PLCOpen-certified PAC platform
12 March, 2009 | Supplied by: GE Intelligent Platforms
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms has announced that it has received certificates of compliance from PLCopen, the independent organisation that focuses on the harmonisation of control programming around IEC 61131-2. PLCopen represents various industries and seeks to drive more efficiency in industrial automation through creating specifications and implementations in engineering programming language. GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms fulfilled the requirements of the PLCopen Compliance Procedure for Motion Control Library V. 1.1 and PLCopen Compliance Procedure for Motion Control Part 2 — Extensions, Version 1.0.
RS485 master control card
12 March, 2009 | Supplied by: Advantech Australia Pty Ltd
The PCM-3202I PCI-104 interface card supports two independent AMONet (Advantech Motion Network) RS485 master rings with each ring controlling up to 2048 I/O points, 256 axes, or a combination of I/O points and axes for motion control. The PCM-3202I allows direct data transfer between master and slaves without any operations in between. This customised solution saves wires, covers long distances and supports high-speed real-time communications.
Positek linear position sensor
11 March, 2009 | Supplied by: Applied Measurement Australia
The Positek A111 LIPS (linear inductive position sensor) is ANZEx approved for use in potentially explosive gas, vapour and dust atmospheres and mining environments. The A111 is a durable, high-accuracy position sensor, designed for industrial and scientific feedback applications. The unit is highly compact and space-efficient, being responsive along almost its entire length.
Encoder signal splitters
19 February, 2009
Motrona has released several new versions of its encoder signal splitters, these are used to provide multiple individually programmed encoder signals from just one shaft encoder.
Robotic tool changer module
28 January, 2009 | Supplied by: Romheld Automation Pty Ltd
ATI-Industrial Automation has introduced a high-power tool changer electrical module that passes current up to 28 A, 500 VAC/700 VDC and includes Amphenol MS-style connectors and a protective earth safety ground.
Powerlink motion control network for unique winding machine
20 January, 2009 | Supplied by: Baldor Australia Pty Ltd
Swiss company Carbo-Link creates carbon fibre components for challenging applications such as rigging for racing yachts.
Behind the scenes: protecting the world’s largest machine
16 January, 2009 by Nipun Mathur* | Supplied by: National Instruments Aust Pty Ltd
Hotter than the sun and yet in one of the coldest places on earth, the largest machine in the world is 27 km long, lives 100 m underground and spans two countries. The European Organization for Nuclear Research, more commonly known as CERN, has designed the machine, known as the Large Hadron Collider, to reveal the secrets of the universe.
RMIT student wins robotics award
08 January, 2009
Chun-Yen Lai from RMIT University has won ABB's 2008 National Robotics Innovation Competition, after devising a robot that automated the manufacture of key furniture components.
Reducing packaging planned downtime: effective sensor application — Part 2
20 December, 2008
Sensor technology is constantly evolving, giving OEM packaging machine designers new ways to reduce the cost of their machine designs. In Part 1 we looked at reducing the cost of changeovers with linear position sensing. This time we look at simpler, more reliable power connections, rotary encoders and optical detection.
Reducing carbon footprint with the right vacuum system
19 December, 2008 by Josef Karbassi, Piab’s business unit manager, automotive | Supplied by: PIAB Vacuum Technologies
Today, carbon dioxide (CO2) is considered to be the largest environmental threat to our world by most researchers. Heightened levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lead to global warming, which in the long run can jeopardise our future on this planet.
Magnetic multi-turn shaft encoders
15 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Plant Control & Automation
PCA has released the Fraba/Posital magnetic multi-turn shaft encoders.
Dual-axis MEMS inclinometer
01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Turck Australia Pty Ltd
Turck has introduced a dual-axis inclinometer sensor for angular tilt detection.
Embedded controller
01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Siemens Ltd
The Simatic S7-mEC embedded controller is a turnkey automation solution, integrating both HMI and a software controller. As no software has to be installed during commissioning, the device is easy to configure and program.
Machine vision cameras
01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: Adept Total Turnkey Solutions
PPT Vision has released the Impact T3X Intelligent Cameras. The series delivers high-end machine vision power and flexibility in a compact form factor, with onboard image processing, real-time I/O and 128 MB of onboard memory.
Vacuum ejectors
01 December, 2008 | Supplied by: SMC Australia | New Zealand
Many applications require the use of a vacuum ejector (generator) to develop the vacuum pressure for pick and place and other applications. Using compressed air to create the vacuum pressure often places a high demand on valuable compressed air resources.
