November 2017System Integration & Control Systems Design
In process industries, demands are increasing for groundbreaking and innovative automation solutions that reduce costs. The greatest potential for optimisation is opened up by implementing a universal platform that covers both industrial automation and process automation. PC-based control from Beckhoff fits this bill by integrating process specific protocols and interfaces, and by offering an extended range of products for hazardous areas. Full implementation of HART functionality, both in the I/O system and in the TwinCAT engineering environment, promotes simple project planning and reliable commissioning.
TwinCAT automation software clearly reduces development efforts in process technology because it facilitates the application of comprehensive HART functions directly from the engineering interface. In this way, the TwinCAT FDT (field device tool) container enables implementation of any field device drivers (device type manager, DTM). Thus, an entire HART configuration can be implemented efficiently using a single tool.
The Beckhoff CommDTM integrates the TwinCAT platform into existing process control systems. With its help, the DTMs can be implemented in any FDT container. This applies to all field devices connected to the HART-capable EtherCAT Terminals. These devices can be configured and parameterised remotely in the known containers without requiring direct PLC access. As a result, system operation is simplified and reduced to the essentials. In addition, the Beckhoff OPC UA server and client enable secure global distribution of process data, as well as convenient system control and remote maintenance capabilities.
Explosion protection integrated into product portfolio
The new, highly compact EtherCAT Terminals in the ELX series are also HART capable. With intrinsically safe inputs/outputs, they enable the direct integration of field devices installed in hazardous areas, Zones 0, 1 or 2, into the automation system. The reduced wiring effort and associated space savings result in an integrated, cost-effective solution for process applications. Furthermore, the new CPX series of control panels and panel PCs makes the high-quality design and advanced multi-touch display technology from Beckhoff available for locations subject to explosion hazards.
PC-based automated production system for photo calendars Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Producing up to 1800 photo calendars per hour using more than 90 servo axes, Durrer Spezialmaschinen develops a wide variety of special-purpose machines from the design phase to commissioning. A new production system for photo calendars proves the importance of comprehensive motion control expertise, with AM8000 servomotors and AX5000 servo drives from Beckhoff used for over 90 dynamically controlled axes.
Read more...Beckhoff’s TwinCAT Vision functionality extended Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Vision software portfolio offers additional image processing functions and extra options for camera integration.
Read more...TwinCAT Vision functionality extended Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
The image processing and camera integration capabilities of Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Vision software have been expanded.
Read more...New range of vision units Beckhoff Automation
Sensors & Transducers
Beckhoff has added four new vision units to its VUI2000 series. They integrate a camera, illumination and liquid lens technology for simplified installation.
Read more...Compact drive and control technology Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
When custom machine builder Lehnen Industrial Services introduced a filling machine for lip balm, the company was surprised by the amount of interest in this premium system. In order to meet this demand, they decided to standardise the machine. The necessary adaptability is provided by the scalable control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...Industrial PCs with new processor generations and increased performance Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
PC-based control technology from Beckhoff has always benefited from the convergence of automation and the IT world. Current examples include the use of the latest industry-standard processor generations, high-quality and demand-optimised flash memory, and the long-term availability version of Windows 11.
Read more...New EtherCAT digital input and output terminals Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The new EL14xx and EL24xx EtherCAT Terminals from Beckhoff complement the company’s existing broad portfolio in the area of digital input/output, and combine proven functions with an optimised circuit architecture.
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