Guide to automation for machine tools, assembly and packaging

The guide starts by looking at the automation control system markets and typical applications. It then summarises the benefits of state-of-the-art digital automation platforms for new machines and for retrofitting to existing machines to upgrade performance. Each of the market areas is then discussed in more detail, namely the automotive industry, machine tools, assembly equipment and packaging machinery.

Aerotech supplies high-performance subsystems and components (controls and mechanics) for many applications in these market sectors, not just for production but also for test and inspection, and research and development. A section of the automation guide is therefore devoted to describing Aerotech's offering. This focuses on the A3200 intelligent platform for 32-axis motion, vision, automation (PLC functionality), robotics and I/O. There is also a description of the distributed control capability that is implemented using IEEE-1394/Firewire. In addition, the guide outlines the all-important Nmotion SMC (Software Motion Controller) that enables engineers to create sophisticated multi-axis motion control programs. HMI (human-machine interface) design is also covered by virtue of Aerotech's Nview HMI software.

Other automation products outlined in the guide include the Ndrive intelligent, networked drives, the Nlogic soft PLC, Nvision VCM (Vision Control Module), PC-based hardware controllers, servo amplifiers, Cartesian robots, linear actuators, and rotary and linear servo motors - including frameless and custom rotary motors.

Machine builders operating in the automotive, machine tool, assembly and packaging industries will find Aerotech's automation guide very useful. Furthermore, if they need additional practical support, they can make use of Aerotech's ability to design and manufacture custom-engineered subsystems.

Follow the link to get a copy of the guide to automation for the automotive, machine tool, assembly and packaging industries.