Control Systems

IBASE Technology has announced the MAI602-M4D80 motion control system that can be used in various factory production applications such as automated optical inspection, semiconductor wafer handling, packaging and material handling systems. The MAI602-M4D80 is powered by 7th/6th Gen Intel Core i7/i5/i3 desktop processors and has a 4-axis motion control PCIe card that meets the performance and positioning accuracy requirements of high-performance servo/step motors.

The automation of process control systems is very important for improving efficiency and reliability. In the majority of cases, this can be achieved quite easily, but in situations where the whole atmosphere poses a potential risk, finding the best solution can be quite a challenge. Paul Hobden, Bürkert UK ATEX solenoid valve champion, looks at the challenges surrounding process control in potentially explosive atmospheres and how they can be overcome.

A vertical lift of 300mm, high stability, and low cost are just some of the features of the AT20-300 Motorised Vertical Lift Stage from Optimal Engineering Systems (OES). This high load, 50kg, vertical lift stage can reportedly be easily integrated into almost any application. The large 400x200mm stage has a pattern of threaded mounting holes. 

Thermal engineering specialist, GRE, is playing a key role in the development of South Korea’s smart energy market following the £1m export of a fully bespoke ultra-pure water cooling system to one of the country’s largest smart energy producers.

BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networking Protocol) is the world’s leading protocol for networking HVAC, lighting, security and other systems commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings, and IDEC Corporation has launched built-in support for the BACnet/IP building automation protocol by its family of MicroSmart FC6A Plus PLCs.

Mitsubishi Electric’s latest Linear Transfer System (LTS) with Smart Carriage technology can increase productivity and flexibility, while maintaining plant safety and improving responsiveness. The line transfer solution, combined with the Smart Carriages, provides an intelligent transport system for the integration of production and packaging lines.

Industrial gear units are drive technology heavyweights which need to handle large torques. Due to the large forces involved, small defects which are not detected in time can quickly result in complete breakdowns. This would not only be expensive, but also disastrous, major plant components would remain at a standstill until a replacement was delivered and installed.

It has been announced that Mitsubishi Electric has provided Riverside Medical Packaging with a highly compact integrated control solution, which is based on the company’s diminutive L-Series PLC supplied with servo control and safety modules, HMIs and an optional MELFA articulated arm robot. 

It can be a challenge to maintain efficiency in manufacturing processes that rely on rapid temperature change, they are energy intensive and will often form a natural bottle-neck in an overall process. Implementing a new control strategy that is both more accurate and responsive can therefore bring improvements to both productivity and process efficiency.

A nonflammable refrigerant with lower global warming potential (GWP) for use in stationary air conditioning systems has been unveiled by Honeywell with the Solstice N41 (provisional R-466A).