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Flow Rate Sensors for Measurement in Fluid Systems

Flow Rate Sensors for Measurement in Fluid Systems

Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquids or gasses in pipes, ducts, and other fluid systems to help monitor and control processes, prevent system failures, and optimize performance.


Trading Customization for Flexibility: Roundup of Robot Gripper Ecosystems

Trading Customization for Flexibility: Roundup of Robot Gripper Ecosystems

A recently common term applied to systems of standardized robot grippers is an ‘ecosystem,’ but what does this actually mean, and what are some examples of implementation in manufacturing industries?


News Apr 24, 2023 by David Peterson
Level Sensors and Their Use in Level Measurement and Monitoring

Level Sensors and Their Use in Level Measurement and Monitoring

Level sensors are used to measure the level of a substance, usually a liquid or granular material, in a container. Different types of level sensors include capacitive, ultrasonic, acoustic, and radar.


ODVA Introduces Process Device Profiles, Aids With Diagnostic and Process Variables

ODVA Introduces Process Device Profiles, Aids With Diagnostic and Process Variables

ODVA releases process automation device profiles to help standardize process automation field device variables over Ethernet/IP, reducing device integration time and allowing for interchangeability between devices in the field.


News Apr 20, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Yaskawa Motoman Adds No-code to High-speed Conveyor Picking

Yaskawa Motoman Adds No-code to High-speed Conveyor Picking

Yaskawa Motoman has added enhancements to its MotoPick 4 software, with easy-to-use no-coding part tracking capabilities that offer multiple features to reduce complexity on a multiple robot part tracking solution.


News Apr 19, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Pressure Sensor Fundamentals and Types

Pressure Sensor Fundamentals and Types

Pressure sensors are essential tools in industrial applications, required wherever there is a hydraulic or pneumatic system to keep pressure quantities under control.


When To Calibrate: Making Sense of Calibration Intervals

When To Calibrate: Making Sense of Calibration Intervals

Calibration is performed on a regular basis to ensure proper measurement tool function, but how do we determine the proper interval? Factors include environment, usage, and level of dependence on proper function.


Compact, Multicolor Capability: Leuze Delivers Its Smallest Contrast Sensor Yet

Compact, Multicolor Capability: Leuze Delivers Its Smallest Contrast Sensor Yet

Leuze is now offering its smallest contrast sensor yet—the KRT 3C. Designed for use in the packaging, the KRT 3C features a compact design, multicolor functionality, and easy setup with its IO-Link interface.


News Apr 13, 2023 by Seth Price
Stratus Unveils Next Generation of ftServer Fault Tolerant Computing Platforms

Stratus Unveils Next Generation of ftServer Fault Tolerant Computing Platforms

Stratus Technologies has announced their fastest, most reliable generation of ftServers yet, with more processing power and better reliability for use in managing automation systems in manufacturing.


News Apr 12, 2023 by Seth Price
Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

There are many different kinds of electric motors used for industrial power transfer, but there are also hydraulic and pneumatic motors that can lend advantages in some situations.


Understanding Temperature Sensors and Their Use in Industrial Automation

Understanding Temperature Sensors and Their Use in Industrial Automation

Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in the maintenance and operation of industrial environments and equipment.


What Is Instrument Calibration and Why Is it Needed?

What Is Instrument Calibration and Why Is it Needed?

Calibration can be a time-consuming process requiring expensive traceable tools, but high-accuracy signals result in higher-quality products, better customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, greater returns.


Aluminum Filter Regulators Offer a Complete, Single-source Valve Piloting Solution

Aluminum Filter Regulators Offer a Complete, Single-source Valve Piloting Solution

Emerson aims to increase efficiency in the process industry via its new line of aluminum filter regulators that come as part of a single-source supply for valve piloting systems.


News Apr 06, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
New Possibilities for Power, Data, and Fluid from Fischer Connectors

New Possibilities for Power, Data, and Fluid from Fischer Connectors

Fischer Connectors has released several new series of heavy-duty cable layouts, allowing reliable fastening of single-pair Ethernet (SPE) and USB 3.2, as well as offerings for combined data and fluid connection.


News Apr 04, 2023 by David Peterson
What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and what does ASCII mean for automation engineers?


Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.


Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Mitsubishi Electric releases a new module that combines IoT asynchronous messaging with deterministic cyclic messaging typically found in field I/O.


News Mar 24, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor basics and commonly used types, including fiber optic, photoelectric, and optical encoders.


 Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard IO-Link capabilities to suit any automation application.


News Mar 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Understanding Thermal and Pressure Safety Valves for Fluid Flow Systems

Understanding Thermal and Pressure Safety Valves for Fluid Flow Systems

Safety is a concern in any system containing potential energy, whether electrical, chemical, or fluid. Each has methods of protection, and for fluid systems, certain shutoff valves are used in situations when excess pressure can be a problem.