Highly-flexible modular automation platforms

See how a true EtherCAT master control system accommodates 32 different servo drives as well as vision cameras and pneumatic components. In addition, watch a scalable and configurable motion control platform in action.

Matt ReynoldsEditor

Oct 30th, 2018

Festo Corporation

ei3 Completes Acquisition of Cognitive Solutions and Innovation AG

ei3, an IIoT solution provider, completed the acquisition of Cognitive Solutions and Innovation AG (COGSI AG) of Zurich. COGSI will assume the ei3 brand and is being re-branded as ei3 Europe.

When is a Retrofit Appropriate for Packaging Machinery?

Retrofits of existing packaging machinery can result in substantial cost savings, and enable an incremental approach to Industry 4.0 initiatives. But they may not always be the right choice.

Unilogo Robotics’ Cleanline packaging system targets liquid product CPGs in industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household cleaners and chemicals.

Linear Servo Track System Allows Production-on-Demand for Liquid Filling

With the help of a track system from B&R, this Polish OEM is building machines that make it practical for liquid products CPGs, like cosmetics or pharma companies, to plan for short and specialized product runs.

Motion Industries Acquires Kaman Distribution Group

The addition of Kaman will boost Motion’s concentration in core industrial products and services as well as in the growing technical/automation arenas, including precision engineering.

Beckhoff 25 Years Twin Cat Print

Beckhoff ‘s TwinCAT Automation Software Turns 25

Celebrating a quarter century of success, the Beckhoff engineering and runtime platform continues to deliver maximum functionality through bold decisions and a drive for innovation.

Enclosed Drive System

Siemens launches the SINAMICS G120XE enclosed drive system designed specifically for industrial pump, fan, and compressor applications in a wide variety of markets.

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Stepper Motor I/O Terminal

Beckhoff’s EL7062 dual-channel EtherCAT terminal enables the direct connection of two stepper motors in the medium power range of up to 3 A and for a voltage range of 8–48 V.

Phoenix Contact

Speed Starter

The CONTACTRON speed starter from Phoenix Contact offers functions common in a variable frequency drive without the complexities. It provides ramp-up and ramp-down functions while the motor is under load, which a soft starter cannot.

AC Drives

AutomationDirect’s WEG CFW500 AC drives series is designed to supports four different control modes, including closed-loop flux vector and torque control.

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Compact Low-Profile Power Supplies

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Linear Position Sensor

Balluff’s magnetostrictive linear position sensor, featuring a Siemens controller, provides absolute position information over distances of up to 250 meters when used as part of its position measuring system.

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The Danfoss VLT® Soft Starter MCD 600 Now Available in an Enclosure — Product Stocked for Quick Turnaround

The VLT Soft Starter MCD 600 Enclosed provides a flexible solution to potentially long lead times that are currently seen in the industry.

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Software for SCARA Robots

Epson Robots’ Epson RC+® Express software can program Epson SCARA robots for users with little-to-no programming experience, enabling manufacturers to develop robotic programs to overcome cost and time barriers associated with running industrial robots.

The Fanuc robot has end-of-arm tooling that uses Piab vacuum technology to pick either heavy cases or tier sheets.

Vacuum Technology Solves Palletizing Challenge

While palletizing corrugated cases is a regular automation application, doing so in a cold room that is regularly hosed with water to stay clean is especially challenging.

Individual units are fed into the AP-25 bander by the infeed conveyor on the left while banded breakpacks exit on the discharge conveyor on the right.

Bringing Flexibility to Breakpack Production

Advanced controls let this maker of banding equipment bring a whole new level of quick-change flexibility to manufacturers delivering ‘breakpacks’ to their retailer customers.

Ap10 2 Layer Cmyk Io Link

Electronic Position Indicator

SIKO’s AP10 IO-Link electronic position indicator with communication interface is used for monitored format adjustment to reduce setup times and increase machine efficiency.

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Festo Integrates Electric Automation and Pneumatics

At PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2021, Festo showcased its new Simplified Motion Series combining pneumatics and electric automation along with its new gripper technologies.

Regal Rexnord Powertrain Brands

Regal Beloit Completes Merger with Rexnord PMC Creating Regal Rexnord Corp.

The new company will bring an expanded range of product and digital solutions aimed at helping increase customers’ efficiency and productivity.

Colgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that’s reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet.

Air Flow Monitoring Supports Colgate-Palmolive’s Sustainability Initiatives

IIOT-enabled flow sensor helps consumer products company reduce the wasted energy from its pneumatic systems.

Measuring Wheel Encoder

Posital Fraba Exhibits Cube and Measuring Wheel Incremental Encoders

The company’s incremental encoders provide accurate measurements for highly precise motion control applications.

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The Mini-Geo and Acopos 6D from B&R Automation

B&R is highlighting two of its unique transport systems, both of which allow for batch sizes of one.

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Seal Integrity Tester from Teledyne

The in-filler technology allows for automated inspection of lids to ensure they are properly sealed.

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Siemens Emphasizes Cybersecurity and Real-Time Location at PACK EXPO

Cybersecurity and real-time location technologies are being exhibited by Siemens alongside its stainless steel motor, robotics controller, and digital thread technologies.

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Augmented Reality Speeds Machine Troubleshooting

Emerson’s new Augmented Reality option runs on its Movicon SCADA platform and allows operators to control equipment through an iPad or AR device and gather metrics on the machinery.

Beckhoff highlights XPlanar’s no contamination through contract-free and wear-free movement.

Beckhoff Highlights Futuristic Materials Handling and Software Updates

From additional hygienic and washdown capabilities in its XPlanar and XTS technologies to new TwinCAT integration packages and I/O safety features, Beckhoff Automation brings an array of cutting-edge automation products to PACK EXPO Las Vegas.

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Bosch Rexroth’s CtrlX Store Brings 'Smartphone Principle' to Industrial IT

The new marketplace allows turnkey applications to be installed on any CtrlX CORE unit.

Carlo Gavazzi Exhibits Solid State Relays, IO-Link Sensors

The products can be used in a variety of industries including packaging, mining, food and beverage, and more.

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Custom Designs Delivered by Multi-Conveyor

Custom conveyor house demonstrates the range of conveying technologies it offers, including its new slim-fit, low-profile, sanitary and hygienic conveyor belt.

Nord Gear’s Nordac On and On+ VFDs feature plug-and-play capability for ease of internet-based networking and feature integrated industrial Ethernet interfaces that are switchable for use with Profinet, EtherCAT, and EtherNet/IP.

Nord Gear Introduces New Drive and Motor Systems

The forthcoming DuoDrive integrated geared motor and Nordac On and On+ drive systems are designed for intralogistics as well as food and pharmaceutical industry production applications.

Siemens Simotics S 1 Fs2 Stainless Steel Motor

Servomotors

Siemens introduces the SIMOTICS S-1FS2 line of servomotors designed for the clean condition requirements of the food, beverage, sterile packaging, pharmaceutical, and other process industries.

Lenze Autotuning Pelv2021

Automating Drive Optimization

Lenze introduces auto-tuning, a fast and easy way to optimize the control loop in a drive during commissioning.

Oriental Motors Showcases Alphastep Hybrid Control System

The unique positioning system uses a fusion of open- and closed-loop control.