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Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.


Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Look Out For Factory Automation Solutions At ATX West 2023

Hosted by IMEngineering West in Anaheim, CA on Feb 7-9, the Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West is quickly approaching. Check out some of the innovative factory automation and robotic solutions to be demonstrated on the show floor.


News Feb 01, 2023 by Caitlin Nicholson
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.


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
Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Arduino PLC IDE Tutorial 2: Analog I/O and External Devices

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.


Material Manufacturing: New Weld Wire Reduces Failures from Hydrogen Damage

Material Manufacturing: New Weld Wire Reduces Failures from Hydrogen Damage

Material manufacturing and process system industries rely on strong materials and assemblies that can withstand harsh environments and conditions. One new weld process can reduce failures and provide security for long-lasting mechanical fixtures.


News Dec 30, 2022 by Seth Price
Teardown: What’s Inside a DC Servo Motor?

Teardown: What’s Inside a DC Servo Motor?

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?


Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.


Teardown: What’s Inside a Human-machine Interface (HMI)?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Human-machine Interface (HMI)?

Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics information. What’s inside these touchscreen displays, and how do they actually work?


Reversing Structural Damage: Self-healing Materials

Reversing Structural Damage: Self-healing Materials

No matter how robust an automated control system might be, physical damage is a reality that plagues all machines. Thanks to new breakthrough materials, some failures may be prevented—or even reversed.


PLC Discrete Inputs

PLC Discrete Inputs

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 wiring process for buttons, switches, and discrete sensors, applicable to virtually every PLC.


3D Printing Cookies and Rockets

3D Printing Cookies and Rockets

Take a look at new research looking to reduce food packaging waste, speed up micro printing processes, and improve printing capabilities on large objects, including rockets, using 3D printing.


News Nov 07, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Control Automation Update: New Online Calculator Tools

Most engineers are not intimidated by simple mathematics, but when designing mission-critical systems, it’s important to have easy access to reliable tools and calculators. Introducing our first new set of tools designed for control engineers.


News Oct 25, 2022 by David Peterson
Manufacturing Technologies For Increased Productivity and Reduced Costs

Manufacturing Technologies For Increased Productivity and Reduced Costs

Amid global economic concerns, businesses are looking towards automation. Explore the emerging technologies helping make the future of manufacturing more cost-effective and productive.


News Oct 21, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Electromechanical Integration Using Fusion 360

Electromechanical Integration Using Fusion 360

Nearly every electronic product depends on the unity of electrical components and PCBs with physical enclosures and parts. Learn how Autodesk’s Fusion 360 offers a complete solution for electromechanical integration and design.


Sine/Cosine Approximations Simplify Controller Operation

Sine/Cosine Approximations Simplify Controller Operation

Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory space and computation time. This can be overcome using simple approximations.


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
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.


Technology Differences: Stationary Robots vs Mobile Robots

Technology Differences: Stationary Robots vs Mobile Robots

Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the technology differences between fixed-location robots and mobile robots and why no one robot is like another.


Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power, and the Role of Power Factor

Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power, and the Role of Power Factor

The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead to the introduction of ‘power factor’ effectiveness in an AC circuit.