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How To Know When Predictive Maintenance Isn’t An Ideal Solution

How To Know When Predictive Maintenance Isn’t An Ideal Solution

To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some indicators that your organization should improve before implementing predictive maintenance.


Keyence Rolls Out Telecentric Lenses for Inline Measurement

Keyence Rolls Out Telecentric Lenses for Inline Measurement

Using a telecentric optical system, Keyence's new TM-X5000 series for automated dimensional measurements aims to enhance quality control in manufacturing with greater accuracy and speed.


News Jan 19, 2023 by Seth Price
Count Up (CTU) Instructions on an Arduino OpenPLC Simulator

Count Up (CTU) Instructions on an Arduino OpenPLC Simulator

DC motors are an old technology still commonly used in industry. This hands-on article shows how to implement a Count Up (CTU) counter on an Arduino OpenPLC Simulator to control a low-voltage DC motor.


Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

Controlling Processes with Analog Inputs: New Potentiometer Lineup

CUI Devices has expanded its product line of motion and control components, offering a new family of shaft and shaftless potentiometers that come in different varieties with varying resistance ratings.


News Jan 18, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Intro to PLC Programming with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and CompactLogix

Intro to PLC Programming with Rockwell’s Studio 5000 and CompactLogix

Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn the basics of getting started with a CompactLogix project in the Studio 5000 environment.


Siemens Sets its Sights on Global Food Security and Sustainability

Siemens Sets its Sights on Global Food Security and Sustainability

Siemens and 80 Acres Farms have joined forces to bring artificial intelligence, robotics, and other automation technologies to nontraditional farming practices to increase efficiency and sustainability of food production.


News Jan 17, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.


A Chat with OnRobot and a Look at D:PLOY - The Next Step in Robotics?

A Chat with OnRobot and a Look at D:PLOY - The Next Step in Robotics?

Control.com had the opportunity to chat with Kristian Hulgard, OnRobot’s General Manager, to learn about D:Ploy, a robotic deployment solution that has been seven years in the making.


News Jan 16, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
Why Do Ancient Roman Structures Still Stand? A New Look at an Old Technique

Why Do Ancient Roman Structures Still Stand? A New Look at an Old Technique

Civil engineers may have found the secret to the long-lasting concrete found in ancient Roman architecture. What lessons can be learned and used to benefit the modern industry?


News Jan 15, 2023 by Seth Price
Advancing Automation in Agriculture, Innovations at CES 2023

Advancing Automation in Agriculture, Innovations at CES 2023

Check out technologies showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show 2023 to see how automation and robotics in agriculture are helping humanity economize on resources and safeguard the environment.


News Jan 13, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

Comparing Parallel Circuits: Practical vs Theoretical Electrical Systems

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.


Control.com is Headed to ATX West 2023 - Meet Us There

Control.com is Headed to ATX West 2023 - Meet Us There

The Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West, hosted by IMEngineering West, is happening in Anaheim, CA, on Feb 7-9. Control.com is excited to attend and share news about products, stories, and innovations from the front lines!


News Jan 12, 2023 by David Peterson
Exploring 4 Popular Machine Learning Algorithms for Industrial Applications

Exploring 4 Popular Machine Learning Algorithms for Industrial Applications

Machine learning is a subset of AI that allows a machine to learn using past data. Learn about the two categories of machine learning as well as four major machine learning models often used in industrial applications.


Introducing High-volume, Low-labor 3D Printing for Mass Production

Introducing High-volume, Low-labor 3D Printing for Mass Production

The new Formlabs Automation Ecosystem automates steps in the 3D printing process, aiming to provide low-cost, hands-free, and time-saving 3D printing of parts for mass production.


News Jan 11, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.


Memory: A Challenge on the Road to Industry 4.0

Memory: A Challenge on the Road to Industry 4.0

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and associated memory solutions, however, some memory-based trends are becoming apparent.


What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.


Alan Turing: The Innovation Behind Modern Computer Controls

Alan Turing: The Innovation Behind Modern Computer Controls

Nearly all modern programmable control systems are constructed from computer-driven algorithms. Join us to explore the extraordinary life of the ‘founder of computing science’, Alan Turing.


Types of Actuators: Comparing Pneumatic vs. Electric Actuators

Types of Actuators: Comparing Pneumatic vs. Electric Actuators

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare electric actuators and several types of fluid-power actuators.


An Introduction to Types of Closed-loop Motor Control

An Introduction to Types of Closed-loop Motor Control

Closed-loop motor control is a control system used to regulate the output of a motor. Learn about the four common types of closed-loop motor control systems to understand each one’s inner-workings and applications.