can locate and disseminate jumbled and randomly situated materials from bins.

Linear axis

01 April, 2009 | Supplied by: Festo Pty Ltd

The EGC electric linear axis offers efficiency, maximum dynamic response and improved rigidity. The EGC electric linear axis is now available as a toothed belt drive or spindle drive. These new axes are easily integrated into the Festo multi-axis modular system and are also suitable for both stepper and servo motors.