Cloud Computing in the Forecast
ApplicationAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 23 – 2012Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook Issue

Cloud Computing in the Forecast

Cloud-based applications promise to deliver benefits for industrial applications, but implementation challenges exist. Cloud computing is becoming increasingly attractive for business and personal applications where its low cost solutions and fast deployment help companies and individuals save time and money. Many people already use the cloud for document management, data backup, Web mail, and music…
Internet Use Clicks with Machine, Robot Builders
ApplicationAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 21 – 2011Learning ResourcesManufacturingNotebook Issue

Internet Use Clicks with Machine, Robot Builders

Machine and robot builders are increasingly turning to the Internet for product research. The Internet has become a legitimate avenue for researching automation products needed by machine and robot builders, and the use of vendor websites is emerging as the primary method for doing product research. Control Design magazine began asking its readers about their…
Upgrading From Batch to Continuous Processes Requires High Level Automation
+Tech TopicsApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryFood and BeverageIndustryIssue 16 – 2010Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable Control

Upgrading From Batch to Continuous Processes Requires High Level Automation

Many process plants use batch operations for all or part of their production operations. Some processes are inherently batch oriented, but many others can be converted to continuous. Converting a batch process to a continuous operation has many advantages including, but not limited to, better quality, more throughput and less energy use (see Table 1). These…
Maintaining Machine Quality While Reducing Time to Market
ApplicationAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 18 – 2010Learning ResourcesMachine ControlManufacturingNotebook Issue

Maintaining Machine Quality While Reducing Time to Market

Machine and robot builder OEMs and their end user customers face similar challenges. For OEMs in a highly competitive market, quick machine delivery can make the difference between getting the order and losing it to a competitor. In a challenging economy, end users tend to take more time making machine upgrade or purchasing decisions. However,…
Alternative Energy Helps Industrial Controls "Cut the Cord"
Automation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 13 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Alternative Energy Helps Industrial Controls "Cut the Cord"

Let’s say you want to improve safety on a remote section of highway through a mountain pass via a road condition monitoring system. A small automatic weather station beside the road plus several cameras in key locations could provide a good approximation of road conditions. This information could be posted on dynamic message signs along…
Government Spending: Some Positive Returns
Automation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 15 – 2009Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProcess Sensing & ControlProduct

Government Spending: Some Positive Returns

For the past nine years, the Navy has sponsored an Opportunity Forum for their Phase II SBIR (Small Business Innovative Research) contractors. The purpose is to publicize these government funded developments thereby helping viable business products to evolve beyond Navy needs. Successes triply benefit the small business, the Navy, and the American economy, and obviously…
Future Adjustable Speed Motor Technology
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 10 – 2008Learning ResourcesMotorsNotebook IssueProduct

Future Adjustable Speed Motor Technology

High pole count motors have existed for years, and are in use today in some specialty industrial applications. They typically provide slower operation (without a drive), but the horsepower is reduced as the pole count increases. A new concept for high pole count motors has recently been patented by DynaMotors, Inc of Cleveland, OH. The…
Educating Future Engineers Requires Teamwork
Automation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 12 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Educating Future Engineers Requires Teamwork

The goal of any technology or engineering educational program is to educate its students utilizing techniques built upon sound theoretical principles. But, how does one teach college level students to utilize automation components like robots, PLC’s, and sensors? The field of automation is constantly changing and educators need to maintain pace with these changes in…
Let the Sun Shine In: GA Tech Competes In The Solar Decathlon
Automation NotebookFeature StoryIssue 11 – 2008Learning ResourcesNotebook Issue

Let the Sun Shine In: GA Tech Competes In The Solar Decathlon

We hear every day about the importance of conserving energy and the increasing need to use renewable natural resources. To help educate people on ways to “go green,” various organizations sponsor events which display and explain unique ways one can conserve energy while maintaining an otherwise normal life. One such event is the Solar Decathlon….
Process Analyzer Uses WinPLC To Monitor Cyanide Destruction
ApplicationApplication StoriesAutomation NotebookFeature StoryIndustryIssue 8 – 2007Learning ResourcesMachine ControlNotebook IssuePLCProcess ControlProductProgrammable ControlWater/Wastewater

Process Analyzer Uses WinPLC To Monitor Cyanide Destruction

NEXTChem Process Analyzers, LLC produces chemical process analyzers for industries such as metal treatment, metal finishing, chemical, wastewater, and pulp and paper. The analyzers automate laboratory measurements used for process control. Some of NEXTChem’s customers include a large aerospace company who uses the analyzer for measuring caustic cleaner for jet engine parts, and a major…