Driver components for Interbus PCI interface modules from Phoenix Contact are now available for the WinAC software PLC. The Step7 application on the PC controls and provides diagnostics for the Interbus Master and can access data directly via the I/O area. The Interbus connection supports versions WinAC Basis/PN and WinAC RTX (with Venturcom realtime extension).
The PCI interface modules integrate the Interbus fieldbus system with all the features of the generation 4 devices in the Step 7 environment, such as the extended diagnostics function and reactionless cut-off if a fault occurs. The consistent cycle transfer occurs at up to 8192 I/O points. It is also possible to access in parallel components for system diagnostics using the Diag+ software as well as terminals for field device parameterising. The residual data areas for cyclical saving of important variables and the direct I/Os on the interface modules turn the PC into a control system.
The new function modules are compatible with those from the S7 300 and S7 400 interface modules. This means upgrading from a traditional PLC to a PC-based control system requires just a few steps. And the existing application knowhow is preserved. The IBS WinAc Syskit system package includes the module, PC driver and components as well as the CMD configuration tool.
Mammoet supports critical heavy lift and marine activities for topsides
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet provided specialised heavy lift and marine logistics support for the Munin topsides on Aker BP’s Yggdrasil North Sea development, including a complex transshipment operation and a tidal-window load-out classified as a Class 1 operation.
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IS & Ex
Phoenix Contact has extended its Cellulink outdoor cellular router range with new versions approved for Zone 2 potentially explosive areas, featuring end-to-end IECEx and ATEX certification of the complete router, antenna path and antenna system.
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Motion Control & Drives
Kollmorgen has extended its Essentials motion platform into 400 to 480 V high-voltage applications, allowing machine builders to right-size their motion systems without stepping up to unnecessarily complex or over-specified solutions.
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Siemens has expanded its Sinamics portfolio with the G200, a compact general-purpose frequency converter that supports Profinet, TIA Portal integration and built-in safety and cybersecurity functions for a wide range of industrial drive applications.
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Motion Control & Drives
RUD Ketten’s Tecdos Omega Drive chain drives are powering the specialised cutting assembly used to refurbish the 1,4 km Elleringhausen Tunnel in Germany, combining linear and radial motion in a configuration that performs reliably under constant wet-cutting conditions.
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Motion Control & Drives
WEBER-HYDRAULIK has expanded its manufacturing capabilities to produce hydraulic cylinders with internal diameters of up to 300?mm, extending its portfolio into large-dimension ballast and support cylinders for demanding heavy machinery applications.
Read more...High-performance linear guides igus
Motion Control & Drives
igus continues to expand its drylin range of lubrication-free polymer linear guides, including PFAS-free and EHEDG-certified variants for food safety applications. The tribo-optimised iglidur polymer technology eliminates maintenance while offering corrosion resistance and load capacity up to 600 kg.
Read more...New motion platform for tube laser processing
Motion Control & Drives
Aerotech has announced the LaserTurn280, a motion platform for laser machining of cylindrical medical device components, offering calibrated accuracy of plus or minus 1 micrometre and designed for integration into high-volume production lines.
Read more...Functional safety in modern factory automation
Motion Control & Drives
Functional safety in modern factory automation allows machines to operate at controlled speeds or hold axes at standstill rather than shutting down entirely. Kollmorgen’s Safe Motion monitor software now supports additional safety-rated encoder protocols, extending these capabilities to precision and linear motion applications.
Read more...Improving material handling with autonomous mobile robots Rockwell Automation
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Autonomous mobile robots offer flexible, AI-driven material handling that adapts to shifting demand, fills labour gaps, and generates the operational data needed to optimise end-to-end facility performance.
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