We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems: heavy equipment, overhead cranes, and even…
We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems: heavy equipment, overhead cranes, and even some robotic controls. But how do they work?
3D printers have come a long way over the years, but can we really expect to see them on the factory floor, taking the…
3D printers have come a long way over the years, but can we really expect to see them on the factory floor, taking the place of large machining centers? What benefits and challenges does printing offer to manufacturing?
Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as…
Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.
We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source…
We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.
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.
We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation,…
We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?
Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the…
Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.
Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics…
Human-machine interfaces, or HMIs, provide visual process data and allow access to process parameters and diagnostics information. What’s inside these touchscreen displays, and how do they actually work?
No matter how robust an automated control system might be, physical damage is a reality that plagues all machines. Thanks…
No matter how robust an automated control system might be, physical damage is a reality that plagues all machines. Thanks to new breakthrough materials, some failures may be prevented—or even reversed.
Nearly every electronic product depends on the unity of electrical components and PCBs with physical enclosures and…
Nearly every electronic product depends on the unity of electrical components and PCBs with physical enclosures and parts. Learn how Autodesk’s Fusion 360 offers a complete solution for electromechanical integration and design.
Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory…
Programming languages often include sine and cosine functions. They simplify programming, but consume valuable memory space and computation time. This can be overcome using simple approximations.
In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two…
In this article, we will take a look at the differences between synchronous and induction motors, as well as the two types of induction motors: squirrel cage and wound rotor.
Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the…
Robots are no longer unanimously just "robots"—there are specific tasks and functionality of each kind. Learn about the technology differences between fixed-location robots and mobile robots and why no one robot is like another.
The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead…
The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead to the introduction of ‘power factor’ effectiveness in an AC circuit.
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells,…
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.
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.
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?
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.
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