With the rise of smart farming in agriculture, equipment manufacturers face the challenge of maximizing machine uptime in harsh and extreme environments. Companies are leveraging different types of motion systems to improve reliability in their designs, with technology evolving alongside farming practices. Such systems take advantage of advancements across automation more generally, which includes robotics,…
Bosch Rexroth expands factory automation capabilities for North America
Bosch Rexroth is planning to expand its operations and will move its linear and assembly technology manufacturing facility to a new location in Charlotte. The company has held operations in Charlotte, NC for over 30 years, with the past 26 years at its current location in Steele Creek. Since experiencing significant growth in its factory automation…
Dual high-temperature Cabinet Cooler systems for large enclosures
EXAIR’s dual high-temperature Cabinet Cooler Systems purge and cool overheated electrical control panels in harsh environments up to 200°F (93°C). Cabinet Coolers keep electrical enclosures cool with air as cool as 20°F (-7°C) air to eliminate high temperature malfunctions and protect sensitive electronics from hot, dirty locations, such as foundries, glass plants or steel mills.…
Five ways to drive ROI from personnel and cobot investments
In this article, we detail how assembly, packaging, and machine-tool OEMs can keep senior plant personnel in charge of the most demanding and intricate tasks — and relegate everything else to pre-programmed work routines and automated workcells. Such approaches make copious use of cobots and augmented reality (AR) tools. By Tim LeCrone • Director of […]
Code handheld barcode scanners
AutomationDirect has added CODE brand barcode scanners for use in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. The CR950 handheld series and the CR1100 series that operate in presentation mode or as a small handheld unit can read and decode most 1D and 2D barcodes such as Code 128 and QR codes. The CR6022…
Code reader for miniature codes
SICK expands its portfolio of image-based code readers with the launch of the Lector61x. The compact device detects 1D, 2D, and stacked codes for identification, inspection, or content monitoring in production processes. The trend toward smaller batch sizes in manufacturing and production processes drove the development of this compact code reader that packs a punch…
Solid-state relay characteristics and applications
Solid-state relays (SSRs) serve the same functions as electromechanical relays but are non-moving noncontact devices that can switch voltages to several hundred Vac for hundreds of thousands of cycles and beyond … which makes them useful for switching heating elements, motors, and transformers needing frequent and high-speed switching. ⚙️ Download this article (and the rest…
Basics of terminal blocks and their various subtypes
Download this article (and the rest in our connectivity series) at the Design Guide library. Terminal blocks are one variety of connector component for joining sections of electronic circuits in industrial applications. They include electrically conductive assemblies having wire-securing receptacles — all encased in monolithic plastic housing. Some terminal blocks have contact pads or legs…
Industrial PC is based on Raspberry Pi 3 board
The ComfilePi CPi-A150WR is a Raspberry Pi-based industrial PC with a 15-in touch-panel display. Leveraging the compact, ubiquitous Raspberry Pi 3 board, the ComfilePi CPi-A150WRinherits the Raspberry Pi 3’s 1.2-GHz 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, a Broadcom VideoCore IV GPU, and 1GB of RAM. The new, larger version has the same capabilities as its predecessors…
Edge automation improves productivity
Shortages of skilled labor can be addressed by investments in automation at the edge. By Vibhoosh Gupta, Emerson Worldwide unemployment is at a 50-year low in many countries across the globe, and many machine builder original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their customers are finding it very difficult to attract and retain skilled labor. For example,…
IFPE Download: Electronic tilt switch ensures safe, accurate operation and position monitoring
Canfield Connector is expanding into new markets with the release of its tilt switch, providing efficient and accurate angle measurement in heavy equipment, mobile equipment, factory automation, construction, solar power and many other applications. The company will be highlighting its new ETS series and complimentary EiS series at Canfield’s booth in South Hall 3 #S81449…
Anti-static Super Air Knife has 34% better performance and CE, UL, and RoHS Certification
EXAIR’s new Gen4 Super Ion Air Knife eliminates static electricity 34% better than other options at low inlet pressures which saves compressed air and money. Production speeds, product quality and surface cleanliness can improve dramatically. It eliminates static on plastics, webs, sheet stock and other product surfaces where tearing, jamming or hazardous shocks are a…
Advantech launches FPM-200 Series industrial touch control monitors
Advantech, a leading industrial computing platform provider, announced the launch of its FPM-200 series, a new generation of industrial monitors designed to provide premium display solutions at an affordable price. Aimed at industrial and IoT applications, the FPM-200 series are true-flat LCD monitors that feature an IP66-rated front panel for protection from water and dust…
B&R introduces TSN machine switch for converged real-time networks
B&R has added a real-time Ethernet switch to its portfolio. The new machine switch can be used to set up networks using the vendor-agnostic communication solution OPC UA over TSN. Its design and form factor fit perfectly into the B&R portfolio for space-saving mounting in the control cabinet. The TSN machine switch allows cycle times…
Overload relays up to 175 A
Eaton XT series self-powered electronic overload relays are self-contained units available at up to 175A. Eaton XT electronic overload relays are the most compact, high-featured, economical products in class, offering additional trip classes, universal connections to any contactor, and a wide amperage range. Accessory 24VDC and 120 VAC remote reset modules provide remote overload reset…
Crimson 3.1 update offers enhanced features
Red Lion Controls, global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking, announced updates to their Crimson development environment, including dynamic filtering of SQL queries and the release of a German-language version of their software. In an effort to further optimize data intelligence, the latest version of Crimson has the ability to…
Three new groov EPIC I/O modules
Opto 22 announces the release of three new groov EPIC input/output modules, further extending an already comprehensive industrial I/O portfolio. For system integrators and engineers, the new I/O modules provide more options for bringing existing devices into groov EPIC, as well as meeting precise requirements for temperature control applications. They also include budget-beating designs for…
More functionality for Crimson 3.1 optimizes data intelligence
Red Lion Controls announced updates to its Crimson development environment, including dynamic filtering of SQL queries and the release of a German-language version of its software. The increase in global use of Crimson-based products is a testament Crimson’s ability to play a key part in delivering on the promise of the IIoT. “We’re pleased to…
EXAIR no-drip atomizing nozzles conserve liquid
EXAIR’s new 1/2 NPT No Drip Internal Mix Atomizing Spray Nozzles work like standard atomizing nozzles but have the added benefit of positively stopping liquid flow when compressed air is shut off. Internal Mix Atomizing Spray Nozzles mix liquid and air inside the nozzle and produce the finest atomization of liquids up to 300 centipoise.…
Versatile safety light curtain
Industrial automation and safety solutions pioneer Omron Automation Americas recently launched a state-of-the-art light curtain that meets the needs for more flexible production line design. The broad functionality of the F3SG-SR Series Safety Light Curtain helps manufacturers comply with global safety standards without sacrificing efficiency or throughput. To meet the challenges of today’s marketplace, manufacturers…
How to better integrate IoT devices — use Apps
Systems for integrating IoT devices and smart equipment can be architected in many ways, and end users will find easier access when mobile apps and FTP access are incorporated. Don Pham, Senior Product Marketing Manager, and Linda Htay, Product Marketing Specialist, IDEC Corp. Industrial and commercial users realize the growing availability of intelligent devices at…
New hose-based conveyor option from EXAIR for materials up to 900° F
EXAIR’s new 2.5-in. and 3-in. High Temperature Line Vac Conveyors convert hose, tube, or pipe into a powerful in-line conveying system for high temperature materials up to 900° F (482° C). These air-operated conveyors are available with smooth ends, to fit into hose or tube and secured with a simple hose clamp or they are…
Pack up to 20 cases per minute
The Flex E Pack system is upgraded with double the output and provides additional options to customize an automated hand-pack solution perfect for any business. Wexxar Bel will be demonstrating the enhanced capabilities of the Flex E Pack system in booth C-2824 at PACK EXPO 2019, Sept. 23-25, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The…
Siemens speeds Digital Future of Industry with Xcelerator
Siemens announced Xcelerator – an integrated portfolio of software, services and application development platform that can be personalized and adapted to fit customer and industry-specific needs to help companies of all sizes become digital enterprises. Xcelerator combines the full portfolio of Siemens’ software for design, engineering and manufacturing with an expanded Mendix low-code, multi-experience application…
Headless C-more remote HMI without attached display
Intended for the user who doesn’t require a built-in HMI display, needs a larger display, or would rather strictly use the C-more mobile app, the C-more EA9 series remote (headless) HMI unit provides all the functionality of an EA9 touch panel without the extra cost of a touchscreen interface. The headless unit supports an HD1280x720…