Latest Inspection Technical Articles

Fluid flow control is often crucial to control systems and can be achieved by incorporating control valves. In this…

Fluid flow control is often crucial to control systems and can be achieved by incorporating control valves. In this article, we will look at the sequence valve and its use in systems to automate fluid flow.

Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquids or gasses in pipes, ducts, and other fluid systems to help monitor and…

Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquids or gasses in pipes, ducts, and other fluid systems to help monitor and control processes, prevent system failures, and optimize performance.

Level sensors are used to measure the level of a substance, usually a liquid or granular material, in a container.…

Level sensors are used to measure the level of a substance, usually a liquid or granular material, in a container. Different types of level sensors include capacitive, ultrasonic, acoustic, and radar.

Pressure sensors are essential tools in industrial applications, required wherever there is a hydraulic or pneumatic…

Pressure sensors are essential tools in industrial applications, required wherever there is a hydraulic or pneumatic system to keep pressure quantities under control.

Calibration is performed on a regular basis to ensure proper measurement tool function, but how do we determine the…

Calibration is performed on a regular basis to ensure proper measurement tool function, but how do we determine the proper interval? Factors include environment, usage, and level of dependence on proper function.

Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in…

Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in the maintenance and operation of industrial environments and equipment.

Calibration can be a time-consuming process requiring expensive traceable tools, but high-accuracy signals result in…

Calibration can be a time-consuming process requiring expensive traceable tools, but high-accuracy signals result in higher-quality products, better customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, greater returns.

Operating just outside the visible light spectrum, infrared energy emits from anything with heat stored in it. Detecting…

Operating just outside the visible light spectrum, infrared energy emits from anything with heat stored in it. Detecting this energy, infrared sensors find use in applications from proximity detection to temperature measurement.

A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices…

A subset of light is the focused cohesive beams that make up lasers, which can be used in optical sensing. These devices provide benefits of greater range, precision, and even mapping for mobile robotics.

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people…

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history,…

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs…

Programming simple coil and contact commands is an easy matter in most PLC IDEs. Connecting and configuring analog inputs can be more challenging with various bit resolutions and conversion commands.

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the…

Insufficient controller memory can result in reduced HMI and SCADA response speed and longer scan times. Know the differences between RAM, ROM, and removable memory, and how to keep program sizes in check.

Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls…

Operating voltage, linearity, dimensions, polarity protection, range… When it comes to sensors, every situation calls for understanding these specs in detail during design, purchasing, and installation.

As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of…

As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of fixing as required, even turning attention to the root cause of maintenance woes.

Machine learning is a subset of AI that allows a machine to learn using past data. Learn about the two categories of…

Machine learning is a subset of AI that allows a machine to learn using past data. Learn about the two categories of machine learning as well as four major machine learning models often used in industrial applications.

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged,…

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and…

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and associated memory solutions, however, some memory-based trends are becoming apparent.

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how…

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.