Latest Metal Articles

As we approach the conclusion of Python data structures, we’ll examine the tuple. Used less frequently than lists and…

As we approach the conclusion of Python data structures, we’ll examine the tuple. Used less frequently than lists and dictionaries, tuples do serve some handy use cases where immutability is a critical requirement.

When setting up a system for the first time, the process can seem complex and daunting. However, there are tools…

When setting up a system for the first time, the process can seem complex and daunting. However, there are tools available to make the job much easier before commissioning.

Object detection and operator interfaces can be simplified with the new dedicated, high-intensity light indicator with…

Object detection and operator interfaces can be simplified with the new dedicated, high-intensity light indicator with configurable colors for a wide range of optical applications.

Learn how to get started with Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext and Engineer software, a platform that ultimately provides a…

Learn how to get started with Phoenix Contact’s PLCnext and Engineer software, a platform that ultimately provides a PLC environment for plant control as well as an OS for more advanced IIoT projects.

Weintek has added a new device to its compact cMT X series of human machine interfaces (HMIs). The new HMI brings…

Weintek has added a new device to its compact cMT X series of human machine interfaces (HMIs). The new HMI brings intuitive features and enhanced functionality to users.

Teradyne Robotics has opened a 20,000 sq m headquarters in Odense, Denmark. The new facility will enable collaboration…

Teradyne Robotics has opened a 20,000 sq m headquarters in Odense, Denmark. The new facility will enable collaboration between Teradyne's two companies, Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR).

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic…

Sensor networks with built-in logic functions can save cost and program execution speed, but what are those various logic functions, and when might they be preferred over normal PLC ladder logic?

Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary…

Every automated cell requires a ‘brain’ in order to achieve the required tasks. How do you determine the necessary I/O, communication protocols, and processor necessary for controlling your system?

Flexxbotics moves towards the era of the ‘smart factory’ with the release of a software solution that provides…

Flexxbotics moves towards the era of the ‘smart factory’ with the release of a software solution that provides autonomous control, communication, and coordination of robotic fleets across factories.

Learn how to write a ladder logic program to assign a string value to a data register and share that register with any…

Learn how to write a ladder logic program to assign a string value to a data register and share that register with any HMI compatible with Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLC series.

Rockwell PLC users can more easily integrate field-level analog HART devices with two new modules designed for the…

Rockwell PLC users can more easily integrate field-level analog HART devices with two new modules designed for the popular 5380 CompactLogix platform.

Yaskawa Motoman has released YMConnect, its latest software development kit (SDK). The new SDK enables users to build…

Yaskawa Motoman has released YMConnect, its latest software development kit (SDK). The new SDK enables users to build custom robotic monitoring and control applications.

This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with…

This section will dive into the world of data structures used within the Python programming environment, starting with one of the more commonly used structures called ‘lists.’

Sensors with timer functions advance modern automation systems, enhancing the precision and flexibility of in-process…

Sensors with timer functions advance modern automation systems, enhancing the precision and flexibility of in-process controls to ease the strict requirement for an external, clock-based logic CPU.

The new additions include a high-current relay output for the Productivity1000 and 2000 series and a TTL input and output…

The new additions include a high-current relay output for the Productivity1000 and 2000 series and a TTL input and output for the Productivity2000, allowing interface with systems of varying voltages.

Although DC motor technology has a strong legacy, control strategies vary from simple to complex. Designs must consider…

Although DC motor technology has a strong legacy, control strategies vary from simple to complex. Designs must consider not just the motor, but also the electrical supply and the environment.

This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with…

This article will focus on the basic building blocks of the Python programming language that are core to interacting with programs, including strings, integers, floats, and booleans.

Rockwell Automation has started constructing a new manufacturing facility in India, developed a low-voltage motor control…

Rockwell Automation has started constructing a new manufacturing facility in India, developed a low-voltage motor control center, and partnered with an educational institution to invest in the future workforce.

Banner Engineering is improving safety and detection for industrial automation with the launch of two new products: the…

Banner Engineering is improving safety and detection for industrial automation with the launch of two new products: the S4B series light curtain and the EG24 series precision edge sensor.