Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to…
Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?
Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief…
Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.
Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to…
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.
Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft…
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.
What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore…
What are these terms, PLC, PAC, RTU, DCS, SCADA? Why are they so important to industrial robotics and automation? Explore how each different piece functions to build a comprehensive automated system.
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might…
Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?
Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It…
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.
Single-phase motors are common in household and small industrial devices. They are a bit more complex than 3-phase…
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.
Stepper motor control can be useful for motion applications. Learn the circuit connection and programming instructions…
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.
Three-phase motors are a backbone of the modern industrial control landscape. But plenty of applications still rely on…
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?
Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the…
Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value.
Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do…
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?
Most grippers are powered by either air or electricity. Learn about the questions and factors an engineer should consider…
Most grippers are powered by either air or electricity. Learn about the questions and factors an engineer should consider to make the best decisions while selecting a gripper to use for unique applications.
Setting and resetting a PLC output is essential in establishing a holding circuit for a transducer. Learn how to use…
Setting and resetting a PLC output is essential in establishing a holding circuit for a transducer. Learn how to use set/reset instructions in MELSOFT series GX Works2 to latch and release an output.
Process automation relies on precise control systems to operate production equipment for everything from lumber to…
Process automation relies on precise control systems to operate production equipment for everything from lumber to pastries. Using control algorithms produces stable, accurate, and often delicious results.
Transfer functions allow systems to be converted from non-algebraic time measurement units into equations that can be…
Transfer functions allow systems to be converted from non-algebraic time measurement units into equations that can be solved, but how do these functions work, and why do we use them?
System dynamics is primarily concerned with understanding complex systems’ behaviors over time. Mathematical and…
System dynamics is primarily concerned with understanding complex systems’ behaviors over time. Mathematical and computer models can help identify responses before turning to costly real-world experiments.
We usually think of joysticks in terms of video game controllers, but they exist in all kinds of industrial systems:…
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?
Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to…
Variable control allows external conditions, like temperature, to be monitored so the controller can activate devices to heat or cool the system as needed. Simulate a temp controller with low-cost components!
Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated…
Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated by the color of the insulation. But what are the common colors, and what do they mean?
Facebook
Google
GitHub
Linkedin