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Safe I/O Integration Made Easy, Thanks to New Balluff CIP Safety Module

Safe I/O Integration Made Easy, Thanks to New Balluff CIP Safety Module

Balluff eases the stress of design, build, and troubleshooting time for safety-rated I/O devices with a new CIP safety module, engineered for rugged, on-machine installation.


News Dec 11, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Info Byte: What Do NC and NO Mean?

Info Byte: What Do NC and NO Mean?

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.


Finally: A Complete IO-Link System Designed for Safety Applications

Finally: A Complete IO-Link System Designed for Safety Applications

Safety systems just became easier to develop, now that Pilz has released an entire suite of network and field devices that use the common IO-Link protocol, known for ease of system configuration.


News Dec 05, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Strain Gauges: Basic Operating Principles, Materials, and Properties

Strain Gauges: Basic Operating Principles, Materials, and Properties

For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to multi-ton machines. In this article, learn the operating principles and properties.


Baumer Launches Encoder for Functional Safety in Mobile Machinery

Baumer Launches Encoder for Functional Safety in Mobile Machinery

Baumer has released an absolute encoder that meets the latest functional safety requirements. The robust encoder is designed to bring "maximum” safety and performance to harsh outdoor environments.


News Nov 29, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
Web-Based HMIs: Future Or Fad? HMI Project and KEB Say ‘It’s Here’

Web-Based HMIs: Future Or Fad? HMI Project and KEB Say ‘It’s Here’

Partners HMI Project and KEB Automation have launched HELIO, a new web-based HMI application for creating interactive web pages that can control and monitor automated equipment.


News Nov 26, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Siemens and Microsoft Team Up to Excel Industry-wide Adoption of Generative AI

Siemens and Microsoft Team Up to Excel Industry-wide Adoption of Generative AI

Siemens and Microsoft have launched their jointly developed "generative AI-powered assistant," Siemens Industrial Copilot, to help workers with PLC programming and machine troubleshooting.


News Nov 23, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
PLC Input and Output Module Troubleshooting Techniques

PLC Input and Output Module Troubleshooting Techniques

When inputs or outputs stop working, the equipment fails to respond and money starts slipping away. Dive into the concept of troubleshooting I/O without ever opening the PLC software.


STEP RIGHT UP, Get Your IP Address Here! Understanding BOOTP vs. DHCP

STEP RIGHT UP, Get Your IP Address Here! Understanding BOOTP vs. DHCP

When IT and OT converge on the shop floor, it’s important to understand how and when to let a computer control the assignment of network addresses, or when you would rather keep it under control.


Identifying and Troubleshooting Pressure Changes in Fluid Systems

Identifying and Troubleshooting Pressure Changes in Fluid Systems

Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What causes problematic pressure changes, and how can you trace them to their source?


WAGO’s New Advanced PLC CPUs Provide Cost-Effective Control Solution

WAGO’s New Advanced PLC CPUs Provide Cost-Effective Control Solution

WAGO has recently released two PLC CPU modules, the Basic Controller 100 series, offering cost-effective control solutions while providing advanced communication and programming features.


News Nov 14, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
SMC Reveals New Regulator and Actuators for Automation Systems

SMC Reveals New Regulator and Actuators for Automation Systems

SMC has recently released three new product lines, including a pressure regulator and two linear actuators for controlling motion in both pneumatic and electrical systems.


News Nov 13, 2023 by Seth Price
History and High-Tech Merge in Boston at Rockwell’s Automation Fair

History and High-Tech Merge in Boston at Rockwell’s Automation Fair

Automation Fair was held in Boston on Nov 6-9, showcasing Rockwell Automation’s industrial partnerships, new technology, and recent acquisitions in a stellar conference and expo show.


News Nov 09, 2023 by David Peterson
IIoT Gateway From Softing Gathers Data From PROFIBUS Networks

IIoT Gateway From Softing Gathers Data From PROFIBUS Networks

Adding data collection to existing PROFIBUS networks doesn’t always require a complete network upgrade anymore, thanks to Softing and the new SmartLink IIoT gateway.


News Nov 03, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
The Mechanic’s View of Control: Chain Drive Power Transmission

The Mechanic’s View of Control: Chain Drive Power Transmission

In the world of mechanical power transmission, gears, belts, and chains dominate the landscape, but what's so special about chain drives, and why would they be used in place of rubber belts?


Top 10 Control Halloween Costumes for Engineers Who Can’t Keep Work at Work

Top 10 Control Halloween Costumes for Engineers Who Can’t Keep Work at Work

Wondering how to scare your friends, family, and neighbors, but you can’t think of anything really scary? Oh yes you can. We’ve compiled the top 10 costume ideas - and the materials may be easier to find than you think.


News Oct 29, 2023 by David Peterson
The Art of Maintaining and Repairing Hydraulic Cylinders

The Art of Maintaining and Repairing Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break down, the effects can be catastrophic and the repairs costly and timely.


Pepperl+Fuchs Debuts New IO-Link Smart Valve Connector

Pepperl+Fuchs Debuts New IO-Link Smart Valve Connector

With a new drop-in replacement valve connector, Pepperl+Fuchs offers a way for engineers to extract data from brownfield pneumatic and hydraulic valves to prevent downtime.


News Oct 24, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
New Ethernet I/O Modules From Acromag Promise Simple Expandability

New Ethernet I/O Modules From Acromag Promise Simple Expandability

Acromag has recently released the latest NT2300 Series of Ethernet I/O modules for use in industrial applications, giving customers access to up to 32 analog outputs from a single IP address.


News Oct 19, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Understanding Delta-Wound Three-Phase Motors for Industrial Applications

Understanding Delta-Wound Three-Phase Motors for Industrial Applications

There are two types of winding designs inside three-phase industrial motors: Wye and Delta. Although the motors and connections look similar on the outside, this article discusses the internal construction for Delta wound motors.