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Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Basic Three-Phase Motor Control Circuits

Large motors require a circuit to turn on and off. This may be as simple as a single on/off drum-type switch or as elaborate as a VFD unit. Learn about some common control circuit designs for typical three-phase motor requirements.


Basic Concepts of Pneumatically Powered Air Motors

Basic Concepts of Pneumatically Powered Air Motors

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and working principles of air motors and the differences between air and electrical motors.


Not Just Another IIoT Article: MQTT for Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

Not Just Another IIoT Article: MQTT for Pneumatic Cylinder Maintenance

IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to use an MQTT broker to collect the number of cycles from a pneumatic cylinder for PM software.


Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Teardown: What’s Inside a 3-Phase Induction Motor?

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.


Teardown: What’s Inside a Pneumatic Solenoid Valve Bank?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Pneumatic Solenoid Valve Bank?

Air power drives a lot of modern equipment. Robot grippers, ejectors, actuators, and rotary tables are just a few of the devices controlled by air. What’s inside those banks of solenoid valves, and how do they work?


Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Collaborative Robot Cells: Simple and User-friendly Design Priorities

Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells, which are often simpler and less expensive than industrial robot work cells.  


Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

Configuring a Network With Pneumatic Valve Manifolds

There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In this article, we will look at PLC programming of fieldbus manifolds highlighting Festo's CPX layout.


Controlling Hydraulic Devices with Open and Closed Loop Systems

Controlling Hydraulic Devices with Open and Closed Loop Systems

What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal? Some systems use simple open/close valves, but others require far more precision.


Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.


Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.


Combating That Killer of Industrial Pneumatic Systems - Water

Combating That Killer of Industrial Pneumatic Systems - Water

Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried properly, it can lead to serious failures.


Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

Lock-out-tag-out (LOTO) Devices for Industrial Safety

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.


Comparing Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Motors

Comparing Single-Phase vs Three-Phase Motors

In this article, learn the differences between single- and three-phase motors, including how each one works and applications best suited for each type.


Common Motor Windings and Wiring for Three-Phase Motors

Common Motor Windings and Wiring for Three-Phase Motors

This article looks at some common windings and wirings for three-phase motors, including internal Wye windings and low and high voltage wirings.


Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

Introduction to Advanced Motor Control Circuits

This article looks at a few of the more advanced motor control circuits for a three-phase motor.


Understanding Boiler Safety Controls

Understanding Boiler Safety Controls

This article looks at the safety systems included in boilers to alert malfunctions and prevent damage when issues arise. Learn about the safety systems and the ISO standard used to keep boilers running smoothly.


Utilizing Exoskeleton Robots for Industrial Applications

Utilizing Exoskeleton Robots for Industrial Applications

Learn all about exoskeletons, a way to fuse robotics and humans in ways that can help the manufacturing process while protecting the human body from excessive strain.


Introduction to the Fundamentals of Pneumatic Vacuums

Introduction to the Fundamentals of Pneumatic Vacuums

Vacuum pressures are not uncommon, but they can be more complicated than standard air systems. This article explores pneumatic vacuums, exploring applications, uses, and types.


Introduction to Pneumatic, Hydraulic, and Electric Actuators

Introduction to Pneumatic, Hydraulic, and Electric Actuators

In this article, we take a look at hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators and how they are used in different scenarios.