Interview with Martin Rostan

Interview With Martin Rostan on 20 Years of EtherCAT and the EtherCAT Technology Group – Powerful and Future-Proof Technology Plus an Active Community

EtherCAT offers numerous technological advantages, but it has also benefited immensely over the past two decades from the disclosure of the protocol and the foundation of the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) related with it. In the following interview, Martin Rostan, Executive Director of ETG, describes the most important aspects of these two sides to the EtherCAT success story.

How Motors, Drives and PLCs Enable Success

Boosting Machine Performance: How Motors, Drives and PLCs Enable Success

In today’s competitive market, machine builders face pressure to deliver highly reliable, cost-effective, sustainable and energy-efficient machines. Customers also expect new equipment to be compatible with digitalization and automation technologies. The key to meeting these customer expectations is using high-quality, advanced variable speed drives (VSDs) also known as variable frequency drives (VFDs), or just drives, along with  programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

How the Latest Handheld Barcode Reader is Making It Easy for Users to Overcome Traceability Challenges
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How the Latest Handheld Barcode Reader is Making It Easy for Users to Overcome Traceability Challenges

There are a variety of challenges that manufacturers face when trying to efficiently use traceability technology. Difficult to read direct part marks can hinder the performance of traceability in a production process. The V460 is an advanced barcode reading device that has set a new standard for reading capabilities. It can read all types of barcodes, including these challenging direct part marks and small Barcode labels that have been previously difficult to decode.

German Technology Day logo

German Technology Day 2023

Discover the best of German Automation Technology in Canada. This year, more than 20 major companies with expertise in automation and advanced manufacturing will take part in this annual conference. Join in for the event, where each of the participating companies will share some of their latest, most innovative solutions and technologies.

Functionality and Applications of Contactors
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Functionality and Applications of Contactors

Contactors play a crucial role in electrical circuit systems, allowing for effective control and management of electrical power. This blog post delves into the basics of contactors, their applications, and how they operate in electrical circuits. What is a contactor? A contactor is an electrically controlled switching device, designed for repeatedly opening and closing circuits. They are predominantly used in high current-carrying applications, distinguishing them from standard relays that function similarly but in low current scenarios.

Siemens Webinar: Drives and Main Circuit Dimensioning in One Tool
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Siemens Webinar: Drives and Main Circuit Dimensioning in One Tool

How can you integrate a drive configuration into the main circuit Today, the drives can be designed in the TIA Selection Tool according to the application. However, the embedding in a higher-level main current view was missing until now. The latest update now makes this possible. Plan your control cabinet’s electrical system from the top feed to the bottom drive. Other aspects such as controls and other consumers are integrated as usual. In this webinar, experts from Siemens will introduce you to the new functions.

Safely Navigating the Deployment of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Your Facility

Safely Navigating the Deployment of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Your Facility

The integration of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) into your facility’s operations can offer a multitude of benefits, such as increased efficiency and productivity. However, ensuring the safety of these robots and those who interact with them is paramount. This blog post will delve into key safety considerations for organizations and end-users when deploying AMRs in their facilities, with a focus on the application environment.

2024 Canadian Electrical Code Campaign – New Edition of the Canadian Electrical Code Will Help Improve Electrical Installations in Many Areas

2024 Canadian Electrical Code Campaign – New Edition of the Canadian Electrical Code Will Help Improve Electrical Installations in Many Areas

The Canadian Electrical Code (Code) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of electrical installations and systems, establishing guidelines and requirements necessary to reduce risks of electric shock, fires, and other electrical hazards. As electrical technology, materials, and equipment evolve, regular updates help ensure that the Code remains aligned with advancements in the field, allowing electrical professionals to work with cutting-edge tools and technologies safely and efficiently. The new 2024 edition of the Code, slated for publication in March 2024, will bring significant updates in many areas.

How to Use Custom HMI in Your FANUC Cobot

How to Use Custom HMI in Your FANUC Cobot

Cobots are flexible for all types of applications, and with FANUC’s Tablet Teach Pendant (TP) Plug-in SDK, so are the User Interfaces. Plug-in SDK, short for Software Developer’s Kit, is an HTML5/JavaScript-based platform enabling the creation of specific icons for the Tablet TP’s timeline editor as well as to make dedicated screens on the HMI. This allows you to create a streamlined, efficient, custom HMI to ensure that cobot operation is as simple and straightforward as you need it to be.

What is a PLC?

What is a PLC?

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are the linchpins of modern industrial automation. These ruggedized computers are engineered to monitor and control machinery, assembly lines, and robotic devices, optimizing operations for heightened efficiency and productivity. With their user-friendly programming and robust fault diagnosis, PLCs offer a streamlined solution to manage complex processes. Their modular design ensures a seamless fit for diverse industrial applications, making PLCs a prime choice for businesses aiming to leverage automation for enhanced operational excellence.

Transforming Manufacturing Processes with AMRs: Boosting Efficiency and Adaptability
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Transforming Manufacturing Processes with AMRs: Boosting Efficiency and Adaptability

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, companies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to optimize their manufacturing processes. One technology that has gained significant traction is the implementation of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs). These versatile machines offer a wide range of benefits, empowering companies to transform their manufacturing operations and stay ahead of the competition. Let’s explore the ways in which AMRs can revolutionize manufacturing processes, enhance efficiency, and foster adaptability.

What Are Control Circuit Devices? Noark Electric Explains
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What Are Control Circuit Devices? Noark Electric Explains

A Control Circuit Device regulates and manages the operation of an electrical circuit by turning on or off the circuit. The control device regulates or limits the condition within the circuit by controlling the voltage and current.  Examples of control circuit devices used are switches, solenoids, and relays. Noark is a reliable manufacturer of high-quality circuit control devices used in a wide range of industrial and motor applications. Learn more about circuit control devices and how you can partner with Noark.

2023 Innovations from Festo at CMTS: CMMT-MP and CPX-AP-A

2023 Innovations from Festo at CMTS: CMMT-MP and CPX-AP-A

Festo is a major supplier of pneumatic and electrical automation technology. The company tirelessly innovates products and solutions to improve operations for factories and process automation. Festo’s 2023 innovations include their CPX-AP-A remote I/O, CMMT MP servo drive, and their portfolio of productivity tools. Festo’s latest innovations in technology leverage its decades of experience with pneumatic components as well as controls and remote I/O.

Noark’s MCCB’s Achieve Freeze Test to –40°C
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Noark’s MCCB’s Achieve Freeze Test to –40°C

Noark Electric manufactures top-quality low-voltage electrical components including molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) for many applications. In heavy commercial applications and industrial facilities, MCCBs are relied upon to protect against electrical damage caused by short circuits or overload conditions. Since they have a high interrupting capacity, they can handle larger loads than these processes require. Because of their importance in buildings and infrastructure, it is critical that they undergo and pass stringent testing to ensure they function properly when needed the most.

How RFID Technology is Expanding Manufacturers Traceability Capabilities

How RFID Technology is Expanding Manufacturers Traceability Capabilities

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology has been making great strides in expanding the capabilities that manufacturers have in Traceability. Due to its industry-proven, robust, short, and long-range design to identify, track, and trace products and carriers, RFID offers solutions beyond optical barcode reading. It can also be easily integrated into automation platforms using standard Network protocols like EtherNet/IP.

Noark Electric Explains How Motor Contactors Work: A 101 Guide
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Noark Electric Explains How Motor Contactors Work: A 101 Guide

Motor contactors are electrical switches used as means of control, connecting or disconnecting electric motors and other load devices to the power supply. They are typically designed for normally open contacts, which ensures the load disconnects whenever the coil of the contactor de-energizes. Because this interrupts heavy motor currents, arcing must be suppressed and controlled with an arc extinguishing device, which functions alongside the contactor’s electromagnetic and control systems.