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…
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?
Safety devices have two main purposes, both of them meant for (you guessed it) safety. They protect both machine and…
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?
Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a…
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?
This article looks at vacuum ejectors and vacuum pumps, specifically outlining the difference between single and…
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.
Converting different numbering systems is quite common in PLCs and structured text codes. Why? Because people read…
Converting different numbering systems is quite common in PLCs and structured text codes. Why? Because people read decimals. Computers read binary. Processors read sets of bits. Not so simple.
It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might…
It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might even use more than one, depending on the circumstances and scope of your project.
We depend on circuit breakers all the time, even when you have a day off or work from home. These overcurrent protection…
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.
Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but…
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?
In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll…
In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll be talking about foil and wire strain gauges, but ignoring semiconductors.
To transfer data from a local spreadsheet to a database to create visual dashboards, we must now define the outbound…
To transfer data from a local spreadsheet to a database to create visual dashboards, we must now define the outbound integration to the PostgreSQL database through the mage.ai editor.
For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to…
For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to multi-ton machines. In this article, learn the operating principles and properties.
In this article, we will explore the inbound integration to the mage.ai pipeline, connecting to the spreadsheet data…
In this article, we will explore the inbound integration to the mage.ai pipeline, connecting to the spreadsheet data source using the Google Sheets API through a JSON credentials file.
Traditionally, automation requires a sizable investment and integration risks. RaaS empowers manufacturers to let someone…
Traditionally, automation requires a sizable investment and integration risks. RaaS empowers manufacturers to let someone else adopt the risks in exchange for an hourly or monthly subscription rate.
In the world of mechanical power transmission, gears, belts, and chains dominate the landscape, but what's so special…
In the world of mechanical power transmission, gears, belts, and chains dominate the landscape, but what's so special about chain drives, and why would they be used in place of rubber belts?
Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break…
Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break down, the effects can be catastrophic and the repairs costly and timely.
An overview of HMI data types, input controls, output indicators, and message functions, the building blocks used to…
An overview of HMI data types, input controls, output indicators, and message functions, the building blocks used to construct informative and appealing HMI applications.
Cobots have recently been hailed as one of the latest and greatest innovations in production and manufacturing…
Cobots have recently been hailed as one of the latest and greatest innovations in production and manufacturing automation. But are collaborative robots living up to their reputation? Control.com investigates the benefits and drawbacks of these versatile industrial machines.
Most commercial control technologies have fascinating histories, especially industrial robots. Here’s the story behind…
Most commercial control technologies have fascinating histories, especially industrial robots. Here’s the story behind the development of Unimate, the world’s first.
Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages…
Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?
A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack.…
A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack. The first step in the process involves sending data from a device to a server.