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Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

Techniques for I/O Mapping in PLC Programs

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?


Breaking: 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Eastern Taiwan

Breaking: 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Eastern Taiwan

The largest earthquake in 25 years hit Taiwan around 8:00 local time on Wednesday, April 3rd. Emergency response reports loss of life and major impacts to infrastructure and industry.


News Apr 03, 2024 by David Peterson
Easily Integrate Smart Sensor Networks: Banner’s New IO-Link Hubs

Easily Integrate Smart Sensor Networks: Banner’s New IO-Link Hubs

Save space and time with Banner Engineering’s new R130C and the R95C series IO-Link hubs. These hubs allow customers to connect up to 16 sensors or actuators for wider network signal distribution.


News Apr 03, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell
Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Tutorial: Analog I/O Programming for AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.


Understanding Industrial Ethernet Connections: RJ45, Fiber, M12, and SFP

Understanding Industrial Ethernet Connections: RJ45, Fiber, M12, and SFP

Ethernet switches can use four different types of connections: RJ45, fiber, M12, and SFP. Understanding the difference can help with network troubleshooting, design, or alteration.


Precise Motion With New Servos and Drive Units From Oriental Motor

Precise Motion With New Servos and Drive Units From Oriental Motor

Oriental Motor recently released the new AZX series of servo motors and drives, designed to deliver higher speeds and torque than the previous product line.


News Apr 02, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Turck Releases Next-generation Flow Sensors With Alphanumeric Display

Turck Releases Next-generation Flow Sensors With Alphanumeric Display

Turck has released its next-generation FS+ compact flow sensor series with IO-Link. The new sensors are equipped with an alphanumeric display to clearly show the flow and temperature of liquids.


News Mar 29, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Tech Tips: Considering Payload and Inertia in 6-Axis Robot EoAT Design

Tech Tips: Considering Payload and Inertia in 6-Axis Robot EoAT Design

In the field of robotics, designing proper end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) is a crucial step. This article includes critical material and inertia factors to consider when designing EoAT for 6-axis robots.


Pilz Enhances PSENradar Vision for Safe Operation in Tough Environments

Pilz Enhances PSENradar Vision for Safe Operation in Tough Environments

Asymmetrical zone monitoring can be challenging, but Pilz's newest additions to its safe radar system are designed to enable users to safely monitor protection zones in challenging environments and confined spaces.


News Mar 28, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
How-To: Servo Motor Control Concepts and Programming

How-To: Servo Motor Control Concepts and Programming

Learn how to control servo motors from a PLC using Allen-Bradley servos and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 using a simple-to-understand method.


Rockwell’s Newest On-Machine Devices Speed Engineering Development

Rockwell’s Newest On-Machine Devices Speed Engineering Development

Creating a decentralized control system means selecting devices that can withstand harsh environments. New offerings in the Armor product line from Rockwell Automation are doing just that.


News Mar 25, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
KEB Automation Adds Functionally Safe Encoders to DL4 Servos

KEB Automation Adds Functionally Safe Encoders to DL4 Servos

Safety is a top priority in the fast-paced manufacturing world. Brusatori Electric Motors, part of the KEB Automation brand group, has integrated functional safety features into its DL4 motor series.


News Mar 23, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Balluff Introduces Ultrasonic Sensor for Workpiece Clamping and Monitoring

Balluff Introduces Ultrasonic Sensor for Workpiece Clamping and Monitoring

Balluff has recently introduced new ultrasonic position sensors, specifically engineered for reliable and economical workpiece clamping and monitoring.


News Mar 21, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Designing a Custom Machine Alarm System: From PLC to HMI

Designing a Custom Machine Alarm System: From PLC to HMI

Creating custom alarm systems can be complicated and overwhelming, but they can also be very beneficial for equipment builders and integrators. Follow along as we build a custom alarm handling system.


How-To Guide to Robot Programming: All About User Frames

How-To Guide to Robot Programming: All About User Frames

In this article, we'll explore user frames in the context of a 6-axis industrial or collaborative robot. Learn the definition, practical applications, and advantages that user frames have to offer.


SMC Introduces PSE Series Remote Pressure Sensors and Controllers

SMC Introduces PSE Series Remote Pressure Sensors and Controllers

SMC recently announced its latest series of remote-type pressure sensors, sensor controllers, and system monitors, which are compatible with both analog and IO-Link control systems.


News Mar 18, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Breaking Traditions: KEB Automation Releases a New Web-Based HMI

Breaking Traditions: KEB Automation Releases a New Web-Based HMI

KEB Automation now offers the C6 X1 web-based HMI, available in multiple sizes with various system options that can be mounted anywhere on the machine, powered by the HELIO visualization system.


News Mar 13, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Introducing the PLC410, WEG’s New PLC: Smaller But with Powerful Specs

Introducing the PLC410, WEG’s New PLC: Smaller But with Powerful Specs

Designed with OEMs in mind, the WEG PLC410 is the smaller counterpart of the PLC500, still offering similar features but with useful improvements in expansion I/O, communication, and performance.


News Mar 13, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Setting up Discrete Sensors: Polarity, Mode, Range, and Limits

Setting up Discrete Sensors: Polarity, Mode, Range, and Limits

Installing sensors into a manufacturing process is intended to collect data, useful in making logical true/false decisions. But what settings must be adjusted when you install these sensors?


Schunk System Enables Automatic, Quick Change of Gripper Fingers

Schunk System Enables Automatic, Quick Change of Gripper Fingers

The new BSWS-R jaw quick-change system from Schunk automates tool changes, reducing downtime during robotic manipulation of parts and enabling greater manufacturing flexibility.


News Mar 12, 2024 by Seth Price