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Git Version Control - Back Up Automation Code Seamlessly

Git Version Control - Back Up Automation Code Seamlessly

Copia reduces the strain of backing up automation code on the factory floor with their latest software release DeviceLink. This automated backup software makes use of the Git workflow and backup running code automatically.


News Oct 18, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Feedback for Fluid Cylinders: Bang Bang Control

Feedback for Fluid Cylinders: Bang Bang Control

Tracking the position of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder is often accomplished at a basic precision level, detecting only end stop limits with discrete digital values… But what methods accomplish this?


Understanding NPN vs PNP for Sensors and Devices

Understanding NPN vs PNP for Sensors and Devices

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.


Managing Multi-user PLC Programming: Git Version Control

Managing Multi-user PLC Programming: Git Version Control

PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the introduction of Git control, already a staple for typical programming of large-scale projects.


Driving Motors Faster: Rockwell’s New PowerFlex 6000T VFD

Driving Motors Faster: Rockwell’s New PowerFlex 6000T VFD

Increasing motor speed is critical in many situations, but it also poses serious risks in both electrical and mechanical performance if not driven properly. Enter Rockwell Automation’s new PowerFlex 6000T.


News Oct 13, 2022 by David Peterson
Introduction to Safety Light Curtains: Operation and Installation 

Introduction to Safety Light Curtains: Operation and Installation 

Light curtains serve as an invisible barrier, keeping workers out of harm's way and protecting machinery from damage. Learn about safety curtains, how they are installed, and their programmable functions.


Siemens’ 120 V Solid-state Circuit Breaker Now UL Listed

Siemens’ 120 V Solid-state Circuit Breaker Now UL Listed

Siemens breaks new ground by having a solid-state circuit breaker UL listed for residential, commercial, and light industrial use.


News Oct 12, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Doosan Robotics Partners with Air-Oil Systems to Integrate Cobot Solutions

Doosan Robotics Partners with Air-Oil Systems to Integrate Cobot Solutions

Continuing to expand its market reach, Doosan is teaming with Air-Oil Systems to distribute its popular M, H, and A-SERIES collaborative robots to customers in the Mid-Atlantic.


News Oct 12, 2022 by Caitlin Nicholson
8 Steps To Successful Predictive Maintenance Implementation (with examples)

8 Steps To Successful Predictive Maintenance Implementation (with examples)

We'll run through the eight basic steps for implementing a predictive maintenance strategy in your business to improve critical asset availability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced revenues over time.


ABB Ability Smart Sensor Now For Use With General Machinery

ABB Ability Smart Sensor Now For Use With General Machinery

ABB expanded its Ability Smart Sensor capabilities to allow customers to perform predictive and preventative maintenance for not only powertrain equipment, but now general machinery and industrial motors.


News Oct 10, 2022 by Gunner Scott
What’s New at Teledyne? Latest Technologies for Improved Machine Vision

What’s New at Teledyne? Latest Technologies for Improved Machine Vision

Teledyne Technologies has released two new products for improved machine vision—the AxCIS series line scanners and the Forge 5GigE area scanners.


News Oct 06, 2022 by Seth Price
Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Info Byte: The Mystery of Ice Cube Relays–Coil Polarity

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in reverse? How can an alternating voltage attract and hold the load consistently?


Banner Engineering Now Offering Industrial Cloud Data Services

Banner Engineering Now Offering Industrial Cloud Data Services

The newly released Cloud Data Services (CDS) from Banner Engineering is a web-based platform for collecting and storing data in a cloud-based system, providing users an affordable and efficient IIoT solution.


News Oct 04, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

Why is 4-20 mA Current Used for Industrial Analog Sensors?

Industrial analog sensor devices primarily use 0-10 volt or 4-20 milliamp. For those mA signals, learn the reasons for why the lower and upper limit standards were determined as 4 mA and 20 mA.


“iisy Does It”: KUKA Releases Two New Cobot Models

“iisy Does It”: KUKA Releases Two New Cobot Models

KUKA announces the release of two new lightweight, long-reaching industrial cobots for flexible automation applications—the “big iisys.”


News Sep 28, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Pilz’ New Compact PNOZmulti 2 Standalone Safety Relay

Pilz’ New Compact PNOZmulti 2 Standalone Safety Relay

Pilz has added the PNOZ m C0 to their PNOZmulti 2 product lineup, an easy-to-program, standalone safety relay that provides customers with a compact solution for smaller machines.


News Sep 28, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Industrial Control Panel Design Standards and Best Practices

Industrial Control Panel Design Standards and Best Practices

Industrial control panels are at the heart of control systems. Learn about the standards and regulations that dictate industrial control panel design for safety and efficiency, including NFPA 70, UL 60947-4-1, and NFPA 79. 


Keyence’s Electromagnetic Interlock Switch Solution for Safety Fencing and Guarding

Keyence’s Electromagnetic Interlock Switch Solution for Safety Fencing and Guarding

Keyence releases new safety-rated interlock switches for monitoring and locking the position of guarding and fencing. Unlike traditional door switches, the GS-M series switches use electromagnetic technology.


News Sep 26, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Humidity Measurement Basics: Relative Humidity, Sensors, and Applications

Humidity Measurement Basics: Relative Humidity, Sensors, and Applications

Humidity control is vital in many industrial applications. We'll take a look at nine different humidity measurement technologies, how they are used, and discuss the difference between relative humidity and dew point.


Uncontrolled Machine Vision Lighting for Infrared and Robots

Uncontrolled Machine Vision Lighting for Infrared and Robots

Ambient light, reflection, and transparent objects can all cause difficulties during machine vision applications. Learn about these issues and some potential solutions to better ensure safety and quality.