Cimtec Automation Blog

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

CIMTEC Announces CDI Systems as an option for Cognex VisionView VGA andVision View PC

Computer Dynamics systems packaged with Cognex VisionView available from CIMTEC

CIMTEC Automation is now providing Computer Dynamics Industrial Flat Panel systems with Cognex VisionView software.  VisionView is ideal for monitoring and controlling vision systems and industrial ID readers on the factory floor, and allows operator controls specific to the application. The VisionView application software offers the following features:
  • Automatic detection. VisionView will automatically detect any Cognex vision system on your network.
  • Mix and match Cognex In-Sight systems. VisionView allows you to view up to twelve In-Sight vision systems in a tiled view.
  • Graphical interface. VisionView displays full color images, with graphic overlays and operator controls.
  • Fast image updates. VisionView provides the most recent inspection images so you can view your process in real-time.
  • Access to CustomViews. The operator controls created in the spreadsheet automatically appear in VisionView.
  • EasyView display. Items selected from In-Sight EasyBuilder interface software will appear on the VisionView screen, with impressive ease of use.
  • Run-time ability to train fonts, without a PC.  No downtime is required during changeovers. Ideal for OCR/OCV applications.

PAC-OPR Products + VisionView PC
PAC-OPR running Cognex VisionView PC The PAC-OPR products are industrial NEMA 12 panel-mount flat panel computers with 2 PCI slots.  This product is available in three different panel sizes: 15” 1024x768, 17” 1280x1024, and 19” 1280x1024.  In addition to the display choice, this system includes: a Resistive touchscreen, 1.83GHz (667 MHz FSB) T5600 C2D Processor with 2GB of DDR-2 RAM, Windows XP Pro installed (no CD media included). A 250GB (or greater) Hard Drive, 5-in-1 card reader, and DVD-ROM are also included as standard.  Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface.

VAMP-WN Products + VisionView VGA
CDI Thinview Display showing Cognex VisionView VGA The VAMP-WN is a highly configurable industrial flat panel display with a wide variety of packaging options.  The stocked configurations are 15” 1024x768, 17” 1280x1024, and 19” 1280x1024 panels with a NEMA4 panel-mount front bezel and resistive  touchscreen. Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface via VGA and serial connections using the provided cables. This provides the flexibility to connect smaller- or larger-size monitors for “control room” viewing of images, results, CustomViews, and EasyViews.

PAC-SSX + VisionView PC
CDI PAC-SSX running VisionView PC The PAC-SSX is an industrial flat panel computer in a rugged, fully-sealed IP65 stainless steel chassis.  This system includes:  a 15" 1024x768 TFT, resistive touchscreen, fanless 1.86GHz ATOM D2550 Processor with 2GB of DDR RAM, 32G solid state flash drive, and Windows XP Pro installed.  There are no moving parts in this system which results in a very robust, long lasting product! Monitor and control the vision application with the VisionView interface.

For more information on Flat Panel Display Systems, head over to www.cdynamics.com.  Computer Dynamics offers a wide variety of flat panel display solutions and can provide units ready to ship from our inventory as well as custom display solutions for any application need.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Learn more about using Industrial PCs


Screen shot 2012-05-25 at 10.36.07 AM


With the recent launch of the new Computer Dynamics website, we have added a blog which already has several articles of interest for people using, or planning to use PCs for monitoring and control in an Industrial environment.  For example, we have already posted articles about using Windows XP (which will soon go end of life) in the Industrial space, as well as articles on processor performance to help you understand how to choose the right processor for your application.  There is also an article on different touchscreen and display technologies which serves as a primer for the several viable technologies available today and describes why you might choose one technology over another for a given environment.  For an example article on display and touchscreen technologies, head over to http://blog.cdynamics.com/2013/08/flat-panel-and-touchscreen-technologies_15.html.  From there you will find all of the articles referenced above as well as additional content as we add more topics regularly.  If you haven't already, head on over to http://www.cdynamics.com as well to view the products in the Computer Dynamics line.

Monday, July 15, 2013

CIMTEC Automation Invites You to Attend PROFINET Training on Sept. 12th

CIMTEC Automation LLC is participating in the upcoming PROFINET training seminar being held in Raleigh North Carolina on September 12th 2013.

CIMTEC Automation sees this event as a unique opportunity for engineering and technical professionals to gain a thorough understanding of PROFINET. This event is sponsored by CIMTEC and other member organizations making this a free event for all registrants.

profinetThis event will cover:

Introduction
- Organization behind PROFINET
- System Architecture: PROFINET and other buses

PROFINET Fundamentals
- Industrial Ethernet Overview

PROFINET: How do I…
… connect IO & a legacy fieldbus?
… get data from sensors/actuators?
… integrate machines & do motion control?
… install my infrastructure & use wireless connections?

Wrap-up and Resources

  Register Now,
  Seating is Limited!



Event Details

Training Class DATE

September 12th 2013Training Class LOCATION

Raleigh, NC (Hilton North Raleigh)


Training Class TIME SCHEDULE


8:00am                Registration and Light Breakfast

8:30am                Class begins

10:00am              Morning Break, coffee and other beverages

12:00noon           Hosted Lunch

1:00pm                Class resumes

3:15pm                Afternoon Break, snacks and beverages

4:30pm                Class ends


  Register Now,
  Seating is Limited!



Friday, July 12, 2013

DVT Machine Vision Users...the Time is Now! DVT Cameras are Obsolete!

DVT Cameras have been obsolete for years now, with no spares on shelves anywhere…what is your plan to migrate forward safely and effectively?  Don’t get caught in a down situation with obsolete equipment!
DVT to InsightIt is well known that Cognex acquired DVT and assimilated the best features of both worlds together to move forward into the future of machine vision.  The result…“EasyBuilder” for In-Sight Explorer gives users a Point-and-Click environment for bringing your machine vision application to deployment faster and easier than ever before!
Cognex EasyBuilder
The image-centric interface with application steps walks users right through setting up a vision system start-to-finish.  It is intuitive and simple to use, while also being more capable than ever with the latest vision tools and algorithms from Cognex!

Cognex has also released their latest addition to the In-Sight product line – the In-Sight 7000 Series.


In-Sight IS7000
The In-Sight 7000 delivers unprecedented capabilities that allow you to perform super-reliable inspections no matter how tight your space is or how fast your line moves – and you get it all in a compact industrial IP67 package designed for the harshest, most demanding conditions.
Maximum speed and flexibility in even the tightest spots…


  • Auto-focus lens – M12 integrated lens mechanically auto-focuses to handle an assortment of parts and quick changeover on your line. With the integrated auto-focus lens, also comes an integrated ring light available in a variety of colors for every application.

  • Smarter tools – You get In-Sight measurement, location and inspection vision tools and the flexible EasyBuilder environment to make all inspection, defect detection, guidance, alignment and measurement applications easy to set up and deploy.

  • Faster image capture – Benefit from high acquisition speeds with a maximum of over 100 image captures per second giving you reliable inspection performance on even the fastest bottling and pharmaceutical production lines.

  • No additional power required - Power and control specialized lighting directly which eliminates the need for external power supplies.
    Seamless communication – Cognex Connect™ offers the widest range of built-in communication protocols. The In-Sight 7000 features built-in Ethernet, RS-232 Serial and multiple discrete IOs. The system can communicate directly to a PLC or robot controller and manage multiple smart cameras remotely from a networked PC or HMI.
    Size – 75mm x 55mm x 47mm, offering the most streamlined profile for In-Sight vision systems.

Please contact us today about your machine vision needs!

call 704-227-4600, or e-mail our applications group at engineering@cimtec.com

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Computer Dynamics, A Division of Cimtec Automation, releases i5Processors on the WN Product Platforms

dp_i5_wnComputer Dynamics, A Division of Cimtec Automation, is pleased to announce the addition of the Intel Core i5 processor to the DisplayPac-WN family of products. The DisplayPac-WN family of Industrial Panel PCs is one of Computer Dynamics longest running product lines and it now incorporates the newer 3rd Generation Intel Core i5 processors.  In addition to the performance boost from the newer processor technology, the new Mini-ITX Intel HM76 based motherboard supports up to 16GB of DDR3 memory.

The Core i5 processor is an excellent choice for customers that need higher performance, but want to balance cost and power consumption.  The DisplayPac-WN product family continues to offer a wide selection of panel sizes, packaging options, and touchscreen technologies.  Computer Dynamics Sales Engineers are trained to suggest the right product for our customer’s applications.  The Intel Core i5 offering gives our Sales Engineers another way to help our customers choose the right product for any industrial PC application.

Based on the third generation Intel Core i5 processors, the DisplayPac-i5-WN series of Panel PCs are an excellent performance solution for Industrial Computing needs. The platform offers flat panels ranging in size from 15" to 21.5" and come with a touchscreen. The systems can be configured either with a panel-mount plate or with a stand-alone chassis. Additionally, the displays can be made sunlight readable.

The Core i5 version of the DisplayPac-WN fits in same footprint as the Core 2 Duo DisplayPac-WN systems for easy upgrade.  The DisplayPac-WN-C2D products will continue to be sold as they are today.

Please visit our website at www.cdynamics.com for more information.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Camber Inspection System (CIS) from Cimtec Engineered Products

Often during manufacturing process of bars, beams and machined parts maintaining a tight tolerance for straightness, run out and roundness is required. Automating this inspection process can improve productivity, efficiency, quality and throughput.

The Cimtec Camber Inspection System (CIS) utilizes a high accuracy SICK laser based sensor to measure the distance from a fixed position on the users machine to the part to be inspected. As in the most recent example of a bar straightening system for major metals manufacturer in North Carolina, the sensor head was mounted to the ram of the hydraulic press for straightening large diameter metal bars.

During the straightening operation the system performed two (2) full rotations and provided a stop signal to alert the customer’s machine controller of a high or low point during the product rotation. A Horner PLC with integral HMI coordinated the dimensional measurement information and displayed the results to the operator.



The Camber Inspection System (CIS) interprets analog signals from the SICK DT20 HI high accuracy Laser based sensor. This allows the system to determine the high and low positions throughout the product rotation very quickly and accurately. The Camber Inspection System (CIS) can be easily programmed and provides simple product set up selection for the operator.

A visual indicator light and option for audible alarm is also provided to alert the operator when the high or low point is identified around the product circumference. The physical mounting considerations take into account the potentially harsh working environment. The controls are typically housed in a NEMA 4X cabinet capable of being mounted at a typical operator control station.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Introducing the Cognex DataMan 50 and 60 (50L,50S,60L,60S)

The DataMan 50/60L is a new series of compact barcode readers designed for 1-D oriented barcode reading. The DataMan 50/60S is a complementary, new series of compact readers designed for 1-D and 2-D barcode reading. Small in size but exceptional in barcode reading performance, the DataMan 50L measures just 23.5mm x 27mm x 43.5mm and features an IP65-rated housing. It is ideal for mounting in very tight spaces on production lines and in machinery. Both readers are equipped with Hotbars™, a proprietary image-analysis technology that delivers the highest read rates in the industry.
DataMan 50 DataMan 60
Models
• DataMan 50(L/S) exceptionally small size with USB and RS-232 connectivity
• DataMan 60(L/S) offers Ethernet, USB and RS-232 connectivity

Part Numbers:  DMR-50L-00, DMR-60L-00, DMR-50S-00, DMR-60S-00

No Moving Parts
Moving parts can wear out and require replacement. The DataMan product line is designed with no moving parts, increasing effective product life and potentially decreasing maintenance costs!

Hotbars
Hotbars image-analysis technology
dramatically increases the decoding speed of damaged or poorly presented 1-D linear barcodes. It has revolutionized the way barcodes are located and decoded. As a result, DataMan readers have unprecedented read rates and more time for the decoding phase of code reading thereby dramatically improving the ability to read badly damaged codes. This proven technology, used in the full range of DataMan barcode readers, ensures even the most challenging barcodes found in industrial applications can be read. With Hotbars, the DataMan 50/60L just reads.

Fast and Easy Setup
The DataMan 50/60 (L/S) features a three-position lens and an integrated
aimer for easy setup at different working distances. The incredibly small form factor enables the reader to integrate into virtually any new or
existing installation.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Cognex In-Sight (Insight) 7000 Goes Color

Cognex has recently added four In-Sight 7000 color models to their product portfolio. The new color models not only complement the existing In-Sight 7000 series, but also provide a fast higher resolution (1.3MP) color camera for the In-Sight product family.
In-Sight color 7000 series
The four new color models include the In-Sight 7010, 7200, 7400 and the higher resolution 7402 color model. The In-Sight 7010 color is an entry-level color vision system that can distinguish parts by color using the Color ID tool. The system features 24-bit color resolution that accurately identifies 16 million color variations—more than the human eye can detect. In addition to the Color ID tool, the In-Sight 7010 Color also includes pattern finding and measurement tools. The In-Sight 7200C, 7400C, 7402C include the full suite of vision tools along with color tools for color identification, color blob analysis and color filtering. These systems solve more complex applications involving logic or color composition, as well as those requiring higher resolution or faster execution.

C-mount Part Numbers:
IS7010-C01
IS7200-C01
IS7200-C11
IS7400-C01
IS7400-C11
IS7402-C01
IS7402-C11

Internal Lens, Auto-Focus Part Numbers:
IS7010-C01-120-000 IN-SIGHT 7010 800X600,COLOR,6MM,WHITE
IS7010-C01-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7010 800X600,COLOR,12MM,WHT
IS7010-C01-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7010 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7010-C01-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7010 800X600,COLOR,25MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-120-000 IN-SIGHT S7200 800X600,COLOR,6MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,12MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7200-C01-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,25MM,WH
IS7200-C11-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7200-C11-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,12MM,WHT
IS7200-C11-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7200-C11-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7200 800X600,COLOR, 25MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-120-000 IS7400 800X600,COLOR,6MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-220-000 IS7400 800X600,COLOR, 8MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR, 12MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7400-C01-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,25MM,WHT
IS7400-C11-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7400-C11-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,12MM,WHT
IS7400-C11-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,16MM,WHT
IS7400-C11-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7400 800X600,COLOR,25MM,WHT
IS7402-C01-120-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,6MM,WH
IS7402-C01-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7402-C01-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,12MM,WH
IS7402-C01-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,16MM,WH
IS7402-C01-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,25MM,WH
IS7402-C11-120-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,6MM,WHT
IS7402-C11-220-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,8MM,WHT
IS7402-C11-420-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,12MM,WH
IS7402-C11-520-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,16MM,WH
IS7402-C11-620-000 IN-SIGHT 7402 1280X1024,COLOR,25MM,WH

Thursday, April 4, 2013

CIMTEC Buys Remaining New GE 90-70 Parts from GE IP

All remaining New GE 90-70 PLC Parts are now owned by CIMTEC Automation! We have purchased the last remaining inventory from GE on all 90-70 New PLC parts and have plenty in stock today to keep your 90-70 systems running. The current inventory list includes:

IC697ALG230 IC697MDL250
IC697ALG320 IC697MDL340
IC697BEM711 IC697MDL350
IC697BEM713 IC697MDL653
IC697CHS750 IC697MDL654
IC697CHS782 IC697MDL671
IC697CHS790 IC697MDL740
IC697CMM742 IC697MDL750
IC697CPM790 IC697MDL940
IC697HSC700 IC697PWR711
IC697MDL240

Check each of these parts on our site to find the quantities available and the latest prices for these last remaining 90-70 PLC parts.

CIMTEC has been supporting the GE 90-70 product line ever since it was introduced in 1987. We have a full team of PLC Engineers to support the product and we fully understand all of the migrations that have taken place in the product line over the year.

In the coming weeks, we will be rounding out our complete 90-70 offering of new parts. As well, we can provide remanufactured 90-70 parts and can repair any 90-70 part in-house with great turnaround times.