Westermo announces the launch of the i-line family of Ethernet products optimized for machine building, building automation, factory automation and CCTV surveillance applications. The new range includes standard and compact Ethernet switches, media converters and Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches.
The new version of the Machine Directive 2006/42/EC came into force on 29.12.2009. The new regulations are aimed primarily at manufacturers of automation technology, handling systems, integrated manufacturing systems and machine tools with particular focus on vertical linear axes which, until now, were braked but not stopped during maintenance work.
According to Rose+Krieger this new generation of RK DuoLine linear units, which are supplied with a spindle or timing belt will bring greater flexibility to automation. Thinking about on which side the motor drive should be positioned is no longer necessary. Optional coupling and motor adapters can be attached to all four hollow shaft outputs on the idler unit. Not only does this simplify positioning, customers can also configure and adjust the axial motor themselves.
Models with discrete events can run over 100 times faster in MapleSim 4.5. The latest release includes enhanced support for Modelica®, an open standard for describing physical models and components that forms the basis of many components in MapleSim. With MapleSim 4.5, engineers can now access new collections of components using the Modelica import feature, seamlessly including third-party Modelica libraries and their own custom Modelica components in their MapleSim models.
ISaGRAF is the leading IEC 61131-3 and IEC 61499 compliant firmware and workbench for building industrial automation products. The ISaVIEW plug-in provides ISaGRAF 6 workbench users with a simple yet powerful integrated HMI. The ISaVIEW Pages are mapped to the automation project structure.
Beijer Electronics has acquired a minority share in the Taiwanese technology and data communications company Korenix Technology Co., Ltd. The company has sales of over 60 million SEK per year and about 70 employees. The acquisition is an important part of Beijer Electronics’ growth plan in Asia and for business area Industrial Data Communications (IDC).
"With the acquisition of QSI Corporation we get a strong presence in North America which is a strategically important market for Beijer Electronics. Among other positive things we see great potential with the extended product portfolio designed for demanding environments and for mobile applications", says Magnus Ekerot, Business Area Director of HMI Products.
A few months after the launch of its first industrial class IEEE 802.11n RadioLinx® modules, ProSoft Technology is enlarging its most recent family of industrial wireless solutions with a single-radio IP67 version.
The company, which is a world leader in biotechnology, is creating a new polyclonal antibody production site.This is an innovative production facility: the process has been automated as far as possible, to reduce human error in the many stages of the process (separation, purification, filtration, ultrafiltration, haemadsorption etc.).This involves being able to interface with a battery of very mixed laboratory equipment, which was not initially designed to communicate with fieldbuses. Genzyme has used about thirty HMS Anybus Communicator gateways, to enable consistent SCADA management across all the devices in use. Benefits are as much in terms of quality as in production costs.
Market trend data confirms that, despite the challenging economy, more data centres are placing expansion firmly on their corporate agenda for 2010, and beyond.