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Detailed Introduction to Dual Check Safety (DCS) in Robotic Work Cells

Detailed Introduction to Dual Check Safety (DCS) in Robotic Work Cells

Learn about FANUC’s Dual Check Safety (DCS) system and the various methods, how to configure the DCS parameters, and how to avoid and resolve issues associated with DCS positional alarms.


New KR FORTEC is a Dynamic Leap for KUKA Industrial Robotics

New KR FORTEC is a Dynamic Leap for KUKA Industrial Robotics

KUKA has released a reliable and cost-effective new industrial robot model, the KR FORTEC, that comes in a compact design for small-footprint but high-load applications.


News Jan 25, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
A Better Fit: Comparing Electrical Systems vs. Pneumatic Systems

A Better Fit: Comparing Electrical Systems vs. Pneumatic Systems

Knowing what kind of control system to use: that’s a question that must be answered before setting up the factory floor. Why would someone choose pneumatic over electrical controls?


Festo’s New DHPL Parallel Gripper Offers Versatile EoAT Solution

Festo’s New DHPL Parallel Gripper Offers Versatile EoAT Solution

Festo announces the introduction of a new line of long-stroke parallel DHPL grippers, offering high torque and load in a compact, lightweight, and affordable product line.


News Jan 18, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Teardown: What’s Inside a Solenoid-Controlled Safety Interlock?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Solenoid-Controlled Safety Interlock?

Safety devices have two main purposes, both of them meant for (you guessed it) safety. They protect both machine and operator from harm. But what’s inside, and how do these switches work?


How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a normal multimeter. But what is insulation resistance, and how is it measured?


The Automator’s Edge: New Weekly Video Series Comes to Control!

The Automator’s Edge: New Weekly Video Series Comes to Control!

Learn about new manufacturer innovations, useful product highlights, and technical tips in a brand-new weekly video series from Control Automation, designed by engineers, for engineers.


News Jan 16, 2024 by David Peterson
Keyence Expands CL-3000 Series of Confocal Displacement Sensors

Keyence Expands CL-3000 Series of Confocal Displacement Sensors

Keyence has expanded its catalog of displacement sensors to include explosion-proof, vacuum-proof, and long-range models. The new additions aim to deliver high-accuracy measurements in a greater variety of environments.


News Jan 16, 2024 by Seth Price
Electrical Drawings, Schematics, and Wiring Diagrams: How to Read Them

Electrical Drawings, Schematics, and Wiring Diagrams: How to Read Them

In order to trace control system problems to the core, the ability to read and interpret various resources, from facility-level diagrams to machine-level wiring layouts, is critical.


Understanding Single-stage vs. Multi-stage Pneumatic Devices

Understanding Single-stage vs. Multi-stage Pneumatic Devices

This article looks at vacuum ejectors and vacuum pumps, specifically outlining the difference between single and multi-stage versions of each type, and common applications.


Enhance Workplace Efficiency with Patlite’s Bluetooth Stack Lights

Enhance Workplace Efficiency with Patlite’s Bluetooth Stack Lights

Patlite is improving workplace communication and safety with a stack light using Bluetooth control. This system eliminates complex wiring by transmitting signals directly to compatible output devices.


News Jan 11, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Star-Delta Wiring for Reduced Voltage Starting of 3-Phase Motors

Star-Delta Wiring for Reduced Voltage Starting of 3-Phase Motors

Digital controls like VFDs and soft starts have advantages by elongating start time, but simple strategies for starting motors with a reduced current draw, like star-delta (or wye-delta) are common.


New Compact Valve From Schmalz Centralizes Vacuum Gripping

New Compact Valve From Schmalz Centralizes Vacuum Gripping

The new LQE compact valves from Schmalz feature a small, lightweight design that can be mounted directly to robotic arms to reduce system complexity, featuring IO-Link for data monitoring.


News Dec 30, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
What is a Circuit Breaker?

What is a Circuit Breaker?

We depend on circuit breakers all the time, even when you have a day off or work from home. These overcurrent protection devices keep machines running safely, reducing the risk of fires and arcing.


KEB Automation Releases DL4 Servo Motors For Equipment Manufacturers

KEB Automation Releases DL4 Servo Motors For Equipment Manufacturers

KEB Automation has launched the DL4, an 8-pole AC servo motor in three frame sizes with torque ratings from 11 to 520 Nm and power ratings up to 77 kW for the largest models.


News Dec 19, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
ABB Announces Real Progress Campaign to Accelerate Global Industry

ABB Announces Real Progress Campaign to Accelerate Global Industry

ABB has recently launched a campaign known as the "Real Progress" initiative aimed at fastening global sustainability through technology and expertise in process industries.


News Dec 18, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
Schmalz Introduces New Compact Multi-Stage Vacuum Generator

Schmalz Introduces New Compact Multi-Stage Vacuum Generator

Schmalz has launched a new multi-stage compact ejector for efficient vacuum gripping solutions, with vacuum compensation available for non-uniform grip surfaces.


News Dec 18, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Monitor Current and Machine Health With Sensing Coils From Banner

Monitor Current and Machine Health With Sensing Coils From Banner

Banner Engineering has introduced a flexible, easy-open loop current monitoring sensor for constant monitoring of electrical currents up to 6000 amps.


News Dec 16, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Banner Releases Flexible, Industrial-Grade RGB Strip Light

Banner Releases Flexible, Industrial-Grade RGB Strip Light

Banner Engineering has recently released a new flexible multicolored strip light with industrial protocols that can be installed on curved or slim surfaces to provide greater visibility.


News Dec 15, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo
Understanding the 17xx | Your Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Hardware Encyclopedia

Understanding the 17xx | Your Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Hardware Encyclopedia

Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but what are these lineups, and what function do they serve?