Automotive Panel Market Thrives Despite Tariff Uncertainty
Barbara Jorgensen, Contributing Editor at Panel Builder US explores how U.S. tariffs have increased costs and demand for automotive control systems.
Barbara Jorgensen, Contributing Editor at Panel Builder US explores how U.S. tariffs have increased costs and demand for automotive control systems.
S4B Safety Light Curtains are now available with additional length options for 14 mm resolution emitters and receivers. With the addition of 1350 mm, 1500 mm, 1650 mm, and 1800 mm models, the S4B supports reliable 14 mm finger detection and 30 mm hand detection across the full 300 mm to 1800 mm length range. Cascading functionality is now available on the S4B, simplifying installation by minimizing the wiring needed to connect light curtains to a controller.
Users have long appreciated Beckhoff’s EtherCAT Terminals for their excellent performance, modular scalability, and user-friendliness. The entire portfolio has received a technological upgrade with the ED series: modernized design, tool-free assembly, and app-based diagnostics make signal acquisition more efficient than ever. Existing series remain fully mechanically compatible: the user-friendly ED series sets a standard for the future.
The Schmersal PROTECT PSC1 safety controller is a compact safety control system with scalable I/O from a trusted provider of machine safety. E-stops, light grids, and almost any safety device can be monitored with ease, and the universal interface ensures instant connection to every standard fieldbus. The base models, PSC1-C-10 and PSC1-C-100, include 14 safe inputs up to PL e or SIL 3, 4 adjustable safe semiconductor outputs, 2 safe relay outputs, and 2 pulse outputs.
The complete control, configuration, and data access IO-Link and Modbus provide is now available in the flush-mount S22 Programmable Indicator and Programmable Touch Button. Operators can use IO-Link or Modbus to configure intuitive feedback via five animations and a full spectrum of custom colors, speeds, and intensities. Using IO-Link or Modbus simplifies device replacement, reduces wiring, and gives users access to dynamic data that improves operational efficiency. The S22’s flush-mount design sits tightly against panel, machine, and bracket surfaces for a more ergonomic, cleaner design.
With the Not Connected Closed (NCC) family, binder offers a circular connector solution that reliably protects against dust, dirt and moisture even when unmated. The product range includes series 670 (subminiature) and 770 (miniature), including dedicated versions for medical applications. Users benefit from proven, robust connection technology that combines high levels of protection with ease of use.
The 9810 Series Programmable AC Power Supplies provide 500 VA or 1000 VA output with adjustable voltage (0 to 300 V) and frequency (45 Hz to 500 Hz). These power supplies feature a color 4.3-inch LCD for easy monitoring of AC voltage, current, peak current, power factor, frequency, and crest factor. The 9810 Series supports advanced list mode programming with up to 50 programs and 9 steps per program, and includes surge/dropout functionality for simulating real-world conditions.
DATAMET wall‑mount enclosures from METCASE are ideal for meeting growing demand in the HMI electronics field, as well as for control and instrumentation applications. These smart, modern aluminum enclosures are perfect for factory processing, security, machine control, measurement and detection. They are a cost-effective alternative to METCASE’s premium TECHNOMET-CONTROL, which is designed for VESA mounting.
With the new switch from the MSM II family with M12 connector (8 pins), SCHURTER is focusing on a solution that has been specially developed for demanding industrial and commercial applications. Thanks to the M12 connector system, robust construction, and integrated RGB illumination, this switch combines maximum reliability, functionality, and modern design in a compact unit.
The new Mennekes SLPB Series of hygienic, stainless steel enclosures are available as individual blank units or pre-assembled with control devices such as an E-stop, pushbuttons, indicator lights or a three-position selector switch. They can also be customized for your specific application requirements. SLPB Series enclosures have all the features of Mennekes’ SPEC grade enclosures, such as 304 stainless steel construction and a 15° sloped roof to facilitate runoff in washdown and drainage areas.
Omron Automation has recently released the DX100 Data Flow Edge Device, an industrial edge solution designed to connect directly to existing PLCs, sensors, and other automation devices. DX100 enables manufacturers to securely connects, collects, formats, and shares data intuitively. Without modifying current control logic or requiring extensive programming experience. DX100 is a single, industrial data edge device that supports a broad range of industrial protocols.
The new VALVETRAB Safe Protection Plus (VAL-SPP) surge protective devices from Phoenix Contact protect both the installers and the end equipment. The new SPDs feature miswiring and touch protection, plus a reduced tightening torque of just 3 Newton-meters (Nm). The family includes the VAL-US-SPP, designed for common power supply systems in North America in accordance with the NEMA standard. The North American version is UL Listed and fully compliant with NFPA 79, which requires surge protection on safety circuits.
New M12 Cordsets with Stainless Steel Coupling Nuts are built for industrial environments where standard nickel-plated or zinc hardware may be prone to corrosion, seizing, or degradation. Stainless steel coupling hardware provides durable, corrosion-resistant connections for reliable use in outdoor, washdown, and humid environments. Available in 4-pin, straight male-to-female configurations with a black PVC jacket in 1 m (3.28 ft), 2 m (6.56 ft), 5 m (16.40 ft), and 10 m (32.8 ft) lengths.
Mouser Electronics, Inc. has recently announced a global distribution agreement with murrplastik. murrplastik’s diverse portfolio includes products such as labeling systems, conduit and coupling systems, cable drag chains, cable entry systems, and dress packs for robotic applications. Additionally, they also manufacture products for the automotive industry and plastic products for the medical field. This new agreement enhances Mouser’s offering of reliable, high-performance cable management solutions that support modern industrial automation, machine building, robotics, and control panel applications.
Designed in a compact 5-DIN module format, EMS combines measurement, data logging, communication, and analysis into one powerful device. It ensures accurate acquisition of energy and electrical variables, secure data storage, and seamless data exchange with local and remote systems, including Building Management Systems (BMS), industrial ERP/MES platforms, and cloud-based energy services. Thanks to its All-in-One architecture, EMS offers exceptional versatility.
Yokogawa Corporation of America has recently announces the North American launch of the OpreX Intelligent Edge Controllers – A8, the newest addition to the OpreX Control Devices portfolio. Designed to meet the rapidly evolving needs of modern automation and equipment builders, the A8 delivers powerful real-time control, advanced software architecture, and exceptional development efficiency. The A8 is a next-generation embedded equipment controller built on Linux (Ubuntu 24.04) with applied real-time patches, ensuring high-speed responsiveness and reliable deterministic performance.