Biotechnology

When manufacturing engineers are tasked with automating a process that is currently done manually, their main question for an automation supplier is, “Have you ever automated this specific process before?” In complex applications, the answer is typically, “no.” Even simple applications can be more complex than at first glance.

Depending on the industry and specific environment, different rooms will have different cleanroom classification requirements. There is a litany of information out there regarding how classifications are tested and determined, but not as much about how to improve a specific room’s classification ranking.

Parker’s Fulflo® EcoBond™ Cartridges are the most economical high purity filter cartridges available. Featuring a graded density matrix of uniform polypropylene fibers, the EcoBond™ provides consistent filtration for a wide variety of fluids. 

Using lean principles in manufacturing is an important element when trying to reduce waste, control costs and ensure timely deliveries to customers. However, this concept of trimming back unnecessary work and reaping the production benefits can also be applied at an individual level in production lines or assembly rooms.

For automation applications, one of the larger misconceptions in the industry today is that when someone uses the phrase “motion control,” they can just as easily use the term “robotics,” as if the two are interchangeable. Click on the "Read More" button below to read the full article featured in Product Design and Development Magazine.

Contemplating an actuator for your pneumatic linear-motion system? Here are some tips on how to select the best one for the job.

United Electric Controls has introduced a unique new family of HART capable transmitters that provides programmable switching functionality for industrial process monitoring applications. The new One Series 1XTXSW transmitter line is the first to integrate HART 7 compatible 4-20 mA output and two solid-state programmable relays for monitoring temperature or pressure in safety, alarm and emergency shutdown applications.

As electronics and technologies become smaller and more intricate, manufacturing engineers are running into new challenges in automating manufacturing processes. The challenges of manufacturing new products extend beyond the capabilities of precise motion control mechanics to include the control of environmental factors.

The Chromalox CS Series of solid state relays are an ideal, low-cost power control solution for rapidly and precisely switching resistive loads found in industrial applications such as furnaces, ovens, heat treating, injection molding, thermoforming, press platens, commercial food equipment, semiconductor, lighting and drying, just to name a few.

Workplace safety is—or should be—a primary focus of every organization, regardless of whether we’re talking about a classroom, an office, a manufacturing facility, or an oil rig. Employees deserve a workspace that is as safe and secure as it can possibly be.

Sysmac is the latest machine automation platform from Omron with integration throughout: from controller to software.

Advantech’s new 12.1” and 15” TPC-1251T/1551T touch panel computers are the latest of their type to use the Intel® Atom™ E3827 1.75 GHz Processor and to feature the much heralded iDoor Technology, a truly flat screen and a multitude of I/O ports while being able to operate in a wide range of temperatures.

Advantech ProView Ethernet Switch is a SCADA manageable switches which are the convergence switches for process control and IT networking management.

Meet Parker's new mSR (miniature square rail) linear motor positioner. The mSR integrates dual square rails for guidance, with one of two different linear motor technologies, and up to six different encoder technologies.

Precise combinations of valves and other equipment lead to process success. A biopolymer fermentation process provides an example of proper valve selection.

The IPS PTFE Pressure Regulator is designed for use with high purity water systems and aggressive chemical applications to regulate and maintain a constant pressure downstream of the valve and prevent over-pressurization of sensitive equipment.

Plant engineers often fail to incorporate correct lubrication into system processes and do not realize its critical importance until something goes wrong.

In a world where most information is available in an instant, plant managers and engineers are continuously trying to find ways to improve the efficiency of processes along the manufacturing line.

Tasked with increased demand for high power output, many operators in North American sectors such as power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical and chemical have been challenged by low-voltage solutions and their associated logistical challenges.

Considering the number of variables present, gaining precise control of a process heating application can be a difficult task. In industries with a low tolerance for irregularities and a high demand for consistent quality, controlling the temperature of a substance from the start to the finish of a process is an absolute necessity.

An HMI that is expressive, intuitive, and easy to implement makes industrial machines more attractive and competitive. The Omron Sysmac NA Series HMI enables faster, more efficient control and monitoring - and a more natural relationship between operator and machine.

Loss of containment is one of the costliest things that can go wrong at a plant. Accordingly, smart enterprises employ a variety of measures that ensure loss of containment just doesn’t happen – or when it does, the adverse circumstances are kept to a minimum.

A temperature sensor is a key component of any process heating application as it provides temperature feedback about the process, which can be used to monitor or control the process

Advanced Process Control (APC) methods used to be so advanced as to be esoteric- too complex and unusable except by a few high-level experts. Today, however, it seems APC is little talked about for an entirely different reason: It’s become a commodity.