Using Ethernet for real-time applications provides faster communications along with faster setup and assembly控制工程网版权所有, lower costs, and improved diagnostics.
　　Engineering-Driven Ethernet Read more articles on industrial Ethernet.
　　Seeing is believing, so they say. Perhaps these applications of Ethernet will provide comfort that Ethernet protocols can be used in real-time applications. Read on, then go online with this article to link to more Ethernet detailsCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, applications, and photos.
　　Texo Industri

　　SERCOS III Ethernet protocol helps control subsystems and devices on Rovema packaging machines.
　　Italy-based Texo Industries streamlined print-and-cut operations on its Excalibur rotary die cutter and printing line. The company faces challenges to meet market demands for increasingly refined and modern boxes that reinforce product quality.
　　Under its previous system, the 29-axis machine that comprised the die cutter and printing line took about 35 seconds to be synchronized on start-up. An operator order to adjust the parameters took two seconds to fulfill. To adjust parameters more quickly, Texo sought to simplify information exchange at the control level. The machine is composed of modules that play specific roles, such as introducing the cardboardCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, printing, drying or die cutting. Measuring up to 3 meters high and 5 meters wide控制工程网版权所有, the module slides along special tracks to allow the operator to insert dies for the new print job. Numerous cables complicate the process, requiring disconnection and reconnection each time. To streamline operations, Texo installed a SLC 500 series programmable logic controller (PLC) from Rockwell Automation in the machine; all communications take place via three pairs of cablesCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, thereby reducing set-up times.
　　Texo replaced its DH-485 network with EtherNet/IP to further reduce set up time and attained faster transmission of adjustments during machine operation. EtherNet/IP helped simplified information exchange with the contr