Latest Metal Articles

Categories

Sci-Fi on the Factory Floor: Brain-machine Interfaces

Sci-Fi on the Factory Floor: Brain-machine Interfaces

While robotic "mind control" is still very early in development, a fully-integrated brain-machine interface would result in having a thought acted out in real life just by merely thinking of it.


News Apr 18, 2023 by Seth Price
Endress+Hauser Field Test Ethernet-APL, Readies Portfolio Launch

Endress+Hauser Field Test Ethernet-APL, Readies Portfolio Launch

Endress+Hauser test a new technology that brings high-speed Ethernet, industrial protocols, and power to field devices to support ever-advancing Industry 4.0 demand.


News Apr 17, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Compact Tower IPC Fit for Upright In-Cabinet Requirements Across Industries

Compact Tower IPC Fit for Upright In-Cabinet Requirements Across Industries

Advantech has designed its latest control console, the IPC-320 compact tower, with IoT capabilities in mind, giving end users greater functionality in a small, space-saving design.


News Apr 16, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Control Wiring for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Control Wiring for Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Many VFDs use digital inputs to control operation, rather than PLC-driven network communications. Learn about 2-wire and 3-wire digital input control schemes for ABB, Omron, Rockwell, and others.


Comau Designs Mobile Cobot, Sees Use in Projects Across European Union

Comau Designs Mobile Cobot, Sees Use in Projects Across European Union

Comau has created a mobile cobot arm to help manufacturers implement the benefits of both collaborative and autonomous robots in a single mobile platform. The solution has been implemented in several projects across Europe.


News Apr 12, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

There are many different kinds of electric motors used for industrial power transfer, but there are also hydraulic and pneumatic motors that can lend advantages in some situations.


Understanding Temperature Sensors and Their Use in Industrial Automation

Understanding Temperature Sensors and Their Use in Industrial Automation

Converting thermal energy into electrical signals, temperature sensors such as RTDs and thermocouples are fundamental in the maintenance and operation of industrial environments and equipment.


What Is Instrument Calibration and Why Is it Needed?

What Is Instrument Calibration and Why Is it Needed?

Calibration can be a time-consuming process requiring expensive traceable tools, but high-accuracy signals result in higher-quality products, better customer satisfaction, and, ultimately, greater returns.


New Possibilities for Power, Data, and Fluid from Fischer Connectors

New Possibilities for Power, Data, and Fluid from Fischer Connectors

Fischer Connectors has released several new series of heavy-duty cable layouts, allowing reliable fastening of single-pair Ethernet (SPE) and USB 3.2, as well as offerings for combined data and fluid connection.


News Apr 04, 2023 by David Peterson
What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and what does ASCII mean for automation engineers?


Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.


A Look at Additive Manufacturing and Its Potential In Production

A Look at Additive Manufacturing and Its Potential In Production

3D printers have come a long way over the years, but can we really expect to see them on the factory floor, taking the place of large machining centers? What benefits and challenges does printing offer to manufacturing?


Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Multi-network Module Simplifies Networking, Supports CC-Link IE TSN and EtherNet/IP

Mitsubishi Electric releases a new module that combines IoT asynchronous messaging with deterministic cyclic messaging typically found in field I/O.


News Mar 24, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

The Basics of Optical Sensors and Common Types

Optical sensors are one of the most popular sensor types in industrial automation. This article covers optical sensor basics and commonly used types, including fiber optic, photoelectric, and optical encoders.


 Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Rugged and Intelligent Sensing: Inductive Proximity Sensors with IO-Link Capabilities

Carlo Gavazzi has released a new family of full-metal inductive proximity sensors with an IP69K rating and standard IO-Link capabilities to suit any automation application.


News Mar 21, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented Control (Vector Control) for Brushless DC Motors

Field-oriented control (FOC), also called vector control, can control 3-phase alternating current motors and brushless DC motors. Read more to learn its advantages, how it works, and its best applications.


Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.


AVEVA to Transition to a Subscription Model for Industrial Software

AVEVA to Transition to a Subscription Model for Industrial Software

AVEVA has begun a portfolio-wide transition to a subscription model, expecting 80% of clients to be switched over by 2025. With the transition, clients can expect to see quicker ROI, reduced costs, and the latest in software.


News Mar 16, 2023 by Seth Price
Faster Computing in a Smaller IPC: The Helix 401

Faster Computing in a Smaller IPC: The Helix 401

Industrial computing leader OnLogic sets the stage for more reliable data processing at the edge with the new Helix 401 IPC with expanded I/O and faster CPU/GPU capabilities, all in a rugged, fanless enclosure.


News Mar 14, 2023 by David Peterson
Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Modbus to Analog Hub For Controlling Analog Devices with RS485 Interface

Banner Engineering's new R90C Modbus to Analog Hub allows users to easily add analog output to a system that uses Modbus or RS485 without purchasing expensive output cards or replacing outdated equipment.


News Mar 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich