articleIn 1986, Top Gun was in the cinemas and the first Nintendo consoles were landing in living rooms. Out on factory floors, control systems were still, mostly, serious grey boxes that did one job at a time. Enter PC-based control, a new philosophy and a new era in automation and machine-building. Mark Richards, reflects on the 40th anniversary of Beckhoff’s first PC-based controller.
newsProgrammable logic controllers (PLCs) are crucial in industrial automation, managing everything from basic machinery to complex production lines, precisely and reliably. Contrary to popular belief, PLC projects are about more than coding, they’re about careful planning, documentation and strategies. Here, Beth Ragdale runs through a few considerations when approaching a PLC project
articleAutomation is becoming more accessible to users without deep technical skills and industrial automation is following a similar path. By optimising traditional coding practices, businesses of all sizes can overcome this skills gap to reap productivity and efficiency gains, explains Stephen Hayes
productGLOBAL AUTOMATION technology manufacturer, Beckhoff Automation, has announced the launch of its Solution Provider programme – a scheme that aims to couple end users with trusted, competent partners in order to deliver best-in-class solutions by combining innovative and creative products and knowledge.
productTHE FIRST machine that could be considered an industrial PC (IPC) was released by IBM in the early 1980s, designed for the rigorous operations of industry. Almost 40 years on, IPCs are commonly used as automation controllers in many industrial environments. However, selecting the right IPC for these industrial environments is anything but straightforward. Stephen Hayes explores the main considerations for success when choosing an IPC.
newsIT’s TIME to take control cabinets out of industrial control and automation applications: This is the view of industrial technology specialist Beckhoff Automation UK, which has published a new whitepaper laying out the company’s view of the future of automation and exploring the concept of automation without cabinets.
productWith technologies such as multitouch and widescreen displays, the CP2xxx and CP3xxx Control Panel and Panel PC series from Beckhoff
productIn combination with a broad portfolio of Beckhoff motors and planetary gear units, three new EtherCAT plug-in modules now enable especially compact and cost-effective drive solutions.
productThe new ELX series EtherCAT terminals with intrinsically safe inputs/outputs and highly compact design enable direct connection of field devices located in hazardous areas – classified Zones 0, 1 and 2.
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