Latest Military/Aerospace Technical Articles

This article explores the different ways in which PLM applications can be integrated with enterprise resource planning…

This article explores the different ways in which PLM applications can be integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES).

Statistical process control (SPC) is meaningless without the proper collection and analysis of data. For some process…

Statistical process control (SPC) is meaningless without the proper collection and analysis of data. For some process parameters, this is a simple task. But not every part of a process is driven by simple, quantitative parameters.

In the late 1960s, a revolution in manufacturing became a reality when the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was…

In the late 1960s, a revolution in manufacturing became a reality when the first Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was developed. We’ll examine the early history of the PLC - not just the technology, but also the inspiration of the inventors as well.

ABB robots are programmed using the RAPID language. Investigate an example of the code and structure elements in this…

ABB robots are programmed using the RAPID language. Investigate an example of the code and structure elements in this part 2 of the robotics programming article series.

This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.

This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.

Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms…

Digital control systems are particular about the direction of current flow from sensors and input devices. The terms sourcing and sinking (often abbreviated source and sink) are among the more confusing ratings found on I/O module datasheets. Part 1 of a 3-part series.

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered…

Any industrial electrician can instantly recognize a relay, but when it comes to wiring, why are the terminals numbered in such apparently random order?

ABB robots are programmed using the RAPID language. Learn the basic structures and definitions of the robot catalog and…

ABB robots are programmed using the RAPID language. Learn the basic structures and definitions of the robot catalog and the language in part 1 of this 2-part series.

Data feedback loops create a closed-loop digital twin (CLDT) driving increased operational efficiency and improved design…

Data feedback loops create a closed-loop digital twin (CLDT) driving increased operational efficiency and improved design iteration progress.

Learn how statistical process control (SPC) can provide a foundation for decisions used to reduce waste and increase…

Learn how statistical process control (SPC) can provide a foundation for decisions used to reduce waste and increase efficiency in the manufacturing process.

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship…

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.

Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.

Learn the definition of PLM and the stages of a product's lifecycle from initial concept design to final phaseout.

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those…

One of the most visible elements of industrial safety is the use of lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) devices, familiar to those with experience. But, if you are new to the workforce, a brief introduction may be helpful.

Technology advancements have provided us with terms that can seem foreign and confusing. Learn the definition of some of…

Technology advancements have provided us with terms that can seem foreign and confusing. Learn the definition of some of the important concepts that provide better efficiency for industrial manufacturing systems.

What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?

What is laser sensing, how does it work, and what types of laser sensors exist?

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.

Ladder diagrams, or ladder logic, is a popular programming language used for PLCs. Programmers can utilize boolean logic…

Ladder diagrams, or ladder logic, is a popular programming language used for PLCs. Programmers can utilize boolean logic as a base for their ladder diagrams. Learn the basics and structures for boolean logic.

Servo motors are widely utilized in industry for numerous applications. How do you use fuzzy logic to control a servo motor?

Servo motors are widely utilized in industry for numerous applications. How do you use fuzzy logic to control a servo motor?