Automation Loop: News from the Net, Jan. 4-14

With 2011 just starting to perk up with news and events, Automation World decided to "round-up" the most important automation news and stories from the last week or so, and list them below. The content comes from other media sites and Automation World, enjoy!

Jan 14th, 2011

News and Stories from Jan. 4 - 14, 2011:

Ford plans to hire 7,000 by 2012, including 750 engineers
(source: USA Today)

Sensing: LumaSense Acquuires ITC from L-3 Communications
(Source: Sensors Magazine)

Automation Trends: Sourcing Tomorrow's Automation Innovations
(Source: Automation World)

Feed Forward Blog: Lean and Mean Manufacturing
(Source: Automation World)

Machine Vision Market Continues Solid Growth in North America
(Source: Design World)

Social Networking for Automation Pros
(Source: Automation World)

Security: Portable USB Device Offers Anti-Virus Software
(Source: Automation World)

LAP is a Blue Ridge Automation sequencing system for the food and beverage industry, packaging equipment, and continuous processes.

Sequencing System Creates Low-code and No-code Solution for PLC Coding

The LAP system from Blue Ridge Automation is featured on the PACK EXPO Las Vegas show floor for easier, user-friendly PLC coding.

Abaco Systems Announce New 16-Port Serial Controller and XMC Carrier Card to Protect from Obsolescence

Brooks Instrument Introduces First Fully Pressure-Insensitive Pressure-Based Mass Flow Controller for Etch and CVD Processes in Semiconductor Manufacturing

The new GP200 Series improves flow measurement accuracy and repeatability in semiconductor manufacturing over the widest range of operating conditions in the industry.

Power Flex 6000 T Image

New PowerFlex 6000T Drive Delivers Big Performance in a Compact Design

Medium-voltage drive for global IEC markets accepts high-voltage primary without increasing footprint.

Nidec Leroy-Somer TAL 0473 industrial alternator

Nidec Leroy-Somer Announces the Launch of LSA 47.3 Industrial Alternator with Increased Performance and an Optimized Cooling System

The Linea Lite family of line scan cameras is built for a wide range of machine vision applications.

Analog Signal Conditioning

Analog Signal Conditioning

Weidmüller's range of analog converter and monitoring relays makes it a powerful partner in light of the increasing use of automation.

Nord Condition Monitoring Solution

Condition Monitoring Solution Extends the Life of Components and Machinery

Provides the necessary data for predictive maintenance

Beckhoff E Xtended Transport (xts) System

Transport System Creates Realistic Representations of Complete Systems

Provides collision-free motion with movers working independently or in groups

4 Pneumatic Valves

Festo Adds New Manual and Mechanical Pneumatic Valves to Its Core Product Range

3 Profinet Option Card

Hardy Process Solutions Profinet Option Card

This Profinet Option Card from Hardy Process Solutions works with the company’s HI 4050+ weight controller.

1 High Precision Solenoid Pump

Spartan Scientific Introduces High-Precision Solenoid Pump

The SSDP offers fluid control for rigorous environments.

Siemens Motion Control Program

Motion Control Program Features Unprecedented Level of Integration

Offers the innovation necessary for a sustainable competitive advantage

Wago Compact Power Supplies

Power Supplies Are Efficient and Economical for Standard Applications

Include removable front panel for better cooling in alternative mounting situations

M3 Sm15 Mobile Computer

Mobile Computer M3 SM15 for IoT Mobile Device Management

The M3 mobile computer is a compact RFID handheld computer for Internet of Things applications.

16x9 450l B Safety Light Curtain 1600

Introducing the World’s First CIP Safety Over EtherNet/IP Safety Light Curtain

The Allen-Bradley 450L GuardShield safety light curtain is reported to be the first of its kind to provide CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP.

Idec Hr5 S Safety Relay Image Hr5 S C2 B S

IDEC Introduces Category 2 Safety Relay Module

Designed specifically to comply with updated ISO 13849 Safety Category 2 requirements, this safety relay module helps users economically apply better and more appropriate safety measures.

SIRIUS components are compact and designed for quick and easy connection to facilitate industrial control panel maintenance.

Sirius Modular Systems for Industrial Control Panel Design

Allied Electronics & Automation and Siemens team up to offer systems for control panel building.

Mps035 Sm 1200x628 D[2]

Robotic Tool-Changing Systems

Stäubli Connectors offers a new range of compact robotic tool changing systems covering a payload range up to 80 kg. They can accommodate several transfer technologies precise repeat accuracy of +/-1.5 µm.

3 Eaton Io T Connected Surge Protector

IoT Connected Surge Protector

This latest surge protection device by Eaton enables remote monitoring of surge data, both real time and historical, that can be used to predict future surge events or proactive maintenance.

The ASCO Series 256/356 solenoid valves set a new benchmark for fluid control performance by reducing the overall footprint and power consumption while increasing pressure ratings.

Emerson’s Solenoid Valves Enable More Compact Machine Designs

ASCO™ Series 256/356 offers smaller footprint, up to 40% reduced power consumption and up to 30% higher pressure ratings.

More in Control

1 Galil Motion Control Multi Axis Motion Controller

Multi-Axis Motion Controller

Galil Motion Control's new DMC-21x5 controller introduces a state-of-the-art ARM-based processor that improves its communication, command processing, and memory capabilities while staying at the same series price as its series predecessor, DMC-21x3.

2 Velo3 D 3 D Metal Printer

3D Metal Printer

Velo3D's new Sapphire XC printer features higher productivity, larger build volume, compatibility with different alloys, and reduces cost-per-part.

1 Moog Modular Electrohydrostatic Actuation System

Modular Electrohydrostatic Actuation System

Moog's new product features lower oil requirement, a decentralized system, low mass inertia, and much more.

Bosch Rexroth Ctrl X Drive 38644

Compact, Scalable Drive System

Bosch Rexroth’s ctrlX DRIVE is said to be the most compact, scalable, and consistent modular drive system available. It has space-saving dimensions of up to 50% and can provide tailored solutions with peak currents of 6 A to 375 A.

Mass Flow Controller for Gas

Burkert's Type 8742/46 mass flow controllers/meters can handle low- to mid- to high-flow gas applications.

Pr182020 Beckhoff Elm72xx Print

Servo Drives

Beckhoff’s ELM72xx EtherCAT servo drives deliver an output current (Irms) of up to 16 A at 48 V DC for the power supply.

Inductive Automation Ignition8

Industrial Application Platform Update

Find out about the latest application platform tools included with Ignition 8.1.

N8 Xe Li Lf 1920 5fb83c7f1c674

High Pressure Processing Helps Emerging Brands

Join Jeff Williams of Universal Pure, and ProFood World’s Joyce Fassl as they discuss high pressure processing and the shelf-life benefits it brings to brands seeking broader distribution and the importance of Cold Pressure Council certification.

Beckhoff Al8000 Linear Motors1

Linear Motors

The AL8000 linear motor series from Beckhoff is based on a modular system design consisting of linear motors and magnetic plates and offers wide-ranging options in length, winding, and cooling type.

SPC-800 Series of Button-integrated HMI with IP66-Rated Protection for Process Visualization

Advantech has to announced its new SPC-800 series of arm-mounted human-machine interfaces with full IP66-rated protection that provides a cabinet-free solution for operation in industrial environments.

Converter Cables

Converter Cables Create Possibilities for Mobile Equipment Makers

New Balluff cables connect M12 to Deutsch DT and AMP Superseal connectors.

Wago 2000 Series Pnp Npn Converter

Converter Reduces Need for Inventory and Space

Helps increase machine functionality