Industrial Technology

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The age of the PLC platform is now

The age of the PLC platform is now

Can an automation system be more than just the sum of its parts? Barry Weller of Mitsubishi Electric argues that it can and that the age of the PLC platform is now bringing a host of benefits that extend far beyond ease of programming and simplicity of integration.

18th October 2017
The importance of the safety of workers

The importance of the safety of workers

John Uber of Mettler Toledo highlights the importance of designing right the first time, and of communications between the user and the supplier.

18th October 2017
Balluff introduces long range RFID reader

Balluff introduces long range RFID reader

RFID systems help users to get a handle on the stream of information in a modern factory. Objects can be automatically identified and traced using RFID – a data carrier that functions as a memory is attached to the object and allows it to be identified. Data is transferred between the data carrier and read/write head, via the processor unit, to the controller.

18th October 2017
Micro PLC sets performance benchmark

Micro PLC sets performance benchmark

The new MICRO PLC VIPA Control from Yaskawa sets new standards for ultra-compact, ultra-fast, stand-alone PLC controllers combining high performance, high channel density in a compact, modern design. As the name suggests, space requirements are minimised because the Micro has a width of less than 72mm making it up to 50% smaller than typical micro controllers.

29th September 2017
Siemens partners with University of Sheffield to drive Industry 4.0 commercialisation

Siemens partners with University of Sheffield to drive Industry 4.0 commercialisation

A new partnership between Siemens and the University of Sheffield is being launched to accelerate digitalisation, boost digital skills, and promote technology and knowledge exchange to meet the needs of increasingly-digitalised industry.

29th September 2017
HBM October webinar looks at checkweighing with load cells

HBM October webinar looks at checkweighing with load cells

HBM has announced the date for its latest free webinar on ‘Checkweighing with Load Cells’, which will take place on October 5th 2017 at 9am (GMT). Checkweighing is most commonly used to control completeness of products, assembles or kits. This process describes weighing a certain object against a preset target.

29th September 2017
Two become one: hybrid bus cables tried and tested

Two become one: hybrid bus cables tried and tested

Modern servodrives use a single-cable connection, or hybrid bus cable, for the power and encoder signalling. The lack of a dedicated feedback cable not only reduces the connection costs, but also the cable variance. These hybrid cables were first introduced by Igus for moving applications in 2013; Justin Leonard of Igus reviews their performance four years on.

17th September 2017
A modular computing platform for networking

A modular computing platform for networking

A MICA (Modular Industrial Computing Architecture) is a modular computing platform made from open hardware and software components. Unlike single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi, the MICA circuit board is divided into three parts, one of which can be customised. The form factor and degree of protection remain unchanged after hardware adjustments.

17th September 2017
Gigabit industrial Ethernet is key to Industry 4.0 goals

Gigabit industrial Ethernet is key to Industry 4.0 goals

While there may still be some debate about what Industry 4.0 really means, there is no denying that greater interconnectivity of devices and increased network capability will be the key drivers behind achieving the goals it sets out. John Browett, general manager of CLPA Europe, outlines the network requirements that will enable Industry 4.0.

17th September 2017
Where and when will we actually see Industry 4.0?

Where and when will we actually see Industry 4.0?

There are a great many people now invested in working towards achieving the goals set out by Industry 4.0. For a concept that started life as a German government strategy project it is fair to say that it has captured the imaginations of many engineers and futurists from around the globe. With so much effort being put into talking about the concept, it is interesting to look at the aspects of it that are close to being realised and, with so much momentum, consider who it benefits and if everyone is on-board with it.

17th September 2017
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