Latest Metal Articles

There are a lot of companies considering in-house automation or consulting with integrators for automated systems. But…

There are a lot of companies considering in-house automation or consulting with integrators for automated systems. But where do you start, and how do you even pick a project for automation?

Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive…

Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies.

The S7-1200 is Siemens’ flagship small form factor PLC, upgradable with signal boards and modules. The new update, the…

The S7-1200 is Siemens’ flagship small form factor PLC, upgradable with signal boards and modules. The new update, the S7-1200 G2, demonstrated at Hannover Messe, contains an array of new features.

Fluid control valves rely on the opening and closing of internal passageways to direct the flow of power. But what do…

Fluid control valves rely on the opening and closing of internal passageways to direct the flow of power. But what do they look like inside, and how do these ‘valve spools’ actually work?

Integrators and machine builders can automate and maintain systems with greater ease thanks to Rockwell Automation’s…

Integrators and machine builders can automate and maintain systems with greater ease thanks to Rockwell Automation’s enhanced firmware and features for the ArmorBlock 5000 IO-Link device series.

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along…

There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.

LUTZE has introduced twelve new units in the new LCIS 2 and LCIS 3 relay series that come with either 1, 2, or 4…

LUTZE has introduced twelve new units in the new LCIS 2 and LCIS 3 relay series that come with either 1, 2, or 4 changeover contact sets, all while maintaining a compact design.

Electrical control holds many advantages over fluid power with precise control, feedback, and a lower-maintenance system.…

Electrical control holds many advantages over fluid power with precise control, feedback, and a lower-maintenance system. But how do electric actuators work, and how do they stack up against fluids?

Tackling a growing need for education in industrial automation, Arduino has launched a starter kit for PLC learning based…

Tackling a growing need for education in industrial automation, Arduino has launched a starter kit for PLC learning based on the new Opta, the PLC IDE, and hardware to integrate I/O devices.

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for…

I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?

The largest earthquake in 25 years hit Taiwan around 8:00 local time on Wednesday, April 3rd. Emergency response reports…

The largest earthquake in 25 years hit Taiwan around 8:00 local time on Wednesday, April 3rd. Emergency response reports loss of life and major impacts to infrastructure and industry.

Save space and time with Banner Engineering’s new R130C and the R95C series IO-Link hubs. These hubs allow customers to…

Save space and time with Banner Engineering’s new R130C and the R95C series IO-Link hubs. These hubs allow customers to connect up to 16 sensors or actuators for wider network signal distribution.

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite…

Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.

Ethernet switches can use four different types of connections: RJ45, fiber, M12, and SFP. Understanding the difference…

Ethernet switches can use four different types of connections: RJ45, fiber, M12, and SFP. Understanding the difference can help with network troubleshooting, design, or alteration.

Oriental Motor recently released the new AZX series of servo motors and drives, designed to deliver higher speeds and…

Oriental Motor recently released the new AZX series of servo motors and drives, designed to deliver higher speeds and torque than the previous product line.

Turck has released its next-generation FS+ compact flow sensor series with IO-Link. The new sensors are equipped with an…

Turck has released its next-generation FS+ compact flow sensor series with IO-Link. The new sensors are equipped with an alphanumeric display to clearly show the flow and temperature of liquids.

In the field of robotics, designing proper end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) is a crucial step. This article includes critical…

In the field of robotics, designing proper end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) is a crucial step. This article includes critical material and inertia factors to consider when designing EoAT for 6-axis robots.

Asymmetrical zone monitoring can be challenging, but Pilz's newest additions to its safe radar system are designed to…

Asymmetrical zone monitoring can be challenging, but Pilz's newest additions to its safe radar system are designed to enable users to safely monitor protection zones in challenging environments and confined spaces.

Learn how to control servo motors from a PLC using Allen-Bradley servos and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 using a…

Learn how to control servo motors from a PLC using Allen-Bradley servos and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 using a simple-to-understand method.