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The latest innovations in programmable logic controllers (PLCs), PCs and communication networks has made the task of automating factories easier than ever. PLCs have become less proprietary with open architectures that support network standards such as DeviceNet, Profibus-DP and Genius buses. PC-based controls use Windows-based software that make programming easier and are less expensive than PLCs. The newest communications structures, such as master/slave and multimaster configurations, allow greater authority to an element or group of elements., More features and seamless communications make the latest generation of controllers, I/O devices, and networks the best ever. Designing and implementing factory-automation systems is getting easier. That's because the three [...]

Industrial control makers are developing customized controls and connection schemes for factories. Suppliers of terminals and input/output (I/O) modules are offering a vast array of interface modules and electronic connections. Module reliability is also being optimized by increasing the integration level of the circuitry. Improvements in interconnection buses and networks have also reduced the number of connections needed to accommodate remote I/O., Smarter connections and better cabling systems make factory control more reliable and less expensive. In modern factories, they sure don't treat control wiring the way they used to. Time was [...]

Most users of automation equipment often focus their attention on data networks and power supply lines while ignoring the wires, cables and other hardware which link everything together. When installing such equipment on the factory floor, electricians need to know the requirements, limitations and characteristics of different networks. They should also know how to match up each different component. A brief overview of device-level networks and fieldbus networks is provided., The secret to installing a robust factory-floor network is seeing it as a transmission line, and selecting the cable from a vendor that meets network specifications. It's not difficult finding [...]

Man-machine interfaces (MMIs) are becoming the norm in factories as production workers begin to take over the task of running production operations from middle management. Operator-designed MMIs are preferred by most manufacturers because these are configured to be more practical and utilitarian than those designed by engineers. Graphical MMIs provide the best means of transmitting information and common control panels throughout the factory will prevent any slumps in productivity., Factories for empowered production workers may have more video screens than a shopping-mall arcade. Industry is in the midst of a quiet revolution. 'We're entering an era of bringing computers [...]

AUTOFACT '90 PRESENTS THE AUTOMATED FACTORY Conferences provide the techniques and exhibits provide the products for implementing new, and improving old, CIM systems. Autofact '90, a forum on factory automation [...]

Computer-controlled manufacturing Manufacturing applications under computer control cover the entire range of factory operations. Computerized numerical control (CNC) systems for machine tools make part programming easier. Networking allows computers to [...]

How To Succeed at CIM Less than ten years ago, computers were thought to be the ure-all for lagging production and other shortcomings of U.S. industry. Overseas competition was rapidly [...]

The quest for automated factories has created a need for reliable communication among industrial machines. In the past, factory controllers were required to communicate only with human machine operators. But [...]

Industry is still a few years away from completely automating and integrating design, manufacturing, and office work. The m' ore practical approachright now is flexible manufacturing in a cell. A [...]

The most important step for automating a factory or manufacturing process is planning. The various kinds of automata must be compatible or no time or money saving can be achieved. Tips on how to successfully integrate automata in manufacturing are given.

The full integration of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture may lead the way to totally automated factories by the end of the century.

Automated Assembly Key to industrial survival Ever since U.S. industry recognized that foreign competition was a potentially fatal threat, not just a minor annoyance, it has thrashed around looking for [...]

Beefing-Up Machine Control One of today's hottest areas of computer application is factory cell control. A cell is defined as a group of machines such as CNCs or robots, organized [...]

The theory of factory automation is easy to understand. Programmable controllers (PCs) run the equipment on the factory floor, and programs in the PC process information and report to data [...]

State-of-the-art metalcutting technology is beginning to move from a 'defect-detective manufacturing approach to a defect-preventive manufacturing system,' according to Dennis S. Bray, manager of advanced product technology, Ingersoll Milling Machine [...]

Optoelectronic device employs laser-beam triangulation to determine the distance from objects located 3.7 to 40 in. from the instrument. Conventional noncontact systems require moving parts and must be much closer [...]

Show to feature MAP 3.0 debut, integrated MAP/TOP/ COS network The Enterprise Networking Event '88 International, June 6-8 at the Baltimore Convention Center, will mark the first public demonstration of [...]

WHY FACTORY MODERNIZATION IS SUCH A PAINFUL PROCESS About a decade ago, solid-state electronics began to make a strong impact on the design of industrial controls and production machinery. The [...]

Communications hardware and software can now provide fast and reliable networking among all types of devices in the automated factory. But there is a key to implementing those networks which [...]

WHO IS DESIGNING THE FACTORY OF THE FUTURE? A hot topic today is the reindustrialization of America and the attempt to make factories more productive. As a result, factory automation [...]