Latest Metal Articles

Categories

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 3: Connecting to Google Sheets

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 3: Connecting to Google Sheets

In this article, we will explore the inbound integration to the mage.ai pipeline, connecting to the spreadsheet data source using the Google Sheets API through a JSON credentials file.


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
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.


Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 2: Initializing the Software

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 2: Initializing the Software

Data pipelines are software services that progress the data from source to storage, hopefully without too much programming complexity. In this article, we begin by initializing the mage.ai software.


Kawasaki’s Latest Through-arm Arc Welding Robot Now in North America

Kawasaki’s Latest Through-arm Arc Welding Robot Now in North America

Kawasaki Robotics’ latest industrial robot to hit the North American market brings compact precision and speed to the company’s BA series of through-arm cable arc welding robots.


News Nov 20, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
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.


Extend Motion Life: Automatic Grease Fittings Using New IoT Solution

Extend Motion Life: Automatic Grease Fittings Using New IoT Solution

GreaseBoss and Nordic Semiconductor have recently launched a collaborative system using Nordic-powered sensors and Memfault to monitor grease flow, extending the life of moving machine components.


News Nov 16, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
DH-Robotics and MEMS Manufacturer Infineon Collab For Next-Gen Electric Gripper

DH-Robotics and MEMS Manufacturer Infineon Collab For Next-Gen Electric Gripper

DH-Robotics and Infineon team up to create the AG series, an advanced electric gripper for energy-efficient control with integrated industrial communications and position sensing.


News Nov 16, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
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?


SCHUNK Creates New, Innovative Pneumatic Positioning Solution

SCHUNK Creates New, Innovative Pneumatic Positioning Solution

Pneumatic grippers are traditionally limited to fully open or closed positions, making SCHUNK’s Pneumatic Positioning Device useful for applications requiring an intermediate grip position.


News Nov 15, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
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
Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 1: The Challenge of Data

Data Flow Tutorial With Mage.ai | Part 1: The Challenge of Data

All of modern industry relies on data. In the first installment of a series showcasing the importance of industrial data movement, we explain the challenge of data flow and build a fault list.


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
Dold Introduces New Rotation Direction Feature to UH 6937 Frequency Monitor

Dold Introduces New Rotation Direction Feature to UH 6937 Frequency Monitor

Dold has introduced safety-rated directional control and regulatory compliance to the UH 6937 speed and frequency monitor, making it an ideal solution for applications where safety is critical.


News Nov 11, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
Safety Muting Module From Bihl+Wiedemann Reduces False Alarms

Safety Muting Module From Bihl+Wiedemann Reduces False Alarms

Bihl+Wiedemann has released the ASi-5 Muting Module, a device that works alongside light curtains to improve safety systems and keep production lines running with fewer nuisance false triggers.


News Nov 10, 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
Emerson Acquires NI and Afag, Expanding Automation and Motion Software

Emerson Acquires NI and Afag, Expanding Automation and Motion Software

Emerson pursues the expansion of its product range and global market reach through recent acquisition agreements with Afag Holding AG and National Instruments (NI).


News Nov 04, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
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
Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS): What Is It and Why Would You Want It?

Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS): What Is It and Why Would You Want It?

Traditionally, automation requires a sizable investment and integration risks. RaaS empowers manufacturers to let someone else adopt the risks in exchange for an hourly or monthly subscription rate.


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?