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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
Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Industrial automation industry leader, Steven Kuehn, joins Control Automation as the new Editor-in-Chief.


News Aug 03, 2023 by Dale Wilson
Balluff Launches an IP67 Field Power Supply With IO-Link

Balluff Launches an IP67 Field Power Supply With IO-Link

Balluff introduces a field-mounted power supply with an IP67 rating allowing devices to be powered directly in the field with added IO-Link functionality to monitor system performance and prevent downtime.


News Aug 02, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

The quality of content from our educational site comes from understanding our audience and your needs. Help give us the best snapshot of today’s control industry, along with a free chance to win one of several Amazon card prizes!


News Aug 01, 2023 by David Peterson
Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

Understanding the Automation Lingo: PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, and SCADA

What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.


Temposonics Develops New Rod Sensor for Extreme Environments

Temposonics Develops New Rod Sensor for Extreme Environments

Sensors give IIoT the vital information it needs to better enhance plant connectivity, Tempsonics’ new R-SERIES V RM5 sensor expands sensing capabilities to even the most harsh environments.


News Jul 30, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Examples of Analog Signals in Control Systems

Examples of Analog Signals in Control Systems

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?


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.


SMC Releases Suite of New Products for Pneumatic System Optimization

SMC Releases Suite of New Products for Pneumatic System Optimization

A new set of connector, valve, and cylinder products released by SMC promises to reduce downtime, save space, and provide more cost-effective maintenance operations.


News Jul 24, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
ABB Releases New NEMA Motor with Durability and Modularity at its Core

ABB Releases New NEMA Motor with Durability and Modularity at its Core

Uncover the modular AMI 5800 NEMA motor from ABB, which provides engineers with improved performance and durability for industrial applications.


News Jul 21, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Fundamentals of Directional Control Valves in Fluid Control Systems

Fundamentals of Directional Control Valves in Fluid Control Systems

Directional control valves (DCVs) come in many shapes and sizes for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Learn to distinguish the different configurations and the meaning of external markings.


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?


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.


Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

After an amazing first half in 2023, with site records being broken in many categories, we have you, our viewers, to thank! But what content have you been enjoying most? Articles, forums, the textbook?


News Jun 28, 2023 by David Peterson
Simulating Ladder Logic Programs in GX Simulator2 With Mitsubishi PLCs

Simulating Ladder Logic Programs in GX Simulator2 With Mitsubishi PLCs

GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX Works2. Learn how to virtually simulate and test your ladder programs.