Cleveland-based Parker Hannifin recently added its P2H IO-Link node capabilities to the company’s ISO valve platform. The P2H node reportedly provides a robust means of connecting H Series valves to an IO-Link network, thus saving total system and installation costs in comparison to the use of Ethernet or hard wiring. In addition, the P2H IO-Link…
Valve-to-cloud interface simplifies IoT
The CPX-IoT gateway from Festo, Hauppauge, N.Y., is paving the way for secure connections to the cloud. That, according to company officials, will enable machine designers, system builders and end customers to significantly improve their overall equipment effectiveness. The new IoT gateway connects components and modules from the field level, such as the company’s CPX/MPA…
Control electronics for proportional valves
For simple and inexpensive control of a proportional valve, Wandfluh, based in Frutigen, Switzerland, has developed the PD3 digital amplifier electronics unit. The device can mount directly on a solenoid coil or connect to a standard solenoid coil with a cable. The product has a standardized IO-Link interface. It permits digital communication, transmitting operating parameters,…
Bosch Rexroth’s hydraulic power unit for the medium performance range
Connecting machines and facilities with IT systems opens up enormous potential for more economical and intuitive processes. This is exactly where Bosch Rexroth‘s new CytroBox hydraulic power unit comes in. With its intelligent, energy-efficient modular design, CytroBox provides a new solution for the medium performance range up to 30 kW. With its integrated IoT technologies,…
Intelligent hydraulic toolholder controls the cutting process in real time
Vibrations, chatter marks, tool failure – what has so far robbed many a machine operator of sleep will soon be a thing of the past: With the smart iTENDO hydraulic expansion toolholder, SCHUNK and startup company TOOL IT present the world’s first intelligent toolholder that monitors the machining process directly at the tool, and allows…
Smart manufacturing must be open to change — are you?
Over the course of two weeks, I heard several industry experts echo a fascinating trend as they discussed the future of manufacturing. The factory of the future is going to have to be flexible and fast, using IoT and AI, to deal with customized products and designs. The first person to describe this trend was…
Rexroth’s Factory of the Future exhibit highlights importance of flexibility, multi-tech use
For the past year or so, Bosch Rexroth has been touting its Factory of the Future concept, where a variety of automation technologies work together in a connected, flexible and modular environment to increase customization and productivity. To this end, the company has created a permanent Factory of the Future Experience at its Hoffman Estates,…