Interface solutions for the Machine-Tool Industry

Modular designs simplify transport, speed setup, and permit expansion of a machine or system. Today's machinetool applications demand power supplies that not only provide the desired power level, but are also engineered to fit within smaller spaces while offering more functions. Weidmuller's Sensor/Actuator Integrator joins distributed field peripherals to the control network by simply inserting the plug and turning two screws. Cable interfaces with prewired terminal blocks virtually eliminate PLC wiring errors while substantially reducing assembly time. The Micro-series relay package from Weidmuller allows for plug-in replacement without disturbing field or control wiring, which speeds installation and maintenance. The U.S. machine-tool industry is in transition. In the face of competitive threats from Europe, Japan, and Taiwan, North American machine-tool OEMs are working to retake the U.S. domestic market while continuing the recent growth in exports. Software and hardware technology improvements are the drivers to a user market that may be positioned to make productivityenhancing investments as the manufacturing segment emerges from recession. To increase productivity and overall value to the end-user, machine-tool manufacturers