As doctors and medical experts continue to try and find a vaccine for COVID-19, one company is looking to help control the spread, especially in medical facilities.

In Germany, OPC UA is the predominant means of integrating machines, whereas in North America, the preference is for MTConnect within the context of Industry 4.0. The protocol enables unidirectional communication between devices and superordinate command levels, for example, within a manufacturing execution system. Data transmission thereby follows an adapter-agent principle: the adapter reads analog or digital data from the machine or system via corresponding I/O modules and transmits it in a proprietary way to the agent, which conveys it to the control center via MTConnect.

WAGO’s 852-1812 Lean Managed Switch streamlines the process of network management by reducing the number of parameters for quick and easy setup. Enabling the built-in Web Base Management tool gives access to network configuration and commissioning parameters, which allows the user to configure Ring Networks even without having extensive IT knowledge. Web visualization displays a clear visualization of connected devices, port usage, and error diagnostics.

Almost nothing runs today without electricity. Plastics processor Ruch Novaplast has demonstrated that electricity can do more than just run the machines; it can optimize manufacturing using an integrated manufacturing execution system (MES).

The digital transition requires increased networking between different components, machines, production facilities, and even companies. Gradually, manufacturers are equipping their machines to exchange information. Yet many machines that are currently used in the processing industry still function as closed units. At most, the machines have access to sensors for detecting temperatures, setpoints, and cycle times. However, they do not have the ability to forward these valuable data. Thus, digitalization could already end at the machine level.

They reminisce fondly about the early days, when they brought their first X-ray inspection systems to the market. “At the time, we hardly knew what ppm meant,” R&D manager Martin Sokolowski says with a wink. Today, the engineers at Nordson MatriX focus on improving resolution at higher cycle speeds, while simultaneously creating their machines in record time, even though none are identical. WAGO automation modules have always supported a high degree of customization, and lately – the e!COCKPIT engineering software is the latest contribution to the cause.

Switchgear producers are challenged to steadily reduce their costs. At the same time, the number of networked and interactive systems has consistently increased the demands on electrical distribution networks. Ultimately, the competitive strength of a switchgear manufacturer is determined by how it combines technical expertise with production efficiency, knowing the latter is greatly influenced by wiring expenses. Therefore, streamlined wiring plays an important role for switchgear producers. Burkhard Niemann shares his insight on the philosophies WAGO follows in order to offer solutions that truly create value for switchgear manufacturers.

In today’s increasingly automated age, it is somewhat bewildering to realize that hand soldering of electronic componentry remains a viable connection technique. But then again, why not? We have been doing hand soldering by some estimations since 3000 BC in Mesopotamia. Of course, the soldered joints at that time were sword-related and decidedly non-electrical; nonetheless the basic concept – melting/wetting one metal to join two other metals – remains philosophically the same today.