Mitsubishi Electric has released its smallest and most powerful compact PLC to date, the FX5UC series Premium Micro PLC. Its diminutive size is set to help machine builders and manufacturers pack ever more functionality into a smaller space – while also providing the web access and network (more...)

According the latest figures from Gambica the PLC market continues to grow. Hugh Tasker of Mitsubishi Electric offers some thoughts on why. The PLC versus IPC or PC based control debate has been with us for over two decades now, with commentators making various predictions about the rise of (more...)

Omron has announced the global release in October of its new NJ/NY series CNC Integrated Controllers that boost the productivity of processing machines for manufacturing lines. With these new controllers, the Sysmac Integrated Platform has been expanded to include CNC functionality, enabling (more...)

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. Replacements and upgrades aside, (more...)

IBASE, a global leader in the manufacture of embedded computing and IIoT solutions, announces its brand new AMS300 series expandable modular box PC. The AMS300 is a compact, yet expandable fanless system designed for industrial control and measurement processes in smart factory automation (more...)

RS Componnets has updated its mini-PLC range from Barth Elektronik, with three new mini PLCs, a new parameter programmer and a touchscreen display. The three new mini-PLCs are based on a 32-bit ARM Cortex processor, which offers a significant step change in performance. Programming is via the (more...)

The new XC300 modular PLC from Eaton enables machine and system builders to bring streamlined, modern automation concepts to life – especially when combined with the XN300 I/O system and XV300 touch panel. With high performance and excellent communication features, the modular (more...)

A Web Page Editor function, now available in the latest edition of Idec’s WindLDR PLC programming software, brings exceptional web enabling capabilities to the new MicroSmart FC6A PLC platform when the latter is connected to the new HMI and Communication Adapter module. Importantly, these web (more...)

Central machine monitoring and process optimisation is the best way to ensure that production lines and their associated constituent part machinery operate more effectively and economically. Many machines in well-established production lines, which may be between 15 and 30 years old, can still (more...)

Suiting decentralised control cabinets, Lenze has upgraded its 3200C controller platform. The performance of the new DIN rail mounted motion control units has been boosted with new processors. Up to double the processing speed means more computing power for the control of more co-ordinated axes, for (more...)