Latest Metal Articles

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.

Banner Engineering has introduced an audible indicator to its existing family of modular, in-line light tower indicators…

Banner Engineering has introduced an audible indicator to its existing family of modular, in-line light tower indicators to provide real-time audible alerts to operators.

To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some…

To know if predictive maintenance is the right strategy, it might help to first recognize if it isn’t. Here are some indicators that your organization should improve before implementing predictive maintenance.

Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn…

Rockwell Automation is known for being one of the most popular PLC brands, supported by many compatible devices. Learn the basics of getting started with a CompactLogix project in the Studio 5000 environment.

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the…

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.

Control.com had the opportunity to chat with Kristian Hulgard, OnRobot’s General Manager, to learn about D:Ploy, a…

Control.com had the opportunity to chat with Kristian Hulgard, OnRobot’s General Manager, to learn about D:Ploy, a robotic deployment solution that has been seven years in the making.

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source…

We are taught that parallel circuits maintain equal voltage across all branch resistors, equally sharing the source voltage. But reality is often far from ideal, and individual devices certainly impact the rest of the circuit.

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged,…

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and…

Memory for data is among the most pressing challenges to Industry 4.0. Given the evolving nature of Industry 4.0 and associated memory solutions, however, some memory-based trends are becoming apparent.

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be…

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare electric…

Actuators are used to control the motion of manufacturing devices and raw materials. This article will compare electric actuators and several types of fluid-power actuators.

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn…

Programmable Logic Controllers, or PLCs, are designed to receive signals and influence load devices automatically. Learn how to connect and program discrete output devices like solenoids, relays, and lights.

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how…

Previously, we described how to use the new Arduino PLC IDE to control discrete devices. This tutorial will describe how to connect various peripheral equipment (VFD and robot) using analog inputs and outputs.

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn…

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.

Material manufacturing and process system industries rely on strong materials and assemblies that can withstand harsh…

Material manufacturing and process system industries rely on strong materials and assemblies that can withstand harsh environments and conditions. One new weld process can reduce failures and provide security for long-lasting mechanical fixtures.

Programming robots may seem like a simple task of moving from point to point, like a really expensive game of Connect the…

Programming robots may seem like a simple task of moving from point to point, like a really expensive game of Connect the Dots. Linear, joint, and circular motion commands affect robot movement differently, each meant to be used in certain settings.

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is…

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold…

PLCs and microprocessors have largely replaced timing functions in control circuits. But these timer relays still hold many necessary tasks. What’s inside these devices might be more complex than you imagined!

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the…

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the function blocks common to all IEC 61131 languages, starting with bit commands, timers, and counters.