NX1 compact controller for machines. UK manufacturing is struggling to boost productivity and to improve quality. A flexible production line is a key for the next manufacturing processes. Hence, the use of high-end multi-functional machines is one solutions. The NX1 entry level compact controller brings this level of performance to compact machines. Its […]
As safety technology advances, it is increasingly popular to embed the functions in to automation equipment like variable speed drives. According to Schneider Electric, as Industrial Ethernet becomes the network of choice, then both will start to merge. Hence, the resulting integration of embedded safety over Ethernet will extend the benefits of both. Modern industrial […]
Modern automation systems generate large volumes of data about what is happening on a machine or production line. Smart HMIs provide an effective way of collating this date to provide up to the minute information about processes. Increasingly, manufacturing engineers are using the data held within controllers and HMIs to help them maximise efficiency and […]
Shop floor cyber-security Hackers and malicious users have traditionally focused on attacking the higher-level business PCs, however now there are some signs they are increasing the scope of their focus to include shop floor systems. To this end, improving shop floor cyber-security has become critical. Whether blackmailing businesses or causing disruption, cybercrime is […]
Few applications use a standalone PLC and little else. Most control systems combine PLCs, inverters, servo components, network, HMIs, and I/O modules. They work as a system for machine control, process control, positioning, production line automation and even factory-wide coordination. So, is there a role for the PLC in large scale complex automation? As […]