HMI, OI
Three web server architectures aid plant-floor, enterprise integration
Driven by manufacturing's desire to connect the factory floor with the rest of the enterprise, web-enabled PLCs and Ethernet are giving users new ways to view and control factory data using embedded web servers. When selecting a web-enabled automation device, users can choose from three distinct system architectures.
Changing times for e-business
In this time of mergers and acquisitions, it seems as though the economy is favoring larger companies. How can a medium-sized company compete? This question was the topic of a live webcast entitled, "Sorting through the e-business rhetoric: A manufacturer's guide to the business revolution," presented by MSI, a Cahners publication, at National Manufacturing Week in March.
Ruggedized computer controls mining equipment
Equipment used in open pit mining travels over some of the worst terrain in the world—in hostile environments that include temperature extremes and lots of dust and dirt. Aquila Mining Systems (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) provides computer-based monitoring, control and guidance systems for large blasthole drills.
Analyzing, tracking process hazards
Regulatory compliance is driving industry to provide more complete information concerning its manufacturing processes and systems partially because many process industries either use hazardous feedstock or produce hazardous materials. To ensure safe operation of these facilities, OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) rules (29 CFR 1910.
Innovations inundate National Industrial Automation Show at National Manufacturing Week 2001
Chicago, Ill.— Hundreds of exhibitors showed thousands of innovative products and services at the National Industrial Automation Show during National Manufacturing Week 2001 at McCormick Place. For more coverage, including streaming video clips, click on "NMW 2001" at www.controleng.com. Advantech Automation (Cincinnati, O.
Breakout modules add convenience, protection
Healdsburg, Calif. —IO8 and IO24 Breakout modules provide additional convenience and protection for Eason 2000 and 4000 family Intelligent Operator Interfaces. These DIN-rail-mountable modules feature removable screw terminal connectors and ribbon cable for quick hook-up and provide LED indicators for debugging and hardware troubleshooting.
Model, Simulate, Execute Simulation in Discrete Control
KEY WORDS PC-based control Machine control Software for control Flowchart programming Simulation Imagine a product design, completed in software, and rendered in 3-D graphics. This rendering allows designers to strip away layers to view and work on components underneath. Next, manufacturing engineers can design the machines, fixtures, and processes required to produce components and completed ...
PVTs use diagnostics, go digital, deliver multiple readings
Trends in Process Variable Transmitters Diagnostic capabilities Digital protocols Faster communication ONLINE See this product focus at www.controleng.com for additional information. Process variable transmitters (PVTs) perform a type of dance that goes on between various processes and the transmitter moving information to the end-user.