Automation & Controls

Articles • January 24, 2017 • Alan Richter

Automating thread inspection on tubular goods

According to Autonetics LLC, automated gaging units (AGUs) for threads are hot. The Cary, N.C.-based AGU manufacturer reported that it shipped 10 systems in the third quarter of last year to U.S. pipe mills that produce oil country tubular goods. No shipments occurred in the fourth quarter because the industry experienced a downturn, so capital expenditure projects got cut or delayed, noted Jeff Heath, COO of Autonetics. However, he said, the projects are starting to receive funding again. "We have about four in the build phase."

Products • January 18, 2017

FN510 DV/DT Filter

Schaffner introduces the FN510 dv/dt filter, which eliminates premature motor damage caused by high dv/dt, over-voltages on motor cables, motor overheating and more, to prolong service life motors in high precision environments. Suitable for motors from 1.5 to 30 Kw with frequencies up to 400Hz (4 to 24A) or to 200Hz (33 to 66A), this proven technology reduces high output voltage dv/dt from IGBT motor drives and restricts over-voltages caused by line reflections on motor cables.

Articles • January 16, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

Robotics road map calls for increased investment

More than 150 U.S.-based robotics researchers contributed to the 2016 edition of the report titled "A Roadmap for US Robotics From Internet to Robotics." Released Oct. 31, the document calls for improving policy frameworks to safely integrate new technologies, such as self-driving cars and commercial drones, into everyday life. The document also advocates for increased research efforts in the field of human-robot interaction and for more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) courses for students.

Products • January 16, 2017

LP 100 Gantry Robot System

The new LP 100 gantry robot system introduced recently by Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH is ideal for handling small and light components, allowing users the option of configuring the gantry to deliver high-speed or high-load performance. This choice allows the LP 100 to be employed flexibly, which fits well with inline production concepts where workpieces travel longer distances across several production machines.

Articles • January 12, 2017 • Keith Jennings

Being the face of your shop

Manager's Desk Columnist Keith Jennings discusses the benefits of being the face of your company in the January 2017 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

News • January 11, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

IDC: Worldwide spending on robotics to reach $188 billion in 2020

Robot use is set to accelerate: Worldwide spending on robotics and related services will more than double by 2020, growing from $91.5 billion in 2016 to more than $188 billion in 2020, according to the newly updated Worldwide Commercial Robotics Spending Guide from International Data Corporation (IDC).

Products • January 10, 2017

Junction Blocks

Mencom Junction Blocks offer a range of circuit configurations in 7/8-16 MINI series, M12 & ½-20 Micro series, M8 Nano series and DeviceNet series. They feature a homerun connector (cable, cable with connector, receptacle or field wireable), which easily routes signals from multiple inputs back to the main control system.

News • December 23, 2016 • Michael C. Anderson

What is the future of robotics?

The world of robotics and automation is changing fast. International Data Corp's (IDC) Manufacturing Insights Worldwide Commercial Robotics program peeks over the horizon with predictions for the world of robotics in 2017 and after.

Products • December 22, 2016

MTS 2.0 (Modular Tooling System)

With total monitoring feedback, a maximum clamping power of 20,000 N and enhanced precision, the new MTS 2.0 (Modular Tooling System) fulfills even the most exacting machining demands. The use of state-of-the-art ceramic lock balls combined with innovative springs increase clamping power while allowing an opening pressure of only 6 bar.

News • December 7, 2016 • Michael C. Anderson

Giant robot being built for combat

After robot builder MegaBots Inc. determined that its Mk. II robot was unsafe for the two human pilots to operate during the upcoming Giant Robot Duel against Japan-based Suidobashi Heavy Industry's Kuratas robot, the Hayward, Calif.-based company decided to build a new robot from scratch.

News • December 7, 2016 • Michael C. Anderson

ROBONANO comes to America

For 10 years, FANUC Corp.'s highly accurate ROBONANO automated milling machines have been in use in Japan's semiconductor industry. Now the newest iteration of the machine is in the U.S. to help researchers studying emerging materials and manufacturing processes.

News • December 7, 2016 • Evan Jones Thorne

A one-stop robot shop

As useful and commonplace as robots are in manufacturing, buying one is rarely a one-stop shopping experience. However, robot manufacturer Universal Robots A/S has launched a new service, UR+, which may change the way robots are bought and sold.