Robotic packaging of baguettes
An end-of-line, robotic packaging system packs baguettes individually in flow bags, as well as in packages of two or three baguettes each. Frozen baguettes are generally packaged by hand, particularly when multiple brands or supplies are being produced for large commercial kitchens and catering operations. This wide variety of configurations requires a packaging process that is both rapid and flexible. Finally, however, a baked-goods producer in northern Germany has automated its end-of-line packaging for baguettes. Read more...
Food packaging eats up motion control
When you think of food and beverage production, you probably immediately visualize factories filled with humming equipment working at breakneck speed to produce, dispense, bottle and package products on the scale of thousands per minute. Where the need for automation exists, applications for motion control are not far behind. Motion control has been an option in the food/beverage packaging sector for decades, but recent improvements have made it easier to apply within the industry. Read more...
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Automation theory
Motion control advancements drive flexibility, performance
Motion control is one of the fastest growing global automation technologies. By taking advantage of new motion control technologies, plant engineers are reaping a number of rewards including decreased downtime, gains in operational flexibility and enhanced productivity and performance. However, those who ignore new motion control options run the risk of falling behind in increasingly competitive international markets. They also may miss the experience needed to support new equipment with the latest motion control technology when it arrives on the plant floor. Read more...
Tutorial tech tips
Actuators: Choosing the right technology Machine designers should take a cross-technology view of power technology, choosing the most appropriate for their application. Potential choices for driving translational degrees of freedom include electric, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. This strategy helps build efficiency, performance and sustainable competitive advantage into their designs. Start with a broad generalization about the primary application then consider using hydraulic, electric or pneumatic motion, knowing that many exceptions exist and that many applications embrace more than one technology. Read more...
Newsbytes
OMAC initiates first ever technical symposium
The OMAC leadership team is developing the framework for the first annual OMAC technical symposium, to be held Nov. 28-29, 2007. The symposium will center on integration between the process and discrete industries, using standards like those for CAM and NC control, inspection, CAD definition, data packaging, process planning and automotive manufacturing. The forum will be hosted by the Boeing Company in Everett, WA, at the Boeing Visitor Center and Hilton Garden. The organization hopes the two day event will bring together and integrate the OMAC Working Groups (machine tool, packaging, MS MUG, etc.) into a single cohesive body working toward enhancing the collaboration between process and discrete industries. Read more...
ISA publishes EDDL Standard The ISA-SP104 committee has completed adoption as an American National Standard of the generic electronic device description language (EDDL) specified by IEC 61804 for device integration. The committee has announced the publication of ANSI/ISA-61804-3 (104.00.01)-2007, Function Blocks (FB) for Process Control–Part 3: Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL). The standard establishes an operating system independent language, used to declare device parameters and their dependencies, device functions, graphical representations and interactions with control devices. The language, Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL), is used to create an Electronic Device Description (EDD) for intelligent devices to integrate these with control systems and handheld communicators for use in the field. Read more...
Revenues of system integrators
Among more than 1,000 automation system integrators providing information about themselves for the 2007 Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide, five percent had revenue over $50 million, while nine percent had $25 million or more revenue. Nearly 20 percent of system integrators in the 2007 Control Engineering Automation Integrator Guide say their revenue is $10 million or more per year. Read more...
New products
Robots
A pair of 6-axis robots is developed specifically for Class 1 clean room applications. The Viper™ s650 and s850 reportedly bring high performance, precision motion and full dexterity to clean room assembly, handling, testing and packaging functions. Read more...
Adept Technology, Inc., 925/245-3400. www.adept.com
Vision sensors
Designed to detect an infinite number of color variations accurately, even in the most challenging color-inspection applications, are PresencePLUS® color vision sensors. They're available in two formats: the 2-pc PresencePLUS Pro COLOR with DIN-mountable controller; and the unitary PresencePLUS P4 COLOR OMNI. Read more...
Banner Eng. Corp., 888/373-6767. www.bannerengineering.com
Inspection sensors
Checker® 200 Series next-generation inspection sensor line makes it easy for manufacturers to increase quality and productivity through inspection, according to the co. It adds that the new models are as simple to set up as its Checker 101 line, but are much more capable and are small enough to fit nearly anywhere. Checker 200 is small, smart, simple and powerful enough to solve challenging sensing applications, delivering reliable inspection results, the co. notes. Read more...
Cognex Corp., 508/650-3140. www.cognex.com
The Beckhoff TwinCAT Software System turns any compatible PC into a real-time controller with a multi-PLC system, NC axis control, a programming environment and an operating station.
To access a free trial version of TwinCAT, CLICK HERE.
White Papers
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