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…
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.
Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and…
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.
IIoT is a daunting topic due to ambiguous interactions of hardware and software. This article outlines the basic steps to…
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.
Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the…
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.
Air power drives a lot of modern equipment. Robot grippers, ejectors, actuators, and rotary tables are just a few of the…
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?
Learn about the common applications, programming procedures, and safety protocols of collaborative robot work cells,…
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.
There are many distributed fieldbus capabilities for valve manifolds that can save on network overhead and wiring. In…
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.
What if you could control the end position and the speed of a hydraulic actuator accurately with just a simple signal?…
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.
In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery…
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.
Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware…
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.
Moisture inside industrial pneumatic systems is a major cause for concern, and if the air is not filtered or dried…
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.
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.
In this article, learn the differences between single- and three-phase motors, including how each one works and…
In this article, learn the differences between single- and three-phase motors, including how each one works and applications best suited for each type.
This article looks at some common windings and wirings for three-phase motors, including internal Wye windings and low…
This article looks at some common windings and wirings for three-phase motors, including internal Wye windings and low and high voltage wirings.
This article looks at a few of the more advanced motor control circuits for a three-phase motor.
This article looks at a few of the more advanced motor control circuits for a three-phase motor.
This article looks at the safety systems included in boilers to alert malfunctions and prevent damage when issues arise.…
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.
Learn all about exoskeletons, a way to fuse robotics and humans in ways that can help the manufacturing process while…
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.
Vacuum pressures are not uncommon, but they can be more complicated than standard air systems. This article explores…
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.
In this article, we take a look at hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators and how they are used in different scenarios.
In this article, we take a look at hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators and how they are used in different scenarios.