http://www.controleng.com/ en http://www.controleng.com/typo3conf/ext/tt_news/ext_icon.gif http://www.controleng.com/ 18 16 TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wed, 22 May 2013 10:07:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/products-use-mechatronic-design-for-manufacturing-systems/0ef15e32543f0e5c9bb92d116cc5c8df.html Beckhoff Automation XTS modular linear motion control system integrates with industrial PC, TwinCAT... To condense the Beckhoff Automation architecture to its simplest form, we promote one controller, one network, and one software platform across one system architecture. We call this “The Power of One,” where Beckhoff can integrate high-performance PLC, motion control, safety, communications, and robotics on an IPC (industrial PC) or embedded PC. The XTS (eXtended Transport System) from Beckhoff Automation is the kind of mechatronic advancement that takes full advantage of more powerful PC-based controllers and one architecture. A machine equipped with XTS would leverage one standard controls architecture (PC-based control), one software platform (TwinCAT 3), and one network (EtherCAT). XTS combines linear motor technology on a continuous motion track that consists of straight and curved track segments allowing the machine designer to configure topologies that suit numerous applications. The XTS track is like an inverse linear motor and is specially engineered for multiple carriers; each mover’s position is controlled individually and can be adjusted with great precision on the fly. XTS is supplied by either a 24 V dc or 48 V dc bus. Forces of 30 N continuous and 100 N peak per mover are possible. The movers have positioning accuracies of +/-25 µm at 1.5 m/s and a positioning repeatability of less than 10 µm at mover standstill. Movers have a maximum speed of 4 m/s at 48 V dc supply voltage. TwinCAT 3 from Beckhoff abstracts the complex underlying control principles in XTS, which enables the controls engineer to program against the movers’ absolute position. At Hannover Fair 2013, Beckhoff paired a delta-style pick-and-place robot system with the high-speed mechatronic XTS solution, running the automation software on one industrial PC. - Matt Lecheler is motion specialist at Beckhoff Automation. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com. ONLINE Read "Mechatronics: Electromechanical manufacturing systems" to learn more application details below www.beckhoffautomation.com/xts  Beckhoff Automation YouTube video of the XTS at 2013 Hannover Fair (about 30 sec into the video)]]> New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Article SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) ArchivedSyndication: Machine and Motion Control (Pneumatic Hydraulic Electric) Robotics Mon, 13 May 2013 13:39:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/software-wizard-provides-easy-embedded-motion-controller-setup/851936af150916e2e96ba8be11cab26d.html Product Exclusive: PMD Pro-Motion software offers axis wizard and support for digital amplifiers... The most significant new feature in Pro-Motion 5.0 is the addition of a graphical axis wizard facility that provides step-by-step configuration of all control signal parameters, including quadrature feedback, motion output signals, home signals, Hall sensor signals, analog input and output, and more. The new axis wizard performs automated tests to characterize connection and configuration information. Users can then accept these automatic parameters or provide their own values. Additional features include current loop and position loop auto-tuning, and system configuration storage. Another major new feature is support for SPI (serial peripheral interface)-based solderable motion amplifiers. These amplifiers, which include the PMD Atlas line of digital amplifiers, are used in embedded motion applications where the motion processor IC and motion amplifier are co-located on the same card. Step motor, dc brush, and brushless dc motors are supported, as are manual or automatic tuning of amplifier gain parameters, temperature monitoring, and I2t current tuning. Embedded motion software development is supported via a command window along with a simple scripting facility to program sequences of commands. Features of the command line processor include command-auto-completion and virtualization of the axis interface to allow communication to local as well as remotely located axes. Additional features include a console window that provides print style outputs from the embedded motion code, and a monitor window that allows motion command traffic to and from the motion processor to be viewed and analyzed. Additional Pro-Motion features include the ability to run on Microsoft Windows 32 and Windows 64 operating systems, programmable control windows, position monitoring, up to four simultaneous trace variables, and programmable interpretation for signals such as limit switches, home signals, quadrature feedback signals, and more. PMD, based in Boxborough, Mass., provides motion control ICs, cards, and drive modules for use in positioning motion applications as well as torque and velocity control applications. All PMD products provide high-performance motion control supporting DC brush, brushless DC, step, and microstepping motors. Performance Motion Devices (PMD) www.pmdcorp.com  - Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com. Online Control Engineering motor and drive products: www.controleng.com/motors]]> New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation May SyndicationType: Article SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) Mon, 13 May 2013 09:09:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/dual-robot-controller/97ac2b33f124f7d75bbcaa561e8d9e30.html The MLX100 Robot Gateway by Yaskawa Motoman offers a PLC and robot integration that programs... Yaskawa Motoman has enhanced functionality of dual-robot control with its MLX100 Robot Gateway. MLX100 enables controlling and programming of Motoman robots entirely within the ControlLogix platform, eliminating the need for an additional controller or language for robotic application development.  MLX100 offers a seamless PLC and robot integration as robots are programmed through the same PLC ladder logic code that is widely used for controlling peripheral equipment such as filling machines, packaging machines and conveyors. This modular, unified control architecture allows faster robotic application development.  A multitude of applications are possible on the MLX100 platform, including applications requiring vision guidance and line tracking: assembly, part transfer, picking, sorting, kitting, case packing, palletizing and de-palletizing. Select Motoman robots (4-7 axis; 5-300 kg payload) are available with the MLX100 Robot Gateway. Any combination of the available models can be used for dual-robot applications.   Yaskawa Motoman www.motoman.com  See other motion control products from Control Engineering.]]> System Integration Machine Control New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release Tue, 07 May 2013 19:33:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/integrated-steppers-and-stepper-motors/d43b23fa4c4e1c04979f5547ccd9e2bf.html Applied Motion Products' NEMA size 23, 24 and 34 stepper motors with IP65 ratings and size 24... Applied Motion Products added NEMA size 23, 24 and 34 stepper motors with IP65 ratings for operation in severe environmental conditions and size 24 integrated steppers are specifically designed for wet environments.  The stepper motors dust proof and resistant to low pressure water jets, are ideal for applications in wet factory environments. Key features include a nickel plated brass cable gland, sealed laminations, a front shaft contact seal and an optional encoder housed in an IP65 rated enclosure for use with products that require feedback for closed loop operation. All models have an internal corrosion-resistant film coating as standard. For improved protection in high-humidity environments an advanced coating is available as an option.  These models are dust proof and resistant to low pressure water jets, ideal for applications in wet factory environments such as the food and beverage industry or outdoor use. Key features include IP67 rated M12 connectors, sealed laminations, a front shaft contact seal and an engineered seal between the electronics compartment and the motor. All models have an internal corrosion-resistant film coating as standard. Mating M12 cordsets are available from stock.  The SWM24 models fuse a high performance motion controller with 100 MBit Ethernet communications to a high torque NEMA 24 step motor. Connecting to an Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix or MicroLogix PLC. EtherNet/IP is also available.  The SWM24 provides up to 340 oz-in torque and includes a 4000 count/rev optical encoder, safely housed inside the electronics compartment, that can detect and prevent motor stalls using Applied Motion’s proprietary stall prevention algorithm. The auto-tuned digital current control provides smooth, quiet motion, while an advanced anti-resonance algorithm with electronic damping allows for maximum torque utilization, rapid acceleration, and fast settling times.  Software applications can communicate with the SWM24 in real time, using the SCL and Q languages over standard 100 megabit Ethernet cabling, addressing and protocols. Ethernet can transmit data at 100 times the speed of CANopen and more than 1000 times faster than RS-232 and RS-485. Applied Motion Products www.applied-motion.com  See more Control Engineering motor and drive products.]]> Machine Control New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) Mon, 06 May 2013 18:00:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/valve-actuator-and-controls-extended/b00148798d326d1b44b7928b4b1e0c1a.html FieldQ by Emerson Process Management diagnostics help simplify work practices and improve... Emerson Process Management's FieldQ rack and pinion fully integrated valve actuator and controls is designed to provide cost-saving diagnostic capabilities. The updated capabilities greatly simplify daily work practices with the release of FieldQ Foundation fieldbus Version 3, with device diagnostic alarm management in a flexible modular package.  The enhanced diagnostic alarm tools enable users to categorize and prioritize device alarms based on the criticality of the device and the severity of the problem detected by the diagnostics. Alarm settings can be configured to alert appropriate plant personnel so they can take action without being distracted by irrelevant alarms.

The FieldQ product modularity further extends efficiency by offering plug-and-play modules for many requirements including explosion-proof and intrinsically safe capabilities as well as bus communication options. In addition, control modules are available for diagnostics such as travel time, cycle counts, time in position, and module temperature. This capability enhances field services capabilities and makes user interface more cost effective.  Emerson Process Management www.emersonprocess.com ]]> Process Control Plant Safety and Security New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release Fri, 03 May 2013 14:18:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/updated-drive-solution-designer-helps-with-drive-optimization/d14f45925a692b066b3934b4beaa6f60.html Lenze's updated version of drive dimensioning software boasts user enhancements and a specific... Lenze Americas' Version 4.0 of its Drive Solution Designer (DSD) drive dimensioning tool provides expanded application functionality and enhanced drive dimensioning for winding-unwinding motion control applications. Lenze DSD 4.0 now comes standard with dimensioning tools for optimizing drives in typical center winding and unwinding machines. The winding-specific motion designer takes into account special features unique to the motion control of winders, with expert support in selecting winding technologies, a diameter-based representation of the load variables, and examination of the winding process in the torque-speed diagram of the motor-inverter combination. The field-tested energy performance certificate, available on earlier DSD versions, completes the winder solution for both single- and multi-axis systems. Other new features of the Microsoft Windows-8-compatible DSD 4.0 release include a series of solutions designed for mains voltages in U.S. markets. A new application tuner provides DSD 4.0 users greater detail in precision drive dimensioning and enables varying types of process data to be leveraged in drive optimization. This extended functionality makes it possible to integrate more potential operating states and material recipes into the dimensioning process. Additionally, version 4.0 includes enhancements to usability and improved support for generating CAD data. Lenze Americas www.lenzeamericas.com  See more Control Engineering motor and drives products.]]> Machine Control New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) Thu, 02 May 2013 07:01:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/products-used-in-unified-robotics-platform-for-packaging/c006dbcb85d374ae78623fd1448a2bf6.html Rockwell Automation programmable automation controllers (PACs), I/O modules, motors, servo drives,...

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PAC provides an integrated platform for motion and machine control, and one programming environment accessible to operators via an Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus operator interface.

Allen-Bradley Kinetix multiaxis servo drives allow easy speed and position adjustments, and fast product changeovers.

Allen-Bradley GuardLogix safety system provides safety and standard control in one package, and simplifies integrating robotics into a production line.

Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays provide compliance with global safety standards when integrating robots into machines.

Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives with safe-off function reside on the same EtherNet/IP network as other components for simplified machine design and production line operation.

The Logix Control Platform manages robot kinematics and synchronizes separate tracking, handling, and vision systems. It includes an Allen-Bradley 1756-L72 ControlLogix controller with a SERCOS (Serial Real-time Communications System) interface motion module. End users can easily share production information across all equipment through one EtherNet/IP network. EtherNet/IP, an ODVA Ethernet protocol, uses the same TCP/IP protocol suite that is used for the Internet, with the open connectivity and global acceptance of standard Ethernet and the real-time performance and security of fieldbus networks. Cama Group engineers can link optical character recognition and optical character verification vision systems to the Rockwell Automation products in the robotic cell via EtherNet/IP. The system uses Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000 and Kinetix 6500 servo drives, which help eliminate the need for a dedicated motion network and allow users to support high-performance drives, I/O, smart actuators, and any other EtherNet/IP-connected device on a common network. In addition, Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives with safe-off function reside on the same EtherNet/IP network for simplified machine design and production line operation. The Allen Bradley MP Series Low Inertia servo motors fit compact space requirements while meeting the demands of the high-performance motion system. The Rockwell Automation team conducted a safety risk assessment and implemented an Allen-Bradley GuardLogix integrated safety system, which allows for safety and standard control on one platform, alleviates complicated hardwiring, and reduces engineering time. The system is compliant with global safety standard EN ISO 13849-1. As part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, the GuardLogix PAC uses the same configuration, networking, and visualization environment. An Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus human-machine interface provides operators and maintenance personnel with visibility to all machine events—including safety events. Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays manage safety on smaller, individual machines with the robot system. Allen-Bradley, ControlLogix, GuardLogix, Guardmaster, Integrated Architecture, Kinetix, MP-Series, PanelView, and PowerFlex are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc. EtherNet/IP is a trademark of ODVA. - Mike Wagner is global segment business manager for packaging at Rockwell Automation. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.]]> New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation Plant Safety and Security May SyndicationType: Product Release Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:02:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/medium-duty-encoders-solid-or-hollow-shaft/305a2a4110364410aa7d8f1d2d481bf7.html The Koyo medium duty encoders now include PPR models and are available in push-pull or differential... AutomationDirect has extended its series of Koyo medium duty encoders to include high PPR (Pulses Per Revolution) models. Available in Totem Pole (Push-Pull) or line driver (differential) configurations, the encoders feature a 50 mm diameter body with a 35 mm depth. Models are constructed with an 8 mm diameter solid or hollow shaft and offer incremental resolutions of 3000, 3600, or 5000 PPR. The encoders are fitted with a 2 m cable with tinned ends and are available with either 5 V dc or 5 to 30 V dc inputs; the high-PPR encoders provide up to 200 kHz response frequency. AutomationDirect www.automationdirect.com  See other Control Engineering motors and drives products. See other Control Engineering sensor products.]]> New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) ArchivedSyndication: Machine and Motion Control (Pneumatic Hydraulic Electric) Robotics Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:36:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/drives-and-motion-accelerator-toolkit-wizard/2d2b124fdde65fd2d881f7b51867caa4.html Rockwell's DMAT now has a system development wizard designed to simplify the machine-design process... Rockwell Automation has launched a system development wizard for its Drives and Motion Accelerator Toolkit (DMAT) that simplifies the machine-design process. In fact, the wizard has the ability to save OEMs up to 90 percent of the time required to select, configure and troubleshoot an integrated drives and motion control solution.  The DMAT wizard guides users through each step of selecting and programming a drives and motion solution. The proactive interface prompts users for input with questions about their machine requirements, such axes of motion, torque and speed. Based on the users responses, the software presents them with a choice of motor and drive combinations for a variety of load, transmission, and application types. Once the user selects preferred components, the DMAT will produce a bill of materials.  The toolkit also provides a beginning set of CAD drawings, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and automatically pulls proven code from the DMAT library into a project file so users have preconfigured controller, network, drives and initial system program logic. The toolkit will also provide a custom set of instructions to quickly adapt a starting HMI application.  Eliminating much of the time associated with routine tasks in drives and motion system design can reduce overhead costs and speed time to market. The system development wizard makes drives and motion system design simple enough that engineers with less experience in drives and motion system design or programming can successfully design a system and produce the initial logic and HMI application.  Finally, DMAT will also run diagnostic tests to troubleshoot potential problems with the system and provide suggestions on how to fix any issues found, all before physical prototyping begins. Rockwell Automation www.rockwellautomation.com  See other motor and drive hardware and software from Control Engineering.]]> Machine Control Manufacturing IT New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:33:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/simulation-and-modeling-software/d670dc2472b1e5b6aad1db58e231395a.html MSC Software’s Adams and Easy5 Simulation software models and simulates motion control systems to... In the past, Armor found it difficult to model the complicated mechanisms and motion control systems involved in roll coating. This challenge was overcome with the use of Adams and Easy5, which enable control systems to be integrated into mechanical system simulations to optimize system performance. Adams, the world’s most widely used multibody dynamics simulation software, automatically formulates and solves the equations of motion for kinematic, static, quasi-static, and dynamic simulations. Easy5 is a graphics-based software tool used to model multi-domain dynamics systems characterized by differential, difference, and algebraic equations such as digital and analog control systems. Integration is accomplished with the Adams interface block in an Easy5 model that provides inputs from Easy5 into Adams and vice versa. An Adams model of a machine defined the rolls as cylinders and added connections between them to represent the gearing in the machine. It included material properties of the PET web and friction between the web and the rolls based on physical measurements. Easy5 simulated the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) closed-loop motion controller. “I found it very easy to define both the physical and control model with Adams and Easy5,” Hubert said. Hubert began his simulation efforts on a machine whose performance he felt left considerable room for improvement. Running virtual experiments with Adams and Easy5 also eliminated the cost of downtime on production machines. Hubert said, “Coupling Adams, MSC’s multibody simulation solution, with Easy5 turned out to be the ideal way to model our roll machines and control systems.” - Chris Baker is the product manager for Adams and Easy5 at MSC Software Corp. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com. ONLINE Also see related article with more application information and photos below: Simulation software boosts machine productivity]]> New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Article SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) ArchivedSyndication: Machine and Motion Control (Pneumatic Hydraulic Electric) Robotics Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:17:00 -0400