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 PLC Program Commands: Arrays and Pointers

PLC Program Commands: Arrays and Pointers

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very complex and difficult to master. Let’s do a run-down of arrays and some of their complexities!


FANUC Creates Digitalization Suite To Improve Programming Efficiency

FANUC Creates Digitalization Suite To Improve Programming Efficiency

FANUC's new G-code simulation software, NC Reflection Studio, uses CNC parameters, kinematics, and machine layouts to help customers increase programming efficiency and improve machining processes in shops.


News Sep 01, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Advanced Energy Unveils Latest Additions to TEGAM 700 Series Bond Meters

Advanced Energy Unveils Latest Additions to TEGAM 700 Series Bond Meters

Advanced Energy has released two new bond meters, the TEGAM 720A and TEGAM 730A, to measure electrical bonding between devices for the aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy industries.


News Sep 01, 2022 by Seth Price
Gateway Configuration of RTU560 to Communicate Power System Data Over IEC-101 and IEC-104 Protocols

Gateway Configuration of RTU560 to Communicate Power System Data Over IEC-101 and IEC-104 Protocols

All real-time power system data can be communicated to a central control system to protect main equipment from overloading. Learn how to create a project directory structure, hardware configuration, and set network tree parameters for real-time control and monitoring.


The Connection Between Blockchain and Manufacturing

The Connection Between Blockchain and Manufacturing

Blockchain is a secure and decentralized system of immutable database records that can be useful in manufacturing, such as with product traceability and logging network activity from IoT industrial devices. 


LMI Technologies’ All-in-one 3D Smart Sensor Solution

LMI Technologies’ All-in-one 3D Smart Sensor Solution

LMI Technologies has developed the Gocator 2600, a 3D smart sensor laser line profiler that provide customers with improved plant efficiency in order to reduce costs and improve production processes for their customers.  


News Aug 31, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
PLC Ladder Logic on an Arduino: Introduction to OpenPLC

PLC Ladder Logic on an Arduino: Introduction to OpenPLC

Build a low-cost PLC using the Arduino Uno and the open-source industrial controls software, OpenPLC, to learn how to program with ladder logic, beginning with your first OpenPLC project: Hello World.


Schmalz’ Needle Gripper Technology for Porous Materials

Schmalz’ Needle Gripper Technology for Porous Materials

​​​​​​​Schmalz has released their new “needle gripper” used as an alternative to vacuum grippers in materials handling for natural and porous materials such as particle board. 


News Aug 30, 2022 by Seth Price
Consumer Data in an AI World: Restaurants, Shopping, and Machine Vision

Consumer Data in an AI World: Restaurants, Shopping, and Machine Vision

PreciTaste’s artificial intelligence-based platform and Shopic’s clip-on smart cart device provide consumers with an enhanced shopping experience but also bring about concerns of shopper privacy and security.


News Aug 30, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Challenges and Best Practices Implementing Industrial IoT Solutions

Challenges and Best Practices Implementing Industrial IoT Solutions

As the IIoT continues to grow in the industrial sector, businesses face a number of obstacles to integrating its solutions. Learn about these challenges as well as some potential solutions.


Easier Signal Connections With New Banner Junction Blocks

Easier Signal Connections With New Banner Junction Blocks

Merging shared signals has been the job of terminal strips and junction boxes since the early days of electrical systems. Banner Engineering’s new molded junction blocks ease the process for assembling and troubleshooting.


News Aug 29, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Festo Celebrates 50 Years Stateside with Planned Campus Expansion

Festo Celebrates 50 Years Stateside with Planned Campus Expansion

To mark their 50th anniversary, Festo plans to build their first North American Global Production Center on their 47-acre Mason campus to expand their customized solution capabilities.


News Aug 28, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Arc Flash Control with New RVI-43A Vacuum Interrupter

Arc Flash Control with New RVI-43A Vacuum Interrupter

Vacuum Interrupters has announced the RVI-43A replacement vacuum interrupter designed to break circuits in a controlled manner to avoid damage and injury from an arc flash.


News Aug 26, 2022 by Seth Price
How NXP Enables Industrial Security and IEC 62443 Compliance

How NXP Enables Industrial Security and IEC 62443 Compliance

IIoT adoption increases productivity and efficiency while reducing costs in manufacturing. However, such systems often open up potential attack surfaces for malicious actors if not secured correctly. 


New Proline Promass Q 300/500 for Accurate Hydrocarbon Measurement

New Proline Promass Q 300/500 for Accurate Hydrocarbon Measurement

Endress+Hauser announce the latest addition to their four-tube Coriolis flowmeters, the Proline Promass Q 300/500 meters for accurate transfer and measurement of liquids for even larger pipe sizes.


News Aug 25, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Acieta Reacts to Labor Shortage With New Cobot Welding Cell

Acieta Reacts to Labor Shortage With New Cobot Welding Cell

Acieta has created a collaborative and cost-effective solution to the ongoing labor shortage: a mobile cobot welding cell that takes care of simple and repetitive welding tasks wherever it is needed on the shop floor.


News Aug 25, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
3-phase Motor Types: Synchronous and Induction Motors

3-phase Motor Types: Synchronous and Induction Motors

In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two types of induction motors: squirrel cage and wound rotor.


Sumitomo Releases its Curveball Solution: A Wall-climbing Robot for Curved Steel Structures

Sumitomo Releases its Curveball Solution: A Wall-climbing Robot for Curved Steel Structures

Sumitomo has created a wheeled, wall climbing robot for undertaking tasks on curved steel structures. The new development hopes to see use in welding, maintenance, and other industrial tasks.


News Aug 24, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Acromag’s New I/O Modules for Quick and Local Decision Making

Acromag’s New I/O Modules for Quick and Local Decision Making

Acromag recently released their new I/O modules, the BusWorks NT series, that can handle some of the rule-based decision making internally, saving processor time on automation systems.


News Aug 24, 2022 by Seth Price
Solving the Biggest Challenge of IoT Devices: Power

Solving the Biggest Challenge of IoT Devices: Power

Remote locations are notoriously difficult to supply power, yet they are the exact locations where many data points must be collected. How can IoT devices be designed to conserve power to last for months or even years?