Industrial Computers, Systems & Controllers . . . |  |
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Reasons to Rejuvenate Automation Equipment  This report from Control Designexamines how automation engineers can renew old equipmentand enhance functionality by adding modern controllers, more powerful processors and software, and greater networking support. Investment in new motors and motion systems, moreover, improves throughput, increases integration, and streamlines architectures to be more responsive to process changes. The article also explains how blending automation and safety components reduces wiring and simplifies programming. | Extending Fieldbus Reach  The Fieldbus Foundation has issued a wireless and remote I/O (WIO) preliminary specification for HART and WirelessHART transducer blocks and has updated those parts of the WIO architecture and data structures that pertain to the new specification. This will help plant engineers interface HART wired and wireless devices with the fieldbus to improve integration with control systems and other fieldbus devices. |
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Operations Management Goes Mobile  The OpsTrakker app extends MES and ERP functionality to smartphones and tablets running iOS, Android, Blackberry, or Windows Mobile operating systems. The software platform includes stand-alone modules that allow operators to record equipment-use information, perform line-clearance activities (see video), and log material consumptions, output activities, and order-status updates. The application can also run on desktops and be integrated with established MES and ERP systems. | Optimize I/O-Level Connectivity  IO-Link provides intelligent sensors, actuators, and other I/O devices with point-to-point communications in manufacturing processes and machine data collection applications. The fieldbus-neutral standard enables operators to remotely configure devices, perform diagnostics, and collect process data. Advocates assert that the technology has lower overhead and is easier to deploy than Ethernet. IO-Link effectively opens an integrated data channel down to the lowest field level. |
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Decelerate Loads, Improve Product
Performance
ACE Controls Inc. | Material Handling for Custom and Special
Applications
Steven Douglas Corp. (SDC) |
 Industrial and safety shock absorbersdecelerate loads, prevent impact damage, increase cycle speeds, and reduce noise. Ideal for medical, aerospace and defense industries, packaging, printing, bottling, furniture, automotive, transportation, amusement, and more. Selected applications include: rotary actuators, slides, material handling equipment, assembly, pick and place operations, machine tools, and cranes. |  Trying to move, handle, or transfer something that nobodies ever done before? Steven Douglas Corp. (SDC)can design and build the system you need. Everything we do is custom and special, so when you're material handling company says "not sure?"... SDC says, "not a problem!" |
ITOX EC200 Series Modular Systems for Industrial Automation and Control
ITOX, LLC | New Laser for Machine Vision
World StarTechnologies |
 Meet customer specific requirements with unlimited systems configurations using low-cost custom OEM I/O modules. The ITOX EC200 Series systems provide passive cooling and anti-shock drive bay mounting, as well as a unique modular construction supporting 12 standard system configurations using a cable-free board assembly, for demanding industrial applications. |  World Star Tech introduces new uniform laser module for machine vision applications. The new laser module is designed for demanding application requirements such as highly-uniform laser power distribution, high-operating temperature, high-speed modulation precise mechanics, and durability. Visit us here for more information. |
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Remember the Value of Mechanical Speed
Controls  This study reminds engineers that at times mechanical speed controls produce better results than electronic systems. The analysis examines mechanical controls' strengths and weaknesses and indicates when issues such as torque, programming, size, remote control, and cost come into play. By examining a number of real-life applications, the study shows how and when mechanical speed controls can be used to achieve the best results. | New Materials for a New Generation of
Bearings  Cutting-edge materials can overcome traditional lubricant shortcomings and prevent bearing failures and costly equipment damage resulting from harsh operating conditions. This article examines how specially engineered graphite, polymers, solid lubricants, and steel handle problems arising from high temperatures, friction, heavy loads, high-speeds, and frequent engine re-starts. These super materials promise to reduce equipment downtime, cut energy costs, and ensure safer operating conditions. |
Instruments, Sensors & Networking . . . | |
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Easy Access to Vibration Analysis  Advances in sensing, data acquisition, and automated diagnostic software have made vibration analysis more affordable and easier to use. This gives even manufacturers with limited resources the means to anticipate equipment failures caused by imbalances, misalignments, wear, and loose components. This piece from the ISA explains how vibration is measured, and how to create a program that makes the best use of this technology. | How to Select 3D Measurement Technology  Three-dimensional measurement technologies offer advantages when it comes to ensuring products meet design specifications, particularly when dealing with complex geometries. Systems fall into three categories: point-based, stripe-based, and area-based. Selecting the most appropriate technology depends on application requirements such as measurement speed and accuracy, the size of the objects being measured, and measurement conditions. |
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Powerful Functionality with 8B isoLynx® SLX300
Dataforth Corporation | Belden Extends Hirschmann™ Octopus Line with 10 Port Fast Ethernet Switch
Hirschmann™, A BELDEN BRAND |
 This flexible, modular data acquisition system from Dataforth can be configured with up to 12 analog input, 4 analog output, and 8 digital I/O channels. Supported by ReDAQ Shape ® software, the 8B isoLynx® SLX300 features sustained I/O up to 3.0 kS/s (100 kS/s burst), seven advanced special functions, Modbus RTU/TCP support, and 1500 Vrms input-to-output and channel-to-channel isolation. |  Belden has extended the Hirschmann OCTOPUS Switch Series to include a new unmanaged fast Ethernet switch. The new OCTOPUS 10TX Switch, which supports automation protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP, possesses 10 twisted-pair ports (10/100BASE-TX) with vibration-proof M12 connections with D-coding. Read more. |
Careers & Commentary . . . | |
The Art of Effective Management  Many managers are overwhelmed not because they lack technical skills but because they don't know how to manage efficiently. Too often, they don't prioritize tasks, manage their time well, or delegate jobs. A Plant Services primer defines each of these techniques, explains their benefits, and offers tips on how to use them, including when to listen, when to let things unfold, and how to solve problems. |
Cars Growing Smarter  Ford is upping the ante on smart technology. Features you'll find in coming cars include an inflatable rear seat belt that deploys in 40 ms, enabled by sensors that gauge the severity of a crash. Sensors will empower a semi-automatic parallel parking system and blind spot warning system. Also look for a heart monitor and USB broadband modem port. | Share Your Thoughts . . . About This Month's Topic  One Standard for Wireless?
Do competing standards delay adoption of wireless technology? |
SST's new solid state, robust and reliable Optical Proximity Sensor provides object detection of any material (unlike many proximity sensors) up to a typical distance of 10 mm. The OptoProx offers low power consumption, is insensitive to magnetic fields and can operate at up to 1 kHz. Automation equipment, process control, material handling, production, and packaging are just a few of the potential applications for SST's OptoProx Sensors.
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