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Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other factors. Learn how a photo sensor works!


Control Considerations for Plastic Injection Molding

Control Considerations for Plastic Injection Molding

Do you know how the injection molding process works? Learn the basics as well as control processes to consider.


How to Implement the Data Science Lifecycle: Computer Vision

How to Implement the Data Science Lifecycle: Computer Vision

This article reviews how to implement the data science lifecycle CRISP-DM model phases into industrial computer vision.


Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?


Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

A useful but often overlooked instruction included in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs for heating and cooling.


Does 3D Printing Continue to Drive Digital Transformation?

Does 3D Printing Continue to Drive Digital Transformation?

As digital transformation continues to rise, technologies such as 3D printing also skyrocket. What is the relationship between these terms, and how can 3D printing help manufacturers and shops on their journey toward digital transformation?


Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and differences, and how are they each used?


Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and some determining factors.


How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.


What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

With the adoption of digital transformation and industry 4.0, conveyors are becoming smarter. This article examines smart conveyor systems and what makes them “smart.”


Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get production back on track.


Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and what are the types of controls involved?


Combining Machine Vision and Neural Networks in IIoT

Combining Machine Vision and Neural Networks in IIoT

As IIoT and Industry 4.0 continue to grow, so do its technologies. Machine vision is becoming more widely used in the industry, and IIoT pushes it to become more and advanced as time progresses.


HMI Troubleshooting and Maintenance

HMI Troubleshooting and Maintenance

In this article, we cover some of the most common HMI failures and troubleshooting methods.


The Difference Between HMI and SCADA and How They Work Together

The Difference Between HMI and SCADA and How They Work Together

Learn the differences and similarities between human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and how they work together.


Using LabVIEW for Motor and Motion Control

Using LabVIEW for Motor and Motion Control

Learn about the numerous libraries, toolkits, and interfaces to achieve motor and motion control using LabVIEW.


The Difference Between 2 Wire RTDs, 3 Wire RTDs, and 4 Wire RTDs

The Difference Between 2 Wire RTDs, 3 Wire RTDs, and 4 Wire RTDs

We already discussed a few limitations of resistance temperature detectors (RTDs); this article will explore the difference between two-wire, three-wire, and four-wire RTDs.


How 3D Printing Failures Happen in Manufacturing

How 3D Printing Failures Happen in Manufacturing

This article will consider ways companies can use a full-digital thread and real-time monitoring that might lead to a better understanding of 3D printing part failures.


3D Printing Failures in Manufacturing: Troubleshooting and Prevention

3D Printing Failures in Manufacturing: Troubleshooting and Prevention

This two-part series will look at failures in additive manufacturing, how it happens, and what might prevent it from happening.


The Role of Carbon Fiber in 3D Printing

The Role of Carbon Fiber in 3D Printing

The following will look at key factors in manufacturing carbon fiber parts and how 3D printing could address some of the materials processing challenges.