Latest Metal Articles

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand…

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.

PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the…

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.

Light curtains serve as an invisible barrier, keeping workers out of harm's way and protecting machinery from damage.…

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

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

Continuing to expand its market reach, Doosan is teaming with Air-Oil Systems to distribute its popular M, H, and…

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.

Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory…

Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory space and computation time. This can be overcome using simple approximations.

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in…

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?

KUKA announces the release of two new lightweight, long-reaching industrial cobots for flexible automation…

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

Industrial control panels are at the heart of control systems. Learn about the standards and regulations that dictate…

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 releases new safety-rated interlock switches for monitoring and locking the position of guarding and fencing.…

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.

Ambient light, reflection, and transparent objects can all cause difficulties during machine vision applications. Learn…

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.

In a boost for manufacturing across the Northeast US, Doosan has announced a partnership with Industrial Automation…

In a boost for manufacturing across the Northeast US, Doosan has announced a partnership with Industrial Automation Supply as a reseller for the popular collaborative robot M, H, and A-SERIES models.

An EOAT, located at the end of an industrial or collaborative robot arm, is entirely customizable with nearly unlimited…

An EOAT, located at the end of an industrial or collaborative robot arm, is entirely customizable with nearly unlimited possibilities. Learn about the five main methods of how EOATs are powered and the sensors that they use.

Yaskawa announces the release of its long-reaching, six-axis GP8L robot for maximum productivity in limited spaces. With…

Yaskawa announces the release of its long-reaching, six-axis GP8L robot for maximum productivity in limited spaces. With easy installation and use in a variety of applications, the GP8L stands apart from similar products on the market.

Emerson's new visual interface solution, PACSystems RXi HMI, is an out-of-the box system ready for IIoT operation to…

Emerson's new visual interface solution, PACSystems RXi HMI, is an out-of-the box system ready for IIoT operation to help machine builders and operators overcome the limitations of lower budgets, fewer people, and higher productivity demands.

While B&R PLC controllers are quite different from typical PLCs, Automation Studio offers tools and features that make…

While B&R PLC controllers are quite different from typical PLCs, Automation Studio offers tools and features that make programming them less intensive. In this article, we’ll discuss how to program B&R PLCs with Automation Studio.

Rockwell revamps their 450L GuardShield safety light curtains with new, patented technology, offering customers…

Rockwell revamps their 450L GuardShield safety light curtains with new, patented technology, offering customers transmitter and receiver dual functionality for a more efficient and economical safety solution.

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very…

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very complex and difficult to master. Let’s do a run-down of arrays and some of their complexities!

FANUC's new G-code simulation software, NC Reflection Studio, uses CNC parameters, kinematics, and machine layouts to…

FANUC's new G-code simulation software, NC Reflection Studio, uses CNC parameters, kinematics, and machine layouts to help customers increase programming efficiency and improve machining processes in shops.