Advances in electronics manufacturing are infusing greater connectivity, embedded processing power, and safety in control hardware throughout the automation infrastructure. Adoption of deterministic communications protocols, such as Ethernet, HART, and IO-Link, is driving the expansion of connectivity. Programmable processors, analog interfaces, and firmware that support multiple protocols enable these implementations. Greater miniaturization and integration, as well as lower power consumption, permit more powerful embedded processing, which allows more channels per system and remote I/O. This intelligent functionality is migrating from central controllers to distributed local control. Integrated diagnostics and safety features, supported by dedicated low-cost processors, provide improved safety.

Join your peers and leading manufacturers for this free, informative, and interactive ONLINE conference and trade show — right from the convenience of your desktop. Participate in any or all of the educational sessions, network with peers, and meet with manufacturers eager to showcase their latest products, services, and new technology offerings. Learn more about the educational sessions offered to meet your information needs, and register today!

Honeywell Wireless Limitless Switches let you explore more possibilities than ever before. Limitless devices have up to a 305 m line-of-sight range, are no longer tethered by wire, and conform to the international IEEE 802.15.4 standard for increased security. Honeywell offers solutions for every industry. Learn more.

www.alliedelec.com

Advertisement includes:
  A headline with up to 8 words of text, mix     upper- and lower-case type (no all caps), no     company name or em-dashes
  50-75 words of text, no bullets, up to 2     paragraph breaks, no bold or italicized text     unless a proper name or hyperlink
  One image (product or logo); 100 x 100 pixels     (file size no larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    •  One link to the company's own Web site
    •  One link to the company's representation on         the GlobalSpec site
    •  Link on product image will go to the detailed         product page

Identifying the most appropriate sensor or sensor/actuator combination to comply with safety requirements can be challenging. Each sensor type operates on different principles. Then there's the need to balance safety, productivity, and ease of use. Engineeringtalk spotlights considerations engineers should keep in mind and issues they should address when deciding which component should be used for safety gates, mechanical guards, and safety switches.

Download RIA robot safety standards. Or use keyword search for "automation" to access standards from ISO, IEC,
British Standards, SEMI, CLSI,
and many more. These provide coverage from automation of
laboratories, to power plants,
robotic welding, network
communication for
automation systems, etc.

The Allen-Bradley GuardLogix Panel helps address global safety standards and regulations. The panel uses a standard ControlLogix processor for true integrated control that provides SIL 3 safety capability. This pre-configured hardware solution helps reduce your engineering, labor, and installation costs, allowing you to reduce your procurement and startup time.

Advertisement includes:
  50 words of text, no bullets,     up to 2 paragraph breaks,     no bold or italicized text     unless a proper name or     hyperlink
  One image (product or     logo); 100 x 100 pixels (file     size no larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    •  One link to the company's         own Web site
    •  One link to the company's         representation on the         GlobalSpec site
    •  Link on product image will        go to the detailed product        page

Until recently, machines and robots required two automation systems — one for control and the other for safety. Today, a single system can perform both functions, with one network carrying all I/O signals. According to ControlDesign.com, the cost difference between the two types of controllers has narrowed, and new systems are faster and require less cabinet space, wiring, and engineering and integration time.

WERMA modular stacklights permanent, blinking, rotating, flashing, and buzzers/sirens.

The IP54 50 mm series allows
up to four steady or blinking
incandescent or LED lights and
80 dB audible element.

Ramco Safety Shields promote plant safety by detecting, controlling, and preventing hazardous sprayouts from hitting people or equipment. Our products are available in many different high performance materials to match your application requirements. Safety shields are available for flanges, valves, expansion joints, pumps, and many other pipe fittings.

Advertisement includes:
  50 words of text, no bullets,     up to 2 paragraph breaks,     no bold or italicized text     unless a proper name or     hyperlink
  One image (product or     logo); 100 x 100 pixels (file     size no larger than 8kbs)
  2 trackable links:
    •  One link to the company's         own Web site
    •  One link to the company's         representation on the         GlobalSpec site
    •  Link on product image will        go to the detailed product        page

Operator safety is paramount in all machine tool operations. So here is a video from Haas that outlines some of the latest safety-related features provided by its CNC control systems. They include a simple set-up mode on-off key that makes it impossible for operators to gain access to the machining area while production operations are in progress.

This Control Engineering article explains why it's important to correctly size a motor for a given load, refuting the notion that it's smart to oversize a motor and then run it lightly loaded. Then it shows readers how to come up with a safe and efficient motor installation, a task that includes determining the proper load horsepower, wiring, and breaker size.

The list of industrial products that use extreme heat as part of the manufacturing process includes petroleum, industrial gases, steel, and many more. Monitoring the heating vessels has always been difficult. Fiber optic sensors and thermocouples are the traditional answer, but the same heat that they monitor means these sensors will begin to degrade the day they are installed. Thermal cameras provide real-time information that can be stored in a manufacturing execution system or maintenance software, reducing maintenance time and enhancing predictive capabilities, which helps to eliminate hot spots that can lead to ruptures and subsequent loss of life and property.

Tired of aftermarket safety solutions that slow productivity and don't do their job? This Webcast talks about designing safety systems into your machines so they don't adversely affect productivity, while complying with regulations and speeding maintenance by using advanced machine diagnostics.

Distributed intelligent devices, including intelligent safety devices, improve system operation. Distributing intelligent safety devices creates a survivable and adaptable system that allows maintenance of automation and other moving equipment without requiring complete power shutdowns. Intelligent systems can also provide tremendous energy savings and increased profitability.

Newsletter Subscriptions
Your source for technology news and industry information

Questions & Discussion
CR4: Q&A and discussion for the engineering, scientific, and technical community

Product Alerts
Receive e-mail updates on new products and suppliers

Engineering News
Engineering and scientific news from hundreds
of sources

Download the Engineering Toolbar
Put the power of GlobalSpec right at your fingertips

Product Announcements
New and featured products from manufacturers and suppliers

Online Trade Shows + Events
Featuring educational presentations from industry leaders and product and technical content presented by participating manufacturer exhibitors.
Call for Speakers — submit your proposal

Directory of Companies
Part Number Search
Technical Articles
Engineering & Scientific Links

To ensure prompt delivery, add do-not-reply@email.globalspec.com to your safe senders list. Learn how.

Please do not reply to this e-mail, as we are unable to respond from this address. If you would like to contact us, please send an email to: newslettercomments@globalspec.com

To unsubscribe from this e-newsletter, click here.
To unsubscribe from all GlobalSpec email communications, click here.
To edit your user profile, visit Your Profile.
If a friend forwarded this e-newsletter and you'd like to receive it in the future, subscribe directly.