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Within an expansive 816,000-square-foot facility, New England Confectionery Co. (NECCO) in Revere, MA, engages in the production of a diverse range of treats, including renowned candy wafers, chocolate bars, thin chocolate mints, and private-label brands. Among its popular offerings are Valentine's Day candies known as Sweethearts Conversation Hearts.The production of Sweethearts candies exceeds 8 billion annually, with manufacturing taking place from late February to mid-January of the followin …

In the dynamic landscape of industrial automation, the need to update and modernize machine controls is more critical than ever. The convergence of factors such as the physical age of electronics, rapid technological advancements, evolving safety regulations, changing business needs, and the omnipresent threat of cybersecurity breaches compels industries to reevaluate and upgrade their industrial machine controls. This article delves into each of these factors, emphasizing the imperative for tim …

SMC Corporation's EQ series of electric actuators stand out for their high-performance motors featuring integrated controllers and battery-less absolute encoders. Designed for diverse applications, these actuators provide a range of functionalities that cater to specific needs while emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainability.The EQ series offers a notable feature with its high-performance motors, equipped with integrated controllers and battery-less absolute encoders. This combin …

UL 508 refers to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard for industrial control panels. Industrial control panels are used to control and distribute electrical power in various industrial environments. The UL 508 standard specifically covers the construction, installation, and performance requirements of these control panels.Here are key points related to UL 508 control panels and their use in a robot cell:1. Standard Compliance: - UL 508 compliance ensures that the control panels meet speci …

The advent of manifold mounted, plug-in pneumatic valves has been a boon for machine builders. It allows them to mount complete valve packages in a safe and secure location on a machine. Using a D-sub connector, serial interface module, or similar single-point wiring system, all of the electrical control outputs can feed into one location on the manifold, greatly simplifying the wiring. Plumbing issues are reduced, since a single air pressure line can be used to feed a common pressure galle …