Packaging: Machine builders get help meeting risk assessment standard

Rockwell Automation is helping packaging machine builders comply with the ANSI/PMMI B155.1 standard, which will apply to packaging and related converting machinery shipped after October 25, 2008. New requirements for packaging machinery and packaging-related converting machinery, introduced in 2006, include a risk-assessment standard to help machine builders identify safeguarding requirements and define required control circuit architectures and safety performance levels.
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Business: Rising material, energy costs concern North American manufacturers

Five hundred and forty-one mass layoff events in the U.S. manufacturing sector in June 2008 resulted in 76,514 initial claims for unemployment insurance, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. In spite of that, the North American midsized manufacturing sector seems "cautiously optimistic," according to a survey by Prime Advantage, a buying consortium for midsized industrial manufacturers.
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NIWeek: National Instruments targets WiFi, Ethernet, adds LabVIEW 8.6

With NIWeek starting August 5 and eager users flocking here to find out what's new, National Instruments has provided a preview. The company has released LabVIEW 8.6 and announced 10 new WiFi and Ethernet data acquisition (DAQ) devices, extending NI measurement hardware and software to wireless remote monitoring applications. The company is also showcasing a partner-designed system being used by Chinese engineers to conduct structural health research on seven megastructures, including main venues for the 2008 Summer Olympics. See photos.
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New products: Supporting wireless communications at every level

Interest in wireless technology is way up in industrial settings, and wireless device makers are responding. Products and services at every level of the communications infrastructure are being introduced—from chips with embedded IP connectivity, to sensors and receivers, and even plantwide network services. See what was introduced most recently from Omega Engineering, ConnectOne, and Invensys Process systems in partnership with Motorola. Photo.
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New product: I/O terminals for eXtreme Fast Control (XFC)

Beckhoff Automation unveiled EtherCAT Terminals for eXtreme Fast Control (XFC), an I/O family with high data throughput and distributed clock synchronization with a jitter of much less than 1 microsecond (< 1 us). Terminals with time stamping latch the exact system time at which edge changes occur, and output of digital values can occur at precise, predefined times. Fast I/O is supported by digital EtherCAT I/O Terminals with short input delays or switching times of < 1 us. Photo.
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In print: European debut of intrinsic safety breakthrough

For 40 years intrinsic safety (EX i) has meant limiting the amount of electric power to less than 2 Watts in dangerous areas for fear any spark could ignite an explosion. Two European companies, however, recently displayed technology that allows comparatively large amounts of power — 50 Watts or more — into areas previously considered too dangerous for live electricity. Their new approach could alter the future of EX i practice.
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Online: NASCAR HMIs, planning motion control, wireless mesh network deployment

• HMIs: NASCAR pit crews, Vista users get Simatic options
• Tutorial podcast: Expert advice on planning motion control projects
• Fisher BioServices deploys General Electric Wireless Mesh