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Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to programming methods, here’s everything you need to know to begin leveraging these handy devices.


What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.


Potential Problems Arising from Misuse of Motor Phase Wiring

Potential Problems Arising from Misuse of Motor Phase Wiring

Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It is never recommended, but important to quickly understand symptoms of incorrect wiring.


ABB Releases New NEMA Motor with Durability and Modularity at its Core

ABB Releases New NEMA Motor with Durability and Modularity at its Core

Uncover the modular AMI 5800 NEMA motor from ABB, which provides engineers with improved performance and durability for industrial applications.


News Jul 21, 2023 by Stephanie Leonida
Troubleshooting and Testing Single Phase AC Motors

Troubleshooting and Testing Single Phase AC Motors

Single-phase motors are common in household and small industrial devices. They are a bit more complex than 3-phase models, so it’s important to recognize failure modes and common symptoms.


New Mitsubishi Electric VFD Inverter can be Powered by a 120V Source

New Mitsubishi Electric VFD Inverter can be Powered by a 120V Source

Mitsubishi Electric has made a new 120V VFD to help manufacturers that need access to variable-speed motors. They can benefit from these 120V VFDs by eliminating the need for a rotary phase converter.


News Jul 12, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

After an amazing first half in 2023, with site records being broken in many categories, we have you, our viewers, to thank! But what content have you been enjoying most? Articles, forums, the textbook?


News Jun 28, 2023 by David Peterson
The Simplicity of Plug-And-Play: Leveraging Machine Learning Using BrickML

The Simplicity of Plug-And-Play: Leveraging Machine Learning Using BrickML

RELOC and Edge Impulse introduce the world to the tiny BrickML that is capable of machine learning at the edge of production to save downtime costs and enhance machine reliability.


News Jun 26, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Stepper Motor Control for Mitsubishi’s FX Series PLCs

Stepper Motor Control for Mitsubishi’s FX Series PLCs

Stepper motor control can be useful for motion applications. Learn the circuit connection and programming instructions for implementing stepper motor control using GX Works 2 on MELSEC FX-Series PLCs.


Going Against the Flow | Reversing Single-phase Industrial Motors

Going Against the Flow | Reversing Single-phase Industrial Motors

Three-phase motors are a backbone of the modern industrial control landscape. But plenty of applications still rely on single-phase motors. Can these types of motors be reversed, and if so, how?


Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do you control them, and how can you tell when it’s time to repair or replace them?


Automate 2023: First Glimpse From the Show

Automate 2023: First Glimpse From the Show

It’s the first two days of Automate 2023, and the Control Automation team hit the streets to learn about the latest and greatest technology rocking the world of robotics and industrial automation!


News May 24, 2023 by David Peterson
The Mechanic’s View of Control: Belt Drives

The Mechanic’s View of Control: Belt Drives

Rubber belts have lived under the hood of nearly every car since they first took to the streets, but they also transmit power through all kinds of industrial machine drives as well.


The Mechanic’s View of Control: Types of Gear Drives

The Mechanic’s View of Control: Types of Gear Drives

Although electrical systems often receive the highest praise for advancement, precision, and technological innovation, the world would be stuck without mechanical power delivery systems like gear drives.


Control Wiring for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Control Wiring for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Many VFDs use digital inputs to control operation, rather than PLC-driven network communications. Learn about 2-wire and 3-wire digital input control schemes for ABB, Omron, Rockwell, and others.


Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

There are many different kinds of electric motors used for industrial power transfer, but there are also hydraulic and pneumatic motors that can lend advantages in some situations.


High Torque Hägglunds Quantum Motors Now Available Through Rexroth

High Torque Hägglunds Quantum Motors Now Available Through Rexroth

Bosch Rexroth’s new Hägglunds Quantum motors offer high torque at high efficiency—fit for use on mobile machinery, such as construction or mining equipment, or in stationary processing facilities.


News Apr 05, 2023 by Seth Price
Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.


ABB Adds IEC Frame Options to Award-winning Family of Motors

ABB Adds IEC Frame Options to Award-winning Family of Motors

ABB has expanded its line of Baldor-Reliance EC Titanium motors designed for HVAC and pumping systems to include IEC frame types, making the award-winning product lineup even more flexible for customer applications.


News Mar 16, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Inrush Current: Why Is Motor Startup Current So High?

Inrush Current: Why Is Motor Startup Current So High?

Motors consume the highest current during startup—this is a well-known fact. But logically, the slowest speed should relate to the lowest power consumption. Why, then, is inrush current so high for motors?