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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.


How to Determine Choked Flow in Control Valves

How to Determine Choked Flow in Control Valves

Improper sizing and flow properties in a fluid system can cause choked flow, resulting in a loss of performance, or system damage. Prevention or correction are critical to a long, reliable service life.


How Cobots are Helping With the Welder Shortage

How Cobots are Helping With the Welder Shortage

The welder shortage is continuing to grow. Are cobots the answer to help relieve the welder shortage gap?


How Are Robots Used in the Process Industries?

How Are Robots Used in the Process Industries?

How are robots used in discrete versus process automation? Can the process industries utilize more robotic automation?


Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Steps and Applications in Industrial Automation

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Steps and Applications in Industrial Automation

Learn the definition of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), steps to execute it, and applications in the industry.


Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!


A Software Approach to Calculating Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

A Software Approach to Calculating Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

MTTR and MTBF are metrics utilized to determine equipment downtime. How do you calculate these metrics, and how can a control engineer use them for machine reliability?


Utilizing Preventive Maintenance to Promote Machine Autonomy

Utilizing Preventive Maintenance to Promote Machine Autonomy

Learn the steps and how-tos for operators, maintenance crews, and management to create an autonomous maintenance system for industrial manufacturing.


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?


The Relationship Between Predictive Maintenance and Digital Transformation

The Relationship Between Predictive Maintenance and Digital Transformation

This article discusses some trends in digital transformation, specifically matching real-world data with resources and gaining control in an ever-changing world.


Considerations When Integrating Cobots Into a Facility

Considerations When Integrating Cobots Into a Facility

What are some steps to consider before integrating a cobot, such as Universal Robots, into a facility?


Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

What are the similarities and differences between process and discrete manufacturing, and how can control engineers best equip themselves for these processes?


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.


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.


Key Points to Help Manage Maintenance for Industrial Energy Systems

Key Points to Help Manage Maintenance for Industrial Energy Systems

Industrial energy systems are imperative for continuous manufacturing production and should be maintained to ensure efficiency. Learn how to maintain these systems and implement automation devices.


Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Broken industrial machinery can cause unexpected downtime, production loss, and even injury. Let's look at some of the most common issues and how to properly address them.


Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Melt Flow and Asymmetric Parts

Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Melt Flow and Asymmetric Parts

We finish exploring some challenges and trends in laser welding with melt flow and asymmetric parts.


Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Cracking

Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Cracking

We continue our exploration of some challenges and trends in laser welding. This article explores cracking.


Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Porosity

Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Porosity

Explore the biggest challenges and trends in laser welding, starting with porosity.


An Overview of Fracture Mechanics in Industrial Applications

An Overview of Fracture Mechanics in Industrial Applications

Always cracking your HMI? Learn how fracture mechanics strives to model and understand how cracks form and propagate.