CONTROLS
for mechanical and plant engineering
Programmable logic controls, CNC controls, TNC controls or safety controls with digital twin and control technology
Control technology | From CNC to PLC
The Control Technology and the Control Engineering are sub-areas of the Automation services. Modern production plants are controlled by Industry 4.0-compatible controllers such as programmable logic controllers (SPS) Or CNC and TNC Controls. The term 'control technology' includes various types of controls and their concepts, such as binary, analogue and digital controls. Discover everything you need to know, such as new products, applications or manufacturers.
Control technology 2024 – The most important things in brief
Control technology includes a variety of technologies that control processes efficiently and precisely. Currently dominating Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are taking the market by storm because they are flexibly programmable and versatile, especially in the manufacturing and process industries. Numerical control systems (CNCs) are indispensable in machine tools because they enable complex manufacturing processes due to their high precision and efficiency. New trends in control technology include the integration of Artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop adaptive and predictive maintenance strategies.
Particularly innovative are Edge Computing-Solutions that enable decentralized data processing and thus improve real-time controls. These developments show that control technology is continuously advancing and finding new applications in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), which further increases the efficiency and flexibility of industrial processes.
The Virtual Commissioning and cyber-physical systems (CPS) are two advanced research fields that will significantly influence the future of industrial automation. It reduces costs and risks through the use of simulation models and digital twins, while CPS enables the integration of physical and digital components for intelligent and networked production systems. Research institutes such as Fraunhofer IPA, TUM, DFKI and KIT as well as companies such as Siemens and MIT Media Lab are driving these developments and setting new standards in the efficiency and flexibility of industrial processes.
Below we present the latest new developments on the market.
Pepperl+Fuchs becomes partner of Ctrlx World
10.10.2024 | Pepperl+Fuchs is participating in Bosch Rexroth's Ctrlx partner world. The network is expanding the range of product solutions around the Ctrlx Automation automation kit to include hardware that is compatible with the Linux-based Ctrlx OS operating system.
NC software optimizes tool use based on AI
Mitsubishi Electric presents the software solution NC Machining AID. It is the first AI-based solution in Europe that significantly improves machining processes. While its application leads to greater efficiency, it only causes lower costs. The NC Machining AID focuses on optimizing tool use.
TNC control with context-sensitive support
July 19.07.2024, 7 | Heidenhain is presenting a variety of new solutions aimed at increasing productivity, quality and process reliability. A highlight is the new hardware variants of the TNC24 control, which expand the application possibilities with three screen sizes (19", 16" and 16") and two different keyboard units. A particular focus: the new 7" variant TNCXNUMX basic.
Functional safety according to SIL 3 and PLe
25.06.2024/3/XNUMX | The SCU-DR safety controller from Müller Industrie-Elektronik complements the TÜV-certified SMM safety measurement module, which was developed for load, force and pressure measurements in accordance with SILXNUMX and performance level PLe. This combination offers a sophisticated complete solution for safety-critical applications in industrial automation.
Ex-protected tablet with AR qualities
09.04.2024/04/2 | Pepperl+Fuchs is adding the "Tab-Ex 2 Pro DZ4 / D10" device to its "Tab-Ex" tablet series. This is based on the robust Samsung Galaxy Tabactive480 Pro. It has a bright but lightweight XNUMX" touchscreen with XNUMX nit and the latest hardware and connectivity standards.
PLC with IIoT functions
09.01.2024/5/XNUMX | Mitsubishi Electric is bringing IIoT functions to plants that use the Melsec iQ-F series PLC controller with its updated FXXNUMX-ENET Ethernet module. This use of the connection to cybersecurity, cloud systems and email functions offers greater security as well as improved data management and connectivity.
This small control makes it easier to get started with digitalization
04.10.2023 | With the new Melsec FX5S PLC (pictured above), Mitsubishi Electric offers an easy-to-use and cost-effective PLC for your digital transformation process. The latest member of the compact Melsec iQ-F PLC series was designed for simple applications.
Easy-to-use PLC automation system
04.10.2023 | Jumo is presenting the future of automation technology at the SPS in Nuremberg with system solutions that cover your needs from the field level to the cloud. The centerpiece of the presentation is the innovative Jumo Varitron 500 touch. The SPS system is a milestone for automation applications.
Intrinsically safe Ex smartphone for 5G
06.11.2023/03/2023 | With the intrinsically safe Smart-Ex 5, Pepperl+Fuchs is presenting a 6G and Wi-Fi 6-capable industrial smartphone at SPS XNUMX. The XNUMX-inch Android smartphone combines global, customer-oriented support with the know-how of Ecom Instruments.
NC Optimizer and NC Virtual Simulator
14.08.2023 | In the fully networked Smart Manufacturing world at EMO 2023, Mitsubishi Electric will show how new software tools and advanced automation can sustainably advance companies in the age of Industry 4.0.
Sinumerik One in digital native design
13.09.2023/6.22/XNUMX | With Sinumerik One, Siemens is expanding its range of "digital native" CNC controls and setting new standards in manufacturing technology. With the latest software version VXNUMX, Sinumerik One offers innovative functions within the Siemens Xcelerator platform that significantly improve both efficiency and sustainability in production.
Control types
In industry there are numerous control types, which are used depending on the application and requirements. These include manual and mechanical controls, electrical and electronic controls, as well as more advanced systems such as programmable logic controllers, numerical controllers, distributed control systems (DCS) and Scada systems. Other innovative control types include fuzzy logic controls, AI and machine learning-based controls, as well as PID controls and adaptive controls. Each of these control types offers specific advantages and possible uses to perform a wide range of automation tasks efficiently and reliably.
We have compiled detailed information for the following controls:
Intelligent CNC control for machine tools
This article shows how machine tools in networked production control systems with intelligent CNC Control, Edge Computing and increase productivity through partner solutions. The connection of robots via a plug-and-play implementation or a new CNC control with direct WLAN connection.
Small control | Compact and cost-efficient
Small control and Microcontrol offer compact and cost-effective solutions for the automation of small and medium-sized industrial applications. These control systems are characterized by their high flexibility and easy programmability. The article presents the latest innovations from various manufacturers on the market and highlights a wide range of possible applications in different industries.
Motor control with CANopen and Ethercat interface
Koco Motion presents the next generation of EM_S stepper motordrivern, which are controlled via the clock-direction interface. They offer better setting options, are even easier to use and have better performance than their predecessors. Drivers for the factory of the future are available with either a CAN open or EtherCAT interface.
What does Scada mean today? Tried and tested in the course of time
Scada systems used to be used for monitoring, control and regulation and were used to manage plants and processes. Today, with the digitalization of industry and the associated new business models, it is developing into an important component digital transformation.
Safety control | People, devices and machines: safe!
The Safety control ensures the safe operation of modern industrial plants and equipment. Safety controllers monitor and control safety-critical processes to protect people and machines. This article highlights the latest developments on the market and shows practical applications in various industries.
PLC | The programmable logic controller
The programmable logic controller (PLC) controls and regulates machines and systems. If you are looking for a PLC, discover the new products from various manufacturers in this article. Here you will also find information about essential basics and deepen your knowledge of efficient automation systems.
Human machine interface
Edge Computing | Devices, applications and lots of tips
In contrast to cloud computing, edge computing takes place at the edge of the network near the data sources or devices, machines or systems located in the network. decentralized data processing the analysis and evaluation of data becomes faster and productivity more efficient.
Industrial PC | Harsh environment and explosion-proof
A Industry PC is a specialized computer designed for demanding industrial applications. Its robustness, reliability and expandability make it suitable for a wide range of applications where conventional computers are not sufficient. It is able to operate even under extreme conditions to work.
users report
Applications and Industries
Monitoring and control during CIP cleaning
The process of CIP cleaning is an essential part of the brewing process. The method for cleaning process systems in the food, pharmaceutical and beverage industries involves rinsing systems with cleaning agents without dismantling them. Jumo offers EHEDG-certified sensors and intuitive, user-friendly control software for this purpose.
CNC + robot programming on one platform
By integrating the robot into the machine tool, the advantages of automation can be fully exploited. By developing a uniform programming environment, direct robot control is possible, with which robot programming can be carried out using G-codes in the CNC machining center.
Special HMI / PLC series for food technology
The TX700 Human Machine Interface, HMI for short, or Programmable Logic Controller, PLC for short, control unit series was designed for systems in the food industry. These two variants of the TX700FB are intended for food & beverage. There are also two versions with particularly bright displays for better sunlight readability, TX700HB (High Brightness).
Individual room control for heating in the smart home
The new generation of individual room control NEA Smart 2.0 for surface heating and cooling from Rehau is well suited for this. The entire control technology can now also communicate with other KNX-capable building technology components and there will be a further development from July 2022.
Navigation technology for flying taxi with solar aircraft
The solar plane Icaré glides quietly and easily over the district of Sigmaringen. The University of Stuttgart is testing high-precision navigation technology in a flying laboratory. The scientists collect data for navigation and flight control. The aim is to get a little closer to autonomous flying, as can be found in an air taxi.
Control increases efficiency in wave power plant
Nemos has developed a wave power plant that delivers around 30% higher efficiency than competitor products. The first large-scale plant is scheduled to start operation in 2017. The connection to existing offshore wind turbines, the use of the existing infrastructure and the use of Siemens technology for drive and control lead to efficient operation of the power plant.
manufacturer know-how
Jumo offers a versatile portfolio of control and regulation technology. This includes the proven Dtron and Mtron T series, which offer flexible modules for temperature, pressure and humidity control. The range also includes programmable logic controllers (PLC) and operator panels (HMI) for efficient process control and monitoring. With the Jumo Varitron, the expert offers tailor-made solutions for demanding automation tasks in various industries.
Easy-to-use PLC automation systems
The Automation systems Jumo's Varitron series are characterized by speed and a modular operating philosophy. These systems offer unique flexibility and scalability in automation through the use of the Jupiter platform and Codesys programming environment. The article gives you information about new features and special applications that Varitron stand out from other systems on the market.
koco Motion is a provider of Stepper Motors, DC motors, gears and special motors that are assembled in Dauchingen and customized to meet customer requirements. In 2017, together with the company Adlos from Liechtenstein, the drive specialist entered new areas with the automation platform Kannmotion. The result is an extremely cost-effective servo motor with controller and encoder.
Servo motor platform with controller and encoder
Koco Motion and Adlos have developed an ingenious, unique servo motor platform. The compact Kannmotion works reliably like a servo motor and can be controlled via commands or sequence programs ProgrammierenIts areas of application are wherever positioning tasks, controlled continuous operation or programmed movement sequences are required.
Stepper motor driver with CANopen and Ethercat interface
The new generation Stepper motor drivern can be controlled via the clock-direction interface. They offer better setting options, are even easier to use and have better performance than their predecessors. For the factory of the future, the drivers are available with either a CANopen or EtherCAT interface.
The control technology of Mitsubishi Electric includes the latest technologies for industrial applications. These include the programmable logic controllers (PLC) of the Melsec series, which are known for their reliability and flexibility. The iQ-R and iQ-F series offer scalable solutions for a wide range of automation requirements. The range is complemented by motion controllers of the Melsec series for precise motion control, frequency converter for controlling drive systems and human machine interfaces (HMI) for user-friendly interaction with machines.
Intelligent CNC control for machine tools
Mitsubishi Electric shows how machine tools in networked production systems, with intelligent CNC control, edge computing and partner solutions to increase productivity. In this article you will find information about the connection of robots via plug-and-play integration or the new CNC control M8V with direct WLAN connection.
Edge computing software efficiently increases productivity
Edge computing software from Mitsubishi Electric connects relevant business processes and helps companies that digital transformation implement. This increases productivity, improves product quality and optimizes system availability. In order to make modern production lines fit for the 4th Industrial Revolution the automator now has the data analysis tool Melsoft Mailab which uses AI to help digitalize planning and production.
Graphic HMI operator terminals for industrial automation
Mitsubishi Electric offers the GOT2000 HMI Series graphic Operating terminals with programmable display for industrial automation and numerous non-industrial applications. New to the range are two human machine interfaces with widescreen for conveying more information in factory automation, process industry and utility engineering.
Today's machine control: intelligent and capable of learning
With AI and advanced analytics (AA) machine control can now process data, learn from it and make autonomous decisions. This increases the availability of machines and systems. These become more efficient, more reliable and, overall, more productive. Nils Knepper from Mitsubishi Electric knows how embedding these intelligent technologies in the control system can provide a new paradigm of operation.
PLC controls from the inventor of the compact PLC
Mitsubishi Electric launched the first compact PLC in the 1980s. Today, the PLC Melsec Series for reliability and efficiency in industrial automation. As a globally recognized standard, it sets standards in control technology. With modern technology, these programmable logic controllers offer solutions for your demanding applications - especially when starting out in digitalization.
To the control technology portfolio of Pepperl + Fuchs include interface modules for signal transmission and processing as well as operator terminals (HMI) for intuitive user interaction. Particularly noteworthy are the intrinsically safe components and explosion protection systems, which ensure the highest safety standards in hazardous environments. With innovative technologies from the brand Ecom The automation company also offers explosion-proof cell phones, tablets and smartphones as an interface for a wide range of industrial applications in the field of factory and process automation.
Smart data glasses as part of the digital transformation
Challenges such as the shortage of skilled workers, the Corona pandemic or generational change are putting increasing pressure on industry: experienced employees are leaving and the next generation is a digital one. At the same time, the demands in increasingly complex industrial plants are increasing. remote assistance like the smart data glasses of the Pepperl+Fuchs brand Ecom help to adjust to the new situations.
HMI platform for industrial operation and monitoring
Pepperl+Fuchs offers a comprehensive range of HMI Operating systems for machines and systems in process automation, including HMIs for PLC and DCS/MES. The industrial monitors are used in the chemical industry, Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry and oil and gas industry. On the Hannover Messe In 2022, the automation specialist will have the new, modular and highly flexible HMI operator station VisunetFLX for Atex / IECEx Zone 1/21 and Division 1.
Ex-protected mobile phone, smartphone or tablet
The Pepperl+Fuchs brand Ecom Instruments offers a range of Ex cell phones and smartphones for use in Atex Zone 1 and Atex Zone 2. These also have all relevant international Ex protection certificates such as IECEx, NEC, among others. In addition to explosion protection, this is also suitable Ex-protected cell phone or industrial smartphone also for lone worker protection (LWP) and push-to-talk application.
Schmersal offers a comprehensive safety portfolio of control technology aimed at the highest reliability in industrial automation. These include Safety relay, safety controllers from the Protect series and programmable safety controllers such as the PSC1. These solutions enable the safe monitoring and control of machines and systems.
Safety control for safe signal processing
The Schmersal Group offers modular, programmable safety controllers of the series ProtectPSC and the multifunctional safety controls with program selection functions of the ProtectSelect series. Both offer options for visualizing and diagnosing signals.
To the control technology offer from Turck include modular and compact I/O systems such as the BL20 and BL67, which offer flexible fieldbuscommunication. The robust HMI/PLC solutions of the TX500 series combine operating and control functions in one device. Turck's Tben-L-PLC is an IP67-protected, decentralized control solution for direct use in harsh environments. Turck also offers a wide range of RFID-Systems and wireless solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into existing automation networks.
Special Human Machine Interface / PLC series
Turck expands its TX700 Human Machine Interface (Human-machine interface), or HMI for short. Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLC device series for short. For systems in the food industry, there are two versions of the TX700FB (Food & Beverage). There are also two versions with particularly bright displays for better sunlight readability, the TX700HB (High Brightness).
Programmable logic controller and gateways
Turck offers appropriate controllers for controlling and monitoring such as the IP67 PLC with cloud connection and edge gateway function, Ethernet gateways also for the Ex area and HMI operating devices. We present the new developments to you here.
Other manufacturers
- ABB supplies PLC, HMI and process control systems. Its Ability platform enables comprehensive digital solutions and analytics for industrial automation.
- Beckhoff is known for its PC-based control solutions. The Twincat software and Ethercat technology offer a flexible and powerful automation platform.
- Bosch Rexroth has PLC, CNC and motion control systems in its range, with the Indramotion series being particularly noteworthy for its precise motion control in production.
- B&R Automation provides PLC, HMI and motion control systems as well as its scalable X20 series, which enables seamless integration into diverse automation landscapes.
- Heidenhain specializes in CNC controls that impress with their high precision and reliability in the machine tool industry.
- Omron offers PLC, HMI and robot controllers, with the Sysmac platform standing out for its complete integration of control and machine automation.
- Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) offers a wide range of PLC, HMI and motion control. The Allen-Bradley Control Logix series is known as a powerful controller in demanding applications.
- Schneider Electric's control portfolio includes the Modicon PLC series, which impresses with its robustness and easy integration into existing systems.
- Siemens offers a comprehensive portfolio of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from the Simatic series, which are known for their high scalability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 types of control?
There are three main types of controls: Programmable logic controllers (PLC) for flexible automation tasks, numerical controls (CNC) for precise machine tool control and safety controls for monitoring and securing safety-critical functions.
What is the difference between control and regulation technology?
The difference between control engineering and regulation engineering lies in the Type of process influence. Open-loop control technology influences processes by giving commands without feedback, while closed-loop control technology continuously measures and makes adjustments to achieve a desired setpoint. Open-loop control is often simpler and more direct, whereas closed-loop control is more complex and relies on feedback for adjustment. The terms open-loop control and closed-loop control are often used interchangeably in Automation services used to describe different approaches to process control.
There are a variety of controllers for different industrial applications:
- SPS are flexibly programmable and ideal for automation tasks in industry.
- NC and CNC offer high precision and efficiency, especially for machine tools.
- ProcessControls for continuous processes in the chemical, food and energy industries.
- ExerciseMotion Control is used for precise control of Engines and robots in the production.
- Health and SafetyControl systems ensure the safety of machines and systems and monitor safety-critical functions.
- decentralizede Controls are installed directly on the machine as compact, modular systems.
- Robotcontrollers are optimized for controlling industrial robots in automated manufacturing processes.
What is a control in simple terms?
In simple definition, a controller is a technical system that executes certain operations in machines or processes through predefined commands without taking into account feedback from the process behavior. It works according to a fixed program to start, stop or change actions based on the inputs it receives.
