Automation & Controls

Beckhoff Automation has announced new EtherCAT G gigabit communication technology, which enhances EtherCAT performance by delivering the Gbit Ethernet speeds needed to support highly data-intensive applications. The latest industrial Ethernet technology expansion is not only compatible with the globally established 100 Mbit/s EtherCAT standard, but also provides the same familiar ease of use.

Tormach Inc. has introduced a software upgrade to its PathPilot CNC software package that offers premium functionality standard, at no cost. In addition, Tormach is introducing its new 'TRY PathPilot' program that allows new users to program, learn and train on the program for free.

Aerotech's GL4 scanner controller is optimized for Aerotech's family of AGV scanners to provide industry leading settling times, long-term thermal stability and micron-level tracking accuracy due to advanced features such as full state feed-forward, 192 kHz servo rates and look-ahead-based velocity control. The GL4 uses advanced interpolation electronics to provide up to 26 bits of effective resolution while onboard real-time 2D calibration ensures accurate beam placement over the entire field of view.

Mazak Corp. has further enhanced the VTC-300C Vertical Machining Center with the addition of the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC and its suite of SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY software solutions. The new control complements the VTC-300C's full traveling-column design, automatic tool changer and powerful 40-taper spindle, all of which combine to enable fast cycle times and accurate machining for extremely long and heavy workpieces in industries such as construction, agriculture and energy production.

The DMC-40x0 motion controller is Galil's highest performance, stand-alone motion controller. It belongs to Galil's latest generation motion controller family, which accepts encoder inputs up to 22 MHz, provides servo update rates as high as 32 kHz, and processes commands as fast as 40 microseconds-10 times the speed of prior generation controllers.

Sometimes manufacturing can feel like a battle between David and Goliath. But in the era of automation, think Industry 4.0, manufacturers are discovering the advantages to being smaller. Automation technology has leveled the playing field and now smaller means nimble, niche and, for the first time, heading in the same direction as the big guys.

Equipment manufacturers, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies, and power and process plant owners and operators commonly face the challenge of keeping their fleet, machinery, and other assets working efficiently, while also reducing the cost of maintenance and time-sensitive repairs. Considering the aggressive time-to-market required for industrial products and services, it is crucial to identify the cause of potential faults or failures before they have an opportunity to occur. Emerging technologies like the Internet of Things, big data analytics and cloud data storage are enabling more vehicles, industrial equipment and assembly robots to send condition-based data to a centralized server, making fault detection easier, more practical and more direct.

GTI Predictive Technology announces the immediate availability of VibePro 24/7 for vibration route and data continuous online vibration and temperature monitoring for rotating equipment and bearing health. VibePro 24/7 is the technology that takes the company's predictive monitoring offerings to the next level by combining route data collection and analysis with wireless online vibration and temperature sensors.

Olis Robotics, a leader in next-generation remote robotics software, announced its selection as a subcontractor by Tethers Unlimited as part of the NASA FabLab prototype project. The FabLab will be used on missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to demonstrate orbital recycling and reuse capabilities by providing on-demand manufacturing of mission-critical parts. It's a first step toward on-demand orbital manufacturing through reclamation, recycling and 3D metal and plastics printing.

Daren Manternach, sales executive for Halter CNC Robotics LLC, visited with Cutting Tool Engineering Publisher Dennis Spaeth during IMTS 2018 to chat about the Halter LoadAssistant and the role the load tending robotic cell has played in the company's growth within the U.S. market.

Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) reached production capacity for its new MiR500 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in its first month. With plans in place to deliver all current orders by the end of 2018, including the 40 percent purchased by U.S. manufacturers, the Denmark-based robotics manufacturer announced it would double production of the MiR500 in November by hiring additional resources and optimizing production.

PI's new A-341 hybrid gantry XY/XYZ positioning stage provides the framework for controlled precise overhead motion that is often sought after for 3D printing, assembly, pick-and-place, alignment, inspection and industrial automation applications. The A-341 HGS hybrid gantry is designed to combine maximum throughput with smooth and highly accurate motion in a compact envelope.