Latest Component Manufacturing Articles

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how…

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…

Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC…

AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two…

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching…

Inductive loads, such as solenoids and contactors, can cause arcs and failures back into electromechanical switching devices, causing costly downtime. The solution is cheaper than you think.

We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a…

We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a cobot? Last week, I got a chance to get my hands on a cobot for the first time.

Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate…

Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate a process without a large upfront capital investment.

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered…

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines…

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for…

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?

IIoT infrastructure is more susceptible to cyber-attacks than legacy infrastructure due to its cloud-based nature; this…

IIoT infrastructure is more susceptible to cyber-attacks than legacy infrastructure due to its cloud-based nature; this article covers attack vectors and best mitigating practices.

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.

Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo…

Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo motion systems.

Trip classes protect motors from overcurrent, but when will an overload relay trip, why, and what trip class should you use?

Trip classes protect motors from overcurrent, but when will an overload relay trip, why, and what trip class should you use?

This article discusses common implementations of UPS in control systems and important design considerations.

This article discusses common implementations of UPS in control systems and important design considerations.

Start learning about robotic arm solution, kinematic chain and motion planning, in this first technical installment.

Start learning about robotic arm solution, kinematic chain and motion planning, in this first technical installment.

Learn about how various types of robots are currently being deployed in the automotive sector and some of the challenges…

Learn about how various types of robots are currently being deployed in the automotive sector and some of the challenges they face on the factory floor.