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What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?


Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.


Recent Advancements Improve Autonomous Visual Inspection’s Industrial Capabilities

Recent Advancements Improve Autonomous Visual Inspection’s Industrial Capabilities

We take a look at the latest visual inspection technologies from Boston Dynamics and Telit Cinterion.


News Aug 08, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.


ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip Releases New Push-In, High-Capacity Terminal Blocks

ContaClip adds to an existing product line of terminal blocks with versions that support 10mm^2 conductors up to 4 amps, with a double-level version for added wiring capacity.


News Aug 07, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Baumer Releases Super Slim Inductive Sensor with 12 mm Object Detection

Baumer Releases Super Slim Inductive Sensor with 12 mm Object Detection

Baumer sets out to eliminate boundaries incurred by lack of installation space and improve application flexibility with its new, extremely thin inductive sensor.


News Aug 04, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to programming methods, here’s everything you need to know to begin leveraging these handy devices.


What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.


Kawasaki Brings RS025N Medium Payload Robot to North America

Kawasaki Brings RS025N Medium Payload Robot to North America

Kawasaki has introduced the North American market to the newest medium payload robot, boasting the largest reach and highest speed of its class.


News Jul 31, 2023 by Seth Price
Differences between Transformer and Transformer-free UPS Designs

Differences between Transformer and Transformer-free UPS Designs

Transformerless UPS designs are taking place in various industries, particularly in aseptic manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare, where the reliability of power supply is critical.


ADLINK Releases SuperCAT Series for Enhanced Automation Motion Control

ADLINK Releases SuperCAT Series for Enhanced Automation Motion Control

ADLINK brings its customers a software-defined EtherCAT motion controller, the SuperCAT series, for the optimization of multi-axis motion control for industrial automation processes.


News Jul 26, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Potential Problems Arising from Misuse of Motor Phase Wiring

Potential Problems Arising from Misuse of Motor Phase Wiring

Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It is never recommended, but important to quickly understand symptoms of incorrect wiring.


Banner’s New Current Sensor Converter For Digital Current Signals

Banner’s New Current Sensor Converter For Digital Current Signals

The use of signal converters, like Banner Engineering’s new current sensors with Snap Signal, can help manufacturers further connect their factories and monitor current to prevent future breakdowns.


News Jul 20, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Examples of Digital Signals in Control Systems

Examples of Digital Signals in Control Systems

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and what are some examples of the various devices used with digital inputs and outputs?


SCHUNK’s New CMS Adapter System Boosts Flexibility in End Effectors

SCHUNK’s New CMS Adapter System Boosts Flexibility in End Effectors

SCHUNK seeks to provide more rapid and flexible robot-machine tool and gripper changeovers with a new user-friendly, safety-optimized CMS manual change system for industrial applications.


News Jul 17, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Newly Released: Exclusive Control.com Robotics Textbook

Newly Released: Exclusive Control.com Robotics Textbook

The engineering team at Control.com has written a brand-new textbook section explaining the fundamentals of robotics, explaining the most recent innovations in industrial, collaborative, and mobile robots.


News Jul 14, 2023 by David Peterson
New Mitsubishi Electric VFD Inverter can be Powered by a 120V Source

New Mitsubishi Electric VFD Inverter can be Powered by a 120V Source

Mitsubishi Electric has made a new 120V VFD to help manufacturers that need access to variable-speed motors. They can benefit from these 120V VFDs by eliminating the need for a rotary phase converter.


News Jul 12, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Automating Wire Labels With the New IDENTCO VortexID

Automating Wire Labels With the New IDENTCO VortexID

IDENTCO announced the release of the new VortexID, promising reliable label application on wires, cables, and wiring harnesses, solving several challenges regarding speed and flexibility of marking.


News Jul 11, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.


ABB’s Newest Additions to the Robot and Cobot Families

ABB’s Newest Additions to the Robot and Cobot Families

ABB has added several new industrial and collaborative robots to its automation catalog, intended primarily to meet growing production demands in the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) markets.


News Jul 09, 2023 by Seth Price