Editor's Pick: Featured Article
ctrlX Automation with Dave Hinder
By Sarah Pickard
What if customizing your factory automation could be as easy as downloading an app? That’s the reality Bosch Rexroth seeks to provide with the ctrlX AUTOMATION system. Dubbed the ‘smartphone of automation’, the ctrlX AUTOMATION system seeks to make automation more user friendly, and give more control to smaller manufacturing companies who may not be able to develop their own specialized applications while using standard control systems.
During this year’s German Technology Day, we headed over to the Bosch Rexroth booth to sit down with Dave Hinder, Product Manager, Electric Drives & Controls, to learn more about this system.
Latest Articles
Advanced Sensing Solutions for Cost-Effective Machine Building
Sensing technology has a major presence in manufacturing machinery. It provides the foundation for maintaining consistent quality and detecting any lapses in machine performance. If subtle changes in the physical properties of a machine can cause it to fail, then the sensors responsible for detecting those changes can save manufacturers lengthy downtime and repair costs.
In addition to helping cut maintenance costs, sensors also present an opportunity to make the machines more cost-efficient. Whether through their resistance to harsh chemicals or their ability to reduce the overall machine footprint, the right sensors can make a huge difference.
Motor Feature
Motor Operation & Technical Review
Motor Winding + Insulation Components
Everyday terms come into use in the electrical industry, one of which is ‘motor winding’. But what exactly are motor windings, what goes into them and what are their differences? Here is a look at the various components that make up a motor winding and their importance to design, application and longevity of the motor.
Coil / Winding
When one thinks of a what a motor winding is, the intuitive answer is the copper alloy coils that make up the actual current carrying component of the motor. Let’s start there.
Product News
New Product
ReeR Safety Light Curtains with Integrated Muting Functions from AutomationDirect
The new Safegate Type 4 access control barrier safety light curtains provide protection in a wide range of industrial applications requiring integration of the muting functions. The muting function temporarily disables the safety function when a workpiece or conveying palette passes through the detection area of safety light curtains or safety sensors. Safegate safety curtains feature integrated muting functions with two access control (body protection) hardware or software configuration options.
Sender/receiver or active/passive pair versions are available with 24 VDC input, 300 or 400mm resolution and 0-8m or 0-12m operating distances.
Latest News
Power Transmission
Application Notes: Voltage Stabilization
In this article, we will discuss a KEB drive feature called Voltage Stabilization. This post is part of a series that highlights different KEB drive features and how they can be utilized to optimize motor performance. Previous post topics include:
- UPS Function
- Brake Control
- Flying Start
- Quick Stop
- DC Injection Braking
- Flow Control
Virtual Fair
Rockwell Automation Opens Registration for the 29th Automation Fair At Home – A New, Primarily Virtual Experience
Rockwell Automation, Inc, along with its PartnerNetwork, recently announced registration is now open for Automation Fair At Home, the company’s 29th signature annual showcase experience. Bringing together customers, partners and distributors, this year’s event will primarily be held virtually with limited onsite sessions at the company’s Milwaukee headquarters if conditions permit. Taking place Nov. 16-20, the event will bring together makers, builders and innovators from around the globe to discover how the latest innovations in industrial automation can make their businesses more intelligent, connected and productive.
