Automation Skills: Top Ten from 2010

As we head into 2011, our staff compiled the top ten Automation Skill's columns from 2010. The top ten is determined by page views via our web site analytics.

Jan 6th, 2011

1. Infrastructure: Pneumatics Integrates with Electronic
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-6972

2. Leadership: Motivating Knowledge Workers
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-7493

3. Technologies: Parallel Programming - Soon the Only Game in Town
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-6409

4. Automation Team: A Shop-Floor Metric That Links Cost Reduction to Revenue
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-6519

5. Infrastructure: Networking Security Demands Less Complexity
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-6521

6. Technologies: Windows & is Not Vista
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-6974

7. Infrastructure: Loop Tuning Grows Smarter
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-7494

8. Infrastructure: Machine and Instrument Calibration Advances
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-6809

9. Automation Team: Talk the Language of Executives
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-7351

10. Technologies: Flexibility, Integration Key For FPGAs in Automation
http://www.automationworld.com/primers-6644

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.

Nord Usa Maxxdrive Xt Industrial Gear Unit

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.

Idec Fc6 A 12 V Dc Io Press Release Fc6 A C16

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.

Nova Tech Pcm5 Smaller

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

30440 082520 Nord Nordac Variable Frequency Drives Copy

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.

Xtr Dc Converter

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.

IDEM Non-Contact Guard Locking RFID Coded Safety Switches from AutomationDirect

Vcs Pr Asset 532298 113239 203d3070 Ac3b 4aa2 B952 02516e57ad47 0

Line Scan Cameras

Omron Automation launches the compact GigE Vision line scan cameras featuring PoE and PTP technology.

Screen Shot 2020 08 07 At 9 51 30 Am

New MapleSim Insight Product from Maplesoft Greatly Simplifies Machine-Level Controller Testing

New tool provides 3-D visualizations for simulation-based testing on common automation platforms.

Red Lion’s FlexEdge Intelligent Edge Automation Platform Integrates IT and OT

Advanced networking and powerful automation in one operating system.

Gsx Branson Update

Emerson’s New Laser Welder Enhances Manufacturing Capabilities

Branson GL-300 platform increases production capability and enables faster production start-up

Durapulse Gs20 Ac Drives 5x7

Durapulse GS20 Series High Performance AC drives

The Durapulse GS20 Series from Automation Direct xpands the Durapulse family by adding single-phase input capability, a built-in programmable logic controller, and optional EtherNet/IP and ModbusTCP communication card.

More in Control

Alliance Linear Transducers 5x7

AutomationDirect adds Inductive Linear Position Transducers

Linear Variable Inductance Transducers from AutomationDirect are contactless devices designed for dimension or position measuring applications where the sensing element cannot be attached to the object being measured.

Mixed Front Gedreht Fiepos Small Mit Stecker

300 and 500W @24V IP67 Power Supplies from Puls

Puls' IP67 power supplies has an input voltage of 320-550VAC, and offer 20% additional power continuously at ambient temperatures of 45°C or less, and 100% additional power for up to five seconds for high demand startup loads.

HPS is renowned worldwide as a specialist for power engineering, especially for sensitive and critical applications such as emergency power supplies

Control Cabinet Engineering at HPS using Eplan Cogineer

Electrical planning: Automation saves time—also in batch size one

P2000 Analog Hsc Pwm Modules 5x7

Productivity2000 PLC Analog and Specialty I/O Modules

AutomationDirect's Productivity2000 programmable logic controller provides two independent single-ended 5-24 VDC inputs that accept up to 100kHz of pulse/direction and quadrature signals.

Captron Capacitive Switches 5x7

AutomationDirect Adds Capacitive Pushbutton Sensor Switches and Indicators

Capacitive Pushbutton Sensor Switches and Indicators from AutomationDirect are easily installed via M8 connections, use touch control with no mechanical pressure required and offer visual touch feedback through LED signals.

Beckhoff Ep7402 Ether Cat Box Compact Controller

Motor Controller Reduces Cabling Requirements and Equipment Footprint

Does not require a protective enclosure

All-in-One Controller

Omron releases the CP2E Series all-in-one controller for compact IoT applications. Unit features an extended temperature range that integrates I/O ports, communication, and motion control and increases reliability in a variety of applications.

Sp5000 X Family

Pro-face Expands the Outdoor Human-Machine Interface Family

The SP5000X Outdoor HMI series from Pro-face America offers a larger screen, making it easier to read from further distance which makes the HMI good for extreme and hazardous conditions, including outdoor applications.

Seifert Thermoelectric Coolers 5x7

AutomationDirect adds Enclosure Thermoelectric Coolers

The Seifert SoliTherm Thermoelectric Coolers from AutomationDirect don't have any moving parts aside from axial fans and can effectively be used in a wide range of environments and both indoor and outdoor applications.

3D Profile Sensors

Matrox Imaging launches the Matrox AltiZ series of integrated high-fidelity 3D profile sensors featuring a dual-camera single-laser design.

The revolutionary concept of absolute HeavyDuty encoders HMG10 / PMG10 combines the well proven and tested concept of double-sided bearing setup with magnetic precision sensing and the patented Energy Harvesting micro-generator.

Not Spoilt for Choice—HeavyDuty Encoders in Crane and Lifting Applications

Baumer Hübner has established the class of extraordinarily resilient and reliable HeavyDuty encoders and offers a broad portfolio. Manufacturers of cranes and hoists are among the most frequent users of such sensors.

Eaton Faz Line Extension 5x7

Current-Limiting UL 489 Miniature Circuit

Designed and dual-rated for AC and DC applications, the Eaton FAZ-NA and FAZ-NA-L series current-limiting miniature circuit breakers from AutomationDirect offer protection for application with up to 63 amps.