Latest Mining Technical Articles

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand…

You are bound to encounter two terms associated with sensors and some loads: ‘NPN’ and ‘PNP’. You must understand the relationship between the field device and the control module in order to choose and install components properly when needed.

PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the…

PLC and other automation project software can be easier and more efficient to update and maintain thanks to the introduction of Git control, already a staple for typical programming of large-scale projects.

Light curtains serve as an invisible barrier, keeping workers out of harm's way and protecting machinery from damage.…

Light curtains serve as an invisible barrier, keeping workers out of harm's way and protecting machinery from damage. Learn about safety curtains, how they are installed, and their programmable functions.

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in…

Relay and other coil devices pose a few confusing questions: How can the relay still work if you connect a DC supply in reverse? How can an alternating voltage attract and hold the load consistently?

An EOAT, located at the end of an industrial or collaborative robot arm, is entirely customizable with nearly unlimited…

An EOAT, located at the end of an industrial or collaborative robot arm, is entirely customizable with nearly unlimited possibilities. Learn about the five main methods of how EOATs are powered and the sensors that they use.

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very…

The ability to utilize an array effectively is a fundamental skill in becoming a PLC programmer, but it can also be very complex and difficult to master. Let’s do a run-down of arrays and some of their complexities!

As the IIoT continues to grow in the industrial sector, businesses face a number of obstacles to integrating its…

As the IIoT continues to grow in the industrial sector, businesses face a number of obstacles to integrating its solutions. Learn about these challenges as well as some potential solutions.

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.

Remote locations are notoriously difficult to supply power, yet they are the exact locations where many data points must…

Remote locations are notoriously difficult to supply power, yet they are the exact locations where many data points must be collected. How can IoT devices be designed to conserve power to last for months or even years?

Learn about the four IIoT architecture layers: perception, network, processing, and application, and how  these layers…

Learn about the four IIoT architecture layers: perception, network, processing, and application, and how  these layers are necessary to implement IIoT in an industrial setting to benefit varying processes.

B&R is a control system manufacturer less heard of than some of its bigger competitors, Rockwell and Siemens, however…

B&R is a control system manufacturer less heard of than some of its bigger competitors, Rockwell and Siemens, however their PLCs, lineup of motors, and product offerings with Automation Studio make B&R a leader in industrial innovation.

Software distribution models have historically been on premises, however, as industry has become more digital,…

Software distribution models have historically been on premises, however, as industry has become more digital, cloud-based solutions have become increasingly popular, including SaaS and its variants, IaaS and PaaS.  

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several…

Grounding transformer connections presents its own set of challenges. This article addresses these challenges and several common configurations for control transformer grounding.

Mobile robot work cells can move between workstations and tend to where demand is highest. These self-contained work…

Mobile robot work cells can move between workstations and tend to where demand is highest. These self-contained work cells offer more flexibility for manufacturers than industrial and collaborative robot cells we have previously talked about. 

As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime.…

As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can damage automated equipment and systems. 

Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and…

Inside a controller, code is interpreted into the binary signals that influence input and output signals, flags and registers, and even the communication of network signals. This is the job of firmware.

Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two…

Fuses and breakers are some of the most common safeguards to prevent electrical shock and fires. Learn about these two pieces of industrial equipment and the difference between slow blow and quick blow responses.

The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with…

The world of manufacturing is filled with robots, but beginners are still always faced with key questions, starting with perhaps the most basic: how do you program industrial robots?

UL Listed devices are certified as safe within North America, specifically, the US. Learn about the importance of UL…

UL Listed devices are certified as safe within North America, specifically, the US. Learn about the importance of UL Certification and the key role it plays in industrial automation.