What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves,…
What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.
Our own Control Automation engineering staff had the opportunity to visit VersaBuilt, a CNC robotic integration shop…
Our own Control Automation engineering staff had the opportunity to visit VersaBuilt, a CNC robotic integration shop offering an application system from the Universal Robots UR+ series.
In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery…
In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.
Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how…
Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to…
Redundancy and safety are often seen together in industrial safety systems. Safety relays monitor emergency devices to switch contacts based on status - but what makes them different from normal relays?
AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC…
AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?
Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried…
Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried properly, it can lead to serious failures.
We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a…
We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a cobot? Last week, I got a chance to get my hands on a cobot for the first time.
Product lifecycle management (PLM) and industrial automation are growing closer together. This article explores recent…
Product lifecycle management (PLM) and industrial automation are growing closer together. This article explores recent trends and application examples of this software in industry.
This article describes the features and advantages of several of the more popular warehouse management systems (WMS) on…
This article describes the features and advantages of several of the more popular warehouse management systems (WMS) on the market.
In this article, learn about the history of warehouse management systems (WMS) and what the future holds for these systems.
In this article, learn about the history of warehouse management systems (WMS) and what the future holds for these systems.
Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate…
Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate a process without a large upfront capital investment.
Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered…
Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?
Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.
Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.
One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…
One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.
Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for…
Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?
Solidworks or AutoCAD? Which software is the right fit for you and your team? Take a dive into the fundamental components…
Solidworks or AutoCAD? Which software is the right fit for you and your team? Take a dive into the fundamental components of both programs and the key differences between them.
Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.
Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.
Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo…
Learn about specific components used in feedback devices and some of the jargon you may encounter when working with servo motion systems.
Each machine on the factory floor comes with risk; learn common safety risks and corresponding automation solutions.
Each machine on the factory floor comes with risk; learn common safety risks and corresponding automation solutions.