Operational Excellence

Security issues continue to vex healthcare product manufacturers

High-value pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices retain their appeal as a focus of criminal activity around the globe.

October 8, 2013

Trends: Page 401

Material handling

Real-time monitoring in the cold chain

While a number of new tools exist that provide real-time monitoring of the cold chain, how much data is too much? And, what can be done when excursions are identified?

October 8, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

Open automation solutions will change the packaging industry

PC-based control technology from Beckhoff can control and monitor individual packaging machines to complete packaging lines. Beckhoff industrial PCs and the TwinCAT automation software can be used to manage a wide range of packaging functions such as filling, forming, sealing, labelling, collecting, re-packing and palletising.

October 8, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

New drive technologies save energy & wiring, and runs more efficiently

SEW Eurodrive USA demonstrates new drive technology on working bottling line on the Pack Expo 2013 show floor that saves energy and wiring, and helps conveyors run more efficiently under varying speeds and loads.

October 7, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

Multi-touch HMI/SCADA housed in industrial PCs and monitors

This video gives you two great solutions, hardware and software, in one! InduSoft demonstrates the multi-touch capabilities of its HMI/SCADA software housed in industrial PCs and monitors from partner Beckhoff Automation.

October 7, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

Single cable simplifies servo connections to DIN rail-mounted controls

Beckhoff Automation shows you how One Cable technology can provide motor power, feedback and thermal information, via EtherCAT, between its CX-200 family DIN rail-mounted PC-based controls to multiple two servo motors, including a washdown-rated stainless steel design.

October 7, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

Three positioning solutions...which one's right for your application?

This demonstration from Bimba Manufacturing shows basic, intermediate and advanced solutions for positioning. Which is right for you? Pneumatics, servo-pneumatics or a double electric-actuator solution? Watch this video for the pros & cons of each.

October 7, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

Integrated safety on a valve terminal

At Festo's Pack Expo booth was a demonstration of how a Profibus fieldbus node can be connected to a safety network. This allows reliable communication to a pneumatic valve manifold, thus eliminating additional hardware.

October 7, 2013

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Horizontal sealer boosts production 50%

Get a close-up tour of the new Packworld USA PW 3416 horizontal vacuum bag sealer, which features a new user interface developed with direct input from a customer. Find out how it helped that customer to both eliminate ergonomics-related injuries and increasing production 50%.

October 7, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

Servo motor facilitates quick, automated changeover

New servo motor from Festo is specifically designed for packaging machinery. Offers Ethernet IP integrated controls. Motor and drive package are both in one compact, low-voltage unit.

October 7, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

Banner: Wireless push button sensor

Banner Engineering announces the SureCross® Wireless Q45 Push Button with confirmation light, the latest addition to the company's industry-recognized line of wireless sensors.

October 7, 2013

Operational Excellence

How to justify capital projects: Speaking finance gets results

For technical managers, it seems like a “no brainer.” Applying new technologies will make the process better, faster and more consistent.

October 6, 2013

Controls & Machine Components

Stainless-steel drum motors suit hygienic applications

AC drum motors from Interroll feature a stainless steel design and have been engineered for industrial applications in the food industry. The company offers a number of drum motor styles, from servo to AC induction, in various diameters and horsepower capabilities.

October 4, 2013