Latest Articles
5 Priorities Trending in Manufacturing Today
The test of global change has exposed the brittle nature of systems, processes, and supply chain solutions that had historically measured as “good enough.”
A recent global survey of 321 manufacturers has shed light on the biggest industry obstacles and punctuated the need for agility, technology adoption, and improved processes to respond to market adversity. The results of this survey make up the 7th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report – the most robust edition yet.
This study from Plex Systems, a Rockwell Automation company, in collaboration with Hanover Research, uncovers the current state of smart manufacturing, the challenges manufacturers are facing, and expectations for the future of the industry.
Can EPLAN Be Used as an Alternative to Your PDM?
Why Use Elements Collaboration
Elements Collaboration represents a new alternative to conventional Project Data Management softwares. It is is a low cost and effective alternative to your dedicated PDM. Here's why:
EPLAN is built from the ground up with features you value in a Project Data Management software. As such, it is faster and can be better integrated to your workflow. This means that you can potentially save on the cost of an additional software without sacrificing productivity.
How IO-Link Improves Predictive Maintenance and Speeds Up Sensor Reconfiguration
One of Omron's main focuses with respect to sensor innovation is to incorporate more "intelligence" - that is to say, more ways to gather meaningful data - into their latest sensor lines.
Smarter sensors mean better insights into what’s really going on at the machine level, and these insights lead to better decision-making and less downtime. Setup, predictive maintenance, and reconfiguration are all great ways to use IO-Link. Let’s take a look at what IO-Link is and how you can use this powerful protocol in your applications.
What Is AC Inrush Current? How Can It Be Limited?
Probably most of us already have noticed the effect of an AC inrush current in our homes - e.g. when the refrigerator, power tools, vacuum cleaner or the air conditioner turn on. The surrounding lights may dim shortly, a sign that the AC voltage is being drawn down by the switch-on process of this device.
Fortunately, in the home environment, flickering lights are typically the worst condition that occurs. However, in an industrial environment, inrush current has potential risks. It can have a negative impact on operating systems, with unexpected down time or even damage to expensive equipment.
In addition, when selecting other system components such as circuit breakers, switches, relays, etc., the inrush current must always be taken into account. This means the lower the inrush current, the lower the additional effort in terms of system design and maintenance.
Product News
Emerson: PACSystems RSTi-EP CPE 200 Programmable Automation Controllers
Emerson has recently announced the release of its PACSystems RSTi-EP CPE 200 programmable automation controllers (PAC). This new family of compact PACs helps original equipment manufacturers (OEM) successfully meet customer requirements by minimizing the need for specialized software engineering talent. CPE 200 controllers will deliver large programmable logic controller (PLC) capability in a small, cost-effective, IIoT-ready form factor so machine manufacturers do not need to sacrifice performance for price.
To stay competitive, today’s OEM machine builders must provide equipment that is ready to support analytics and give end users competitive advantage through increased efficiency, speed and quality.
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Emerson Safety Device Prohibits Unauthorized Access to High-Voltage Electrical Connections
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates 350 employees are killed annually in electrocution accidents, which roughly equals one fatality per day. In the face of these dangers, OSHA officials and industry safety consultants alike recommend eliminating potential hazards on work sites, rather than simply relying on contractors or employees to follow safety guidelines.
To help safeguard employees from electrocution, Emerson has launched its Appleton Powertite Lock Collar, a device that fastens over plug and connector connections and is secured with a padlock, preventing unauthorized personal from disconnecting the cable connection once in place.
OnRobot Palletizer
Palletizing is a labor intensive, repetitive and unergonomic task, which makes it ideal to automate. The benefits of automating palletizing tasks include increased productivity and throughput, higher quality, and improved ergonomics. However, the cost and complexity of traditional palletizing robotic systems has prevented small to medium sized businesses from introducing automation to their facilities.
Now you can get exactly the palletizing solution you need with OnRobot’s new modular, fully configurable Palletizer. The OnRobot Palletizer is available as a complete solution that is more versatile and affordable than competing systems, or individual components that can be combined for your perfect mix-and-match solution.