All of today’s industrial automation news covered in this edition of the Automation Morning Show.
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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator
Support our work and gain access to hundreds members only articles and videos by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You’ll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.
Shawn Tierney is a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who began programing in the early 80's on the Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, he worked as a Certified Controls and Information Automation Specialist for 25 years before launching The Automation Blog and School in 2013.
Latest posts by Shawn Tierney (see all)
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In a recent article from Rockwell Automation, the Allen-Bradley® OptixPanel™ Compact has been highlighted for its cutting-edge features, driven by an NXP® i.MX 8M Mini Quad ARM Cortex A53 1.6 GHz processor. This processor empowers the panel to deliver high-performance Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications, offering visualization and control capabilities. It ensures full industrial interoperability for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) scenarios and seamlessly interfaces with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems through native support for the OPC UA and MQTT protocols, enabling communication with cloud infrastructures.
According to an article from Kollmorgen, the AKD2G servo drive update enables synchronized motion between multiple drives using various control architectures, making it ideal for applications requiring precise coordination across multiple motion axes. The AKD2G drive offers industry-leading power density in a compact package, making it easy to mount, with options for one- and two-axis variants. Engineers can utilize single-cable Smart Feedback Device (SFD) or HIPERFACE® DSL connections, or choose from a wide range of other feedback devices. Optional SafeMotion®™ Monitor (SMM) firmware with a safety level of SIL3/PLe is available to meet functional safety needs and enable a broader range of applications.
According to an article from Balluff, the IDENT sensors, introduced in 2023, offer advanced code reading capabilities, including 1D and 2D barcode scanning and direct part marked code recognition. These sensors also feature built-in condition monitoring functions and support IO-Link integration, eliminating the need for additional Ethernet drops and IP addresses.
In a recent article from SICK, the W10 photoelectric proximity sensor was highlighted for its exceptional versatility and adaptability in application design. This sensor has become a valuable tool across various industrial and innovation sectors. One of its key strengths lies in its ability to detect objects with different surface properties such as gloss, color, or structures, making it highly useful in factory and logistics automation.
In a recent article from Festo, Pro-Line Automation Systems in Woodbridge, ON, has made significant advancements in their CNC fabrication systems for window and door manufacturing. By incorporating Festo’s SDBT-MSX, the world’s first proximity switch with auto teach-in, Pro-Line has streamlined their processes, eliminating the need for a previously required manual tuning step after commissioning. This innovation has saved valuable time during the final operational readiness process.
In a recent article from Banner, the company’s SI-GL42 Guard Locking Safety Switches are highlighted for their leading-edge engineering, offering advanced solutions in industrial safety and process control. These switches boast a range of features, including various actuator types, innovative locking mechanisms, diverse contact configurations, and a choice of construction materials. These features are meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of different applications.
In a recent article from Maple System, the company announced an exciting promotion for their best-selling PLC, the PLC-FB1616P0202-PROMO, which is valued at $295.00. Customers can now get this PLC for free! The PLC-FB1616P0202-PROMO includes a range of features such as 16 digital inputs, 16 digital outputs, 2 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs, 2 channel high-speed counters (HSC), PID control, auto-tuning, RTC, and options for serial or Ethernet communications.
In a recent article from Codesys, the latest update to CODESYS brings a range of enhancements across its different modules. In engineering, users can now benefit from a new Ladder Diagram editor, Project Compare for object properties, and an improved License Manager, among other features. Additionally, there’s a new License Provider and scripting feature for CODESYS Git, along with improvements to the CODESYS Installer and support for device manufacturers via Deployment Server.
In a recent article from Inductive Automation, Ignition 8.1.39 has been highlighted for its array of exciting updates. The introduction of the long-awaited Micro800 Driver stands out among these new features. This addition completes Ignition’s Allen-Bradley Ethernet driver suite, providing users with a seamless way to communicate with the Allen-Bradley Micro800 series of PLCs via Ethernet/IP.
In a recent article from Schneider Electric, it was reported that the separation of automation hardware from software is revolutionizing businesses. This decoupling allows companies to deploy automation on platforms that best suit their needs, enabling more informed decisions and better adaptability to the evolving demands of consumers in the post-pandemic world. This shift also facilitates a smoother transition into Industry 4.0 and beyond, fostering greater efficiency and innovation in the industrial sector through new forms of virtualization.
SICK’s recent article highlights the W4 miniature photoelectric sensors and photoelectric proximity sensors as ideal for automating industrial processes. These sensors, in a small housing, reliably detect various object types like glossy, flat, uneven, perforated, and transparent objects, while also capturing parameters such as remission and distance values. With different designs, housing materials, and light sources available, they are suitable for numerous applications and assembly situations. Additionally, the sensors offer an intuitive operating concept and intelligent diagnostic functions.
Turck has introduced its latest FS+ Flow Sensor, equipped with an alphanumeric display. This feature allows for clear local indication of process conditions, complemented by programmable discrete or analog outputs that enable communication with the controlling system. These sensors are ideal for tasks like monitoring coolant flow in automated welding and machining, managing levels, and ensuring redundant process verification in water and wastewater treatment.
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