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Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Hardware

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Hardware

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In this Control Automation video, we discuss the important hardware elements that define a PLC, regardless of its size or purpose.


Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.


The Journey of a Product through the Smart Logistics Cycle

The Journey of a Product through the Smart Logistics Cycle

Industry 4.0 impacts all parts of the value chain, including logistics, which makes smart logistics a key aspect of digital transformation. In this article, learn about the smart logistics cycle and selecting the right components for the tools needed.


Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) systems are the core of most industrial control systems that drive modern manufacturing. In our Control.com video tutorials, we will share information, experience, and tips for working with PLCs—from the hardware, to the wiring, to the programming logic of inputs, outputs, and communication processes.


A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

Welcome to Control Automation Day 2022—Control.com’s digital-only event for engineers! Here is your guide to navigating the keynote addresses, live educational sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News Jun 20, 2022 by David Peterson
Successful Obsolescence Mitigation

Successful Obsolescence Mitigation

Designing an obsolescence mitigation plan to detect and solve mitigation risks before they occur is key to avoiding costly downtime and a potential catastrophe in control environments. 


Clarifying Misconceptions About Theoretical vs Physical Circuits

Clarifying Misconceptions About Theoretical vs Physical Circuits

Control engineering is integrally woven together with electricity and electrical circuits. Even so, sometimes the most basic scenarios become misunderstood through lack of training or experience.


Obsolescence in Control Systems - Disaster or Opportunity?

Obsolescence in Control Systems - Disaster or Opportunity?

One of the most considerable risks in aging control environments is that eventually, spare parts become obsolete and unavailable, and the lack of an upgrade plan can turn a simple failure into a catastrophe.


End-to-End Automation Solutions: What Does That Mean?

End-to-End Automation Solutions: What Does That Mean?

Many companies offer automation solutions that work from the beginning to the end of a process. Not the progress of the product through the facility, but rather hardware from the shop floor to the cloud level and everything in between. We highlight here some solutions from Emerson and Bosch Rexroth from Automate 2022.


News Jun 09, 2022 by David Peterson
Siemens Highlights Digital Twinning as Part of Automate 2022 Technology Demonstrators

Siemens Highlights Digital Twinning as Part of Automate 2022 Technology Demonstrators

At the Detroit show, Siemens is displaying developments in areas that include digital twins, robotic integration, CNCs, PLCs, and Real-Time Locating Systems. Their portfolio of products and services are part of their Total Integrated Automation (TIA) engineering and automation platform.


News Jun 08, 2022 by David Peterson
Emerson Showcases First Pneumatic Valve System with Integrated OPC UA at Automate 2022

Emerson Showcases First Pneumatic Valve System with Integrated OPC UA at Automate 2022

Emerson introduces its new AVENTICS Series Advanced Valve (AV) valve system with Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture at Automate 2022.


News Jun 08, 2022 by David Peterson
Podcast: Universal Robots CEO Kim Povlsen on Collaborative Robots for the 98%

Podcast: Universal Robots CEO Kim Povlsen on Collaborative Robots for the 98%

Universal Robots CEO Kim Povlsen is a self-described robotics geek who now runs one of the world’s leading collaborative robot (cobot) companies where they strive to develop robots for the 98% of the market that doesn’t yet know they need them.


News Jun 07, 2022 by Dale Wilson
Control.com Will be Attending Automate 2022

Control.com Will be Attending Automate 2022

The reappearance of the Automate show in Detroit is an opportunity to witness some of the most innovative, exciting technology displays from manufacturers around the globe. If you see us, stop and say hello!


News Jun 05, 2022 by David Peterson
Power for Control Circuits: It’s Not Just Power Supplies

Power for Control Circuits: It’s Not Just Power Supplies

Power supplies tend to get a reputation as one of the most important power considerations of a DC control circuit - but we can’t ignore other key players: power filters, converters, and backup power modules.


Using AWS Greengrass and SageMaker Tools to Detect Manufacturing Defects

Using AWS Greengrass and SageMaker Tools to Detect Manufacturing Defects

This article discusses Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon SageMaker and AWS IoT Greengrass, and how their capabilities at the edge can impact machine learning use cases such as defect defection.


New LEG Series from SMC: Electric Actuator with Battery-less Encoder

New LEG Series from SMC: Electric Actuator with Battery-less Encoder

SMC announces a new electric actuator series with high-rigidity guide rods, equipped with a battery-less encoder, driven by stepper motor and matching drive compatible with multiple networks.


News May 21, 2022 by David Peterson
Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control Automation Day 2022 will be on June 21st, focusing on PLC systems, packed with keynote addresses, educational live sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News May 18, 2022 by David Peterson
Contactors versus Relays - Differences and Applications

Contactors versus Relays - Differences and Applications

Although the are similarities in operating theory, relays and contactors are used in industrial circuits for different specific applications, and should not be used interchangeably.


The Cat’s Out of the Bag - Demystifying Network Cables

The Cat’s Out of the Bag - Demystifying Network Cables

What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance standards, and these standards can be quite confusing at first glance.


Launcher’s 3D-Printed E-2 Engine Successfully Completes Test Fire

Launcher’s 3D-Printed E-2 Engine Successfully Completes Test Fire

Pioneering space vehicle developer, Launcher, announces a testing milestone as its 3D-printed E-2 engine achieves full thrust at the NASA Stennis Space Center.


News May 09, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida