Flexible network connection for intelligent automation devices

Flexible network connection for intelligent automation devices. (Photo: Belden, PR178) Belden has added a new embedded Ethernet module (EEM) to its Hirschmann™ product range. The new module – which is available as a Profinet I/O device, EtherNet/IP adapter device or EtherCAT slave controller – grants Ethernet access to intelligent automation devices, or enables them to be integrated in network management systems. All models of the EEM are equipped with a switch for two external Fast Ethernet ports, and one internal port to the host CPU. The latter, which has a 50-pole plug connector, can be used to connect the host CPU of the automation device to the CPU of the EEM. Since data communication is via a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), the functionality of the EEM can be adapted to meet customer requirements or technological change without the need to alter the hardware. This makes the new module a practical and versatile option for connecting intelligent automation devices such as motor starters, frequency converters, or sensors to Ethernet networks.

Trespa rewards visions of the future - and the role of architecture

ADD project: This design clearly places facades in the future by dealing with the big issues in the long term. (Photo Trespa, TRPR119)As the leading producer of innovative and inspirational façade solutions, Trespa International B.V. marked its 50th anniversary with an international competition for Architects. With a long and distinguished history, Trespa Meteon panels are the material of choice for the creation of some of the world’s most outstanding façades. However, rather than look back, Architects were invited to step 50 years into the future – and design a façade, using state-of-the-art Trespa technology.

SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Geloy* XTW Resin Provides Exceptional Good Looks, Weatherability, and Performance for Zhongcai’s Window Profiles

Window Profiles Made by Zhongcai Profiles Using SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Geloy* XTW Resin>BERGEN OP ZOOM, The Netherlands – December 8, 2010 – When Zhongcai Profiles Co. Ltd., Zhejiang, China, needed an advanced materials solution to manufacture color-rich, high-performance window profiles for its building and construction customers, the company turned to SABIC Innovative Plastics. The solution was Geloy* XTW resin, a high-end acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) resin that has become the standard for excellence in co-extruded window profiles, gutters, siding and roofing for the building and construction industry. When used as a cap layer over polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials, Geloy XTW ASA resin maintains its color and gloss up to 10 times better than competitive products. This resin demonstrates SABIC Innovative Plastics’ unmatched ability to repeatedly develop breakthrough materials that give customers a significant differentiator in challenging market sectors.

Clariant raises prices for textile chemicals and textile dyes

ClariantMuttenz, December 8, 2010 – Clariant Business Unit Textile Chemicals announces price increases for its ranges of textile chemicals and textiles dyes of up to 15%. The price rises will take immediate effect.

High-solubility PP clarifying agent cuts energy costs while giving unmatched optics

Milliken is exhibiting a wide range of packaging and durable storage applications in clear polypropylene containing Millad NX8000 clarifying agent.Ghent, Belgium – 07 December 2010 – Milliken’s theme for K 2010 of increasing sustainability through additive innovation finds perfect expression in its latest generation of Millad® clarifying agents for polypropylene. Milliken is already known as the world’s leading supplier of clarifiers that enable polypropylene, one of the most sustainable plastics on the market, to compete for applications demanding excellent optics but normally requiring more costly materials. Now, its new Millad NX8000 series not only sets a new benchmark for clarification, but also enables processors to make substantial improvements in their economics through reduced processing temperatures and shorter cycles.

DSM ENGINEERGING PLASTICS ANNOUNCES GLOBAL PRICE INCREASE FOR AKULON PA COMPOUNDS

DSM Engineering MaterialsDSM has announced its intention to increase prices for its Akulon® PA6 and PA66 compounds. This increase, which will be effective immediately, is to offset continued escalations in the costs of key raw materials.

Robust unmanaged 10-port switch

Robust unmanaged 10-port switch. (Photo: Belden, PR177) Belden has extended the familiar OCTOPUS range in its Hirschmann™ product series to include a new unmanaged Fast Ethernet switch. This switch, which also supports automation protocols such as Profinet, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP, possesses ten twisted-pair ports (10/100 BASE-TX) with vibration-proof M12 connections with D-coding. The unit’s additional features include a robust, fire-proof, die-cast housing, protection class IP54 and a temperature range from 40° to +70°C. This switch also complies with all relevant industry standards and is approved for use in road and rail vehicles and ships. This makes it particularly suitable for use in small-scale networks in transport, manufacturing and process automation where management functions are not required.

New Head of Group Communications & Investor Relations

ClariantMuttenz, December 6, 2010 – Clariant has decided to consolidate the functions “Group Communications” and “Investor Relations” into one single department “Group Communications & Investor Relations”. Ulrich Steiner, currently Head of Investor Relations, has been appointed Head of Group Communications & Investor Relations as of January 1, 2011.