Modular machines and production lines enable quick disconnects and speedy changeovers. In this month's Control Design cover story, Executive Editor Jim Montague talks to machine builders about how they're taking advantage of flexible design approaches to simply system construction and improve operations. Also in the February issue: Discover how an aluminum extruder used smart cameras to prevent machine damage; see how one machine builder simplified its robotics controls to handle chocolates quickly and delicately; and make sure you're caught up on what you need to know about safety standards.

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There's little question that end users would like to spend less rather than more money to operate their production machines. But when improved total cost of ownership (TCO) comes with a higher initial price tag, it might be a difficult sell. In this month's cover story, Senior Technical Editor Dan Hebert helps machine builders navigate through the options and dazzle their customers. Also in the January issue: Learn how variations on basic linear motion technologies can bring precision and accuracy to non-traditional applications; find out how to protect your system from unwanted access, whether internal or external; and offer your thoughts on how columnist Jeremy Pollard might have better handled a recent network "Armageddon."  read more »

The December issue of Control Design magazine is now online and ready for viewing. Although mechatronics is not a new idea, it is getting simpler, easier, affordable and practical for everyone. In this month's cover story, Executive Editor Jim Montague explains why it's well worth the effort to make the mental shift and take the necessary steps to bring your design teams together sooner. Also in the December issue: Read about a machine builder and packaging innovator that switched to PC-based control to get better, more affordable performance and efficiency; understand the pros and cons of IEC vs. NEMA motor starters; and get a handle on the "zettaflood" of data streaming from your devices.  read more »

A few subtle upgrades might be all it takes to get your old machine running like new. In this month's cover story, read examples in which users were able to renew their equipment with some new functions, usually enabled by newer controllers, better software, improved data processing, more pervasive networking or a suitable combination of each. Also in the October issue: Don't forget that mechanical speed controls can sometimes be better than electronic solution; remember who the innovator are in our industry, and think about what more could be done; and learn how color sensors can offer you a more reliable inspection.  read more »

Who are the superheroes of the automation vendor universe? Check this year's winners of our annual Readers' Choice Awards to see how your favorite suppliers fares. Also in the September issue: Discover why a machine builder relied on simulation software to design and test complex medication packaging system; decide whether you're a control engineer or analytical thinker; and join the heated discussion about crowded panels.  read more »

As you consider news markets you might enter into, consider the advice from other global machine builders in this month's Control Design cover story from Executive Editor Jim Montague. He explains how doing your research, finding good partner and balancing difficult decisions can bring you huge rewards. Also in the August issue: See how secure VPN tunneling helped one machine builder provide robust technical support, read more about the cloud to find out if it's safe enough for you control applicants; and consider whether those old mechanical relays are still the right answer.  read more »

Want to know who this year Innovator Award goes to? Read this month's cover story by Managing Editor Aaron Hand to find out what one machine builder did to win Control Design's 2011 Innovator Award. Also n the July issue: Read how an assembly and test system manufacturer took on added machine vision tasks; discover the advances being made in terminal blocks and connectors; and learn what you can do with a multicore PC.  read more »

The June issue of Control Design magazine is now online and ready for viewing. Machine builders are finding new ways to cooperate and work in parallel on projects. In the latest issue of Control Design, Executive Editor Jim Montague explains why and how you might want to join in the collaborative conversation. Also in the June issue: Discover how a plastics machine builder used hydraulics control to improve speed an safety learn what kind of control will be needed to produce tomorrow's semiconductors; and see why this Internet thing just might catch on.

The March issue of Control Design magazine is now online and ready for viewing. Based on Control Design's annual survey of machine builder' preferences, Editor in Chief Joe Feeley details how OEMs research, specify and buy controls and automation, showing wider adoption of web-based, digital tools. Also in the March issue: Understand the design considerations for operator interfaces in hazardous areas; find out if HMI can help you manage energy usage; and commiserate with one machine builder over customer trials and tribulations.  read more »

Read the latest issue of Control Design to find out from Executive Editor Jim Montague how to successfully build, manage and nurture your automation team. Also in the February issue: Explore the value of machine vision systems; discover whether web diagnostics could make your plant more vulnerable; and learn where automation fits into the phenomenal growth of the HB-LED market.  read more »