Control Systems

The new iX from Beijer Electronics helps Peter Blomberg and his automation colleagues to create a graphical interface that makes decanter centrifuges and other sophisticated equipment from Alfa Laval as easy to use as today's cell phones. The user-friendly interface is appreciated by customers, as well as the new HMI solution saves time and money in installation and service.

ExperTune, Inc announces the capability to tune cascade control loops directly from the web browser interface of the PlantTriage Loop Performance Monitor. This greatly streamlines the tuning process, according to ExperTune’s Founder John Gerry.

Having successfully supplied a ZigBeeTM based system to enable a leading UK motor vehicle manufacturer to ensure that all components for car production arrive JIT on the assembly line, IDC has now supplied a similar system to the French division of the same manufacturer. The French system called for IDC hardware to interface to an existing SCADA monitoring system. IDC overcame this problem by developing an OPC Server for their Ethernet Gateway, which enabled easy integration of the wireless pull switch and push button units for supply chain interaction.

The Parker-Origa Division of Parker Hannifin, has extended its range of OSP-P pneumatic rodless linear actuators with the introduction of the revolutionary OSP-L series; this provides reliable operation at temperatures down to -40°C, in even the most demanding of environments. Developed for use in applications where particularly low leakage and protection against contamination are vital, the new actuators are equipped with a high performance PU inner seal and an outer steel seal preventing the ingress of particles and moisture to ensure long service life, low cost of ownership and, ultimately, optimal profitability.

TruTops Monitor, a TRUMPF programme for production control, records and analyses machine data while clearly and continuously displaying machine status. This ensures the most cost-effective use of the machines and not just those carrying the TRUMPF brand.

An all-electric tube bending machine from Unison has been ordered by Philadelphia-based Fabspeed Motorsports, to enhance the manufacturing flexibility of advanced exhaust systems for performance cars. The machine will allow Fabspeed to bring a lot of its tube bending processes in-house. This will provide numerous benefits including reducing the cost of building an exhaust, shortening lead times, and extending the flexibility of the company's custom design services

Swiss engineering company Emotec has significantly enhanced the performance of a tram wheel profiling machine used by the Zurich public transport organisation VBZ, by retrofitting it with an innovative lathing capability and an advanced CNC system from NUM. The upgraded machine can re-profile all four wheels on a bogie within a couple of hours – a task which previously took up to a day.

The cost-down pressures inherent in all process industries mean that plant operators are consistently required to improve efficiency, at the same time as ensuring repeatable product quality. These requirements are not exclusive to general processing environments; they also include production sectors where hazardous environments - with their complex, demanding standards in terms of safety provision - predominate. In these environments companies are prepared to invest heavily in new plant and equipment in pursuit of efficiency savings. However, in many cases, real savings and efficiency improvements can be achieved relatively simply and at low cost by focussing on cutting down on energy usage.

Ethernet Direct Corporation is pleased to announce a new technology on Ethernet over power.

Burkert has provided a complete process control system, including level and flow monitoring, fluid control and process actuation, for a new Moulding Station and Effluent Treatment plant, installed at Mersen’s new production facility at Eurocentral in Scotland. The Burkert control system is integral to the new moulding and treatment facilities, automating what was previously a manual manufacturing process, to improve its quality, yield and output volume.