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)

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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.

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Industrial Application Platform Update

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

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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.

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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

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Single-Phase Compressor Soft Starters

These single-phase compressor soft starters from Carlo Gavazzi are said to reduce start current by more than 50%.

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Merz UL 508 Non-Fusible Disconnect Switches

AutomationDirect has added enclosed versions and non-enclosed DIN rail and panel/door mount versions of Merz disconnect / motor control switches.

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SICK to Host Virtual Press Conference at PACK EXPO Connects

See what’s new with SICK at its first ever virtual press conference for PACK EXPO Connects. There will be four live demos of its intelligent sensor solutions that are helping to improve the packaging process.

3D Profile Sensors

See it at PACK EXPO Connects! Matrox Imaging will showcase the Matrox AltiZ series of integrated high-fidelity 3D profile sensors featuring a dual-camera single-laser design.

Gladiator Circuit Breakers 5x7

Gladiator Series Circuit Breakers and Supplementary Protectors

Circuit breakers from Automation Direct offer optimum and efficient protection for branch and control circuits up to 63 amps.

Icotek Releases New IMAS-Connect Adapter Grommets

Icotek is expanding its range of adapter grommets for its IMAS-Connect adapter system to include the AT-PP and the AT-K-M.

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IDEC Introduces HG1P Handheld Human-Machine Interface

Easy to hold due to its small form factor and light weight—and includes a touchscreen, function keys, and switches—making it a good fit for machine tending and robotics applications.

Prosense Loop Panel Meters 5x7

Field and Panel Mount Loop-Powered 4 to 20mA Process Displays

ProSense LPM1 loop panel meters from Automation Direct is powered from the mA loop and requires no external power supply and features three front-panel operating keys.

Wago Extends Family of PFC200 Gen 2 Controllers

PFC200 Generation 2 controllers from Wago supports MQTT protocol and can easily be configured to connect to cloud services.

Io Link News Page

Absolute Encoders Feature IO-Link Interface

Smart absolute rotary encoder ready for Industry 4.0.

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New 6U SBC Incorporates Intel 9th Gen CPU, Aligns with SOSA Technical Standard

Abaco's 6U SBC features the Intel Xeon E six core CPU with 64GB DDR4 with ECC and up to 256 GB SSD and provides a dual 40 GbE data plane with RDMA, plus dual 10GbE ports on the control plane.

Effective Tool Change Designed With Inductive Miniature Sensors

In modern processing centers, inductive sensors are the components of choice for monitoring the motor spindle clamping process. Integrated into the spindle, they must be small and offer high repeatability to ensure smooth tool changing at all times.

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Industrial Gear Drives

The two-stage MAXXDRIVE XT right-angle gear drives from Nord are designed for heavy-duty conveyor belt applications in the bulk material handling industry.

More in Control

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IDEC Adds 12V DC 16 I/O CPUs to MicroSmart FC6A PLC

With the addition three new 12V DC CPUs, the capable MicroSmart FC6A All-in-One PLC family now offers users more options for automating battery-backed systems, traffic controls, and mobile equipment.

Quantum Press Release

Quantum Automation Supports Off-Grid Automation with QRTU and QSolarBattery

These Quantum Automation hardware platforms can be used individually or together to enable IIoT monitoring and automation almost anywhere.

Yaskawa and Phoenix Contact Announce Partnership

Yaskawa and Phoenix Contact announce an agreement to utilize PLCnext Technology from Phoenix Contact in the development of the next generation machine controller and PLC platform realizing the i3-Mechatronics solution concept lead by Yaskawa.

Laser Direct Structuring (LDS)—The structure of the conductor path is applied using the LDS process. LDS enables electronic assemblies to be made in flexible geometric shapes. Smart phones, hearing aids, and smart watches are becoming smaller and more powerful thanks to this process.

Electronic Assemblies Without PCBs

Laser direct structuring (LDS) is a special success story. For almost 20 years, it has been possible to apply electronic conductor paths directly onto plastic parts during series production.

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NovaTech Announces D/3 Version 16.2

New features make it easier to configure and maintain a cybersecure control system.

Carlo Gavazzi Em50 Energy Analyzer

Analyzer Helps Monitor and Manage Energy Costs

Measures most relevant instantaneous electrical variables and energy consumption with high level of accuracy

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Nord Drivesystems Offers Variable Frequency Drives from 0.33 to 215 HP

Full line of drive electronics provides exceptional flexibility with a wide range of customization options.

Apex Motion Control Tray Stacker

Tray Stacking System Eliminates Human Error and Reduces Risk of Injury

Has a quick and easy tool changer

Wago’s New Isolating Converter Reduces Need for Inventory, Space

Wago's PNP/NPN converter can be used to accommodate four signal types: PNP to NPN, NPN to PNP, PNP to PNP isolation and NPN to NPN isolation.

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New DC/DC Converter Designed for Extreme Environments

The new 12 to 24 VDC DIN Rail mountable converter from Wago can be used in a wide range of temperatures from -40° C to +70°C suitable for extreme applications.

Wago Adds New Module to 750 Series I/O System

Wago’s new 750-564 analog output module provides diagnostics that include wire break, short circuit, and field power supply information.

Allied Electronics and Schneider Electric Team Up to Help Engineers Build Better Industrial Control Panels

Allied Electronics & Automation and Schneider Electric are partnering to deploy a suite of digital resources, hosted on Allied’s Build a Better Control Cabinet digital hub, that can help customers design, build, and maintain industrial control panels.