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A Better Fit: Comparing Electrical Systems vs. Pneumatic Systems

A Better Fit: Comparing Electrical Systems vs. Pneumatic Systems

Knowing what kind of control system to use: that’s a question that must be answered before setting up the factory floor. Why would someone choose pneumatic over electrical controls?


Thomson Releases Enhanced Linear Actuator with Rotary Encoder Integration

Thomson Releases Enhanced Linear Actuator with Rotary Encoder Integration

Thomson has recently released a rotating nut stepper motor linear actuator in a frame that includes a rotary encoder as a pre-installed standard feature.


News Jan 23, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Festo’s New DHPL Parallel Gripper Offers Versatile EoAT Solution

Festo’s New DHPL Parallel Gripper Offers Versatile EoAT Solution

Festo announces the introduction of a new line of long-stroke parallel DHPL grippers, offering high torque and load in a compact, lightweight, and affordable product line.


News Jan 18, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Teardown: What’s Inside a Solenoid-Controlled Safety Interlock?

Teardown: What’s Inside a Solenoid-Controlled Safety Interlock?

Safety devices have two main purposes, both of them meant for (you guessed it) safety. They protect both machine and operator from harm. But what’s inside, and how do these switches work?


How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

How Do You ‘Megger’ a Motor? Understanding Motor Insulation Resistance

Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a normal multimeter. But what is insulation resistance, and how is it measured?


The Automator’s Edge: New Weekly Video Series Comes to Control!

The Automator’s Edge: New Weekly Video Series Comes to Control!

Learn about new manufacturer innovations, useful product highlights, and technical tips in a brand-new weekly video series from Control Automation, designed by engineers, for engineers.


News Jan 16, 2024 by David Peterson
Keyence Expands CL-3000 Series of Confocal Displacement Sensors

Keyence Expands CL-3000 Series of Confocal Displacement Sensors

Keyence has expanded its catalog of displacement sensors to include explosion-proof, vacuum-proof, and long-range models. The new additions aim to deliver high-accuracy measurements in a greater variety of environments.


News Jan 16, 2024 by Seth Price
Electrical Drawings, Schematics, and Wiring Diagrams: How to Read Them

Electrical Drawings, Schematics, and Wiring Diagrams: How to Read Them

In order to trace control system problems to the core, the ability to read and interpret various resources, from facility-level diagrams to machine-level wiring layouts, is critical.


ABB: No-Code Robot Software, Increasing Accessibility to Automation

ABB: No-Code Robot Software, Increasing Accessibility to Automation

Low-code and no-code software allows a simpler entry into the world of industrial robotics. ABB has established the Wizard Easy Programming interface for both collaborative and industrial models.


News Jan 15, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Autonics Unveils ADIO Series Remote I/O Boxes for Seamless Connectivity

Autonics Unveils ADIO Series Remote I/O Boxes for Seamless Connectivity

Autonics has announced the latest addition to its product lineup, the ADIO series remote I/O boxes. The ADIO series is designed for enhanced industrial communication with seamless connectivity.


News Jan 13, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Understanding Single-stage vs. Multi-stage Pneumatic Devices

Understanding Single-stage vs. Multi-stage Pneumatic Devices

This article looks at vacuum ejectors and vacuum pumps, specifically outlining the difference between single and multi-stage versions of each type, and common applications.


Enhance Workplace Efficiency with Patlite’s Bluetooth Stack Lights

Enhance Workplace Efficiency with Patlite’s Bluetooth Stack Lights

Patlite is improving workplace communication and safety with a stack light using Bluetooth control. This system eliminates complex wiring by transmitting signals directly to compatible output devices.


News Jan 11, 2024 by Austin Futrell
How to Convert Numbers: Binary, Decimal, and Hex Systems

How to Convert Numbers: Binary, Decimal, and Hex Systems

Converting different numbering systems is quite common in PLCs and structured text codes. Why? Because people read decimals. Computers read binary. Processors read sets of bits. Not so simple.


igus Expands ReBel Cobot Capabilities With Newly Developed Bionic Hand

igus Expands ReBel Cobot Capabilities With Newly Developed Bionic Hand

The recently launched ReBel finger gripper is the latest in cost-effective automation from igus. The easy-to-integrate bionic hand expands ReBel cobots' capabilities by enabling humanoid tasks at a low cost.


News Jan 05, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Sensing Ferrous Metals: AchieVe Series From AutomationDirect

Sensing Ferrous Metals: AchieVe Series From AutomationDirect

AutomationDirect's latest products, the AchieVe inductive proximity sensors, have been added to the product lineup, offering an affordable solution for use in metal detection at an industrial scale.


News Jan 04, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Star-Delta Wiring for Reduced Voltage Starting of 3-Phase Motors

Star-Delta Wiring for Reduced Voltage Starting of 3-Phase Motors

Digital controls like VFDs and soft starts have advantages by elongating start time, but simple strategies for starting motors with a reduced current draw, like star-delta (or wye-delta) are common.


New Compact Valve From Schmalz Centralizes Vacuum Gripping

New Compact Valve From Schmalz Centralizes Vacuum Gripping

The new LQE compact valves from Schmalz feature a small, lightweight design that can be mounted directly to robotic arms to reduce system complexity, featuring IO-Link for data monitoring.


News Dec 30, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
PLC Naming Conventions: How Should I Write My Tag Labels?

PLC Naming Conventions: How Should I Write My Tag Labels?

It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might even use more than one, depending on the circumstances and scope of your project.


Variable Air System Pressure with New AutomationDirect Transducers

Variable Air System Pressure with New AutomationDirect Transducers

When precise pneumatic control is required, on/off valves are insufficient. A new series of variable 4-20 mA valves from AutomationDirect provides more precise linear pressure control.


News Dec 28, 2023 by Austin Futrell
How Does a Circuit Breaker Work?

How Does a Circuit Breaker Work?

We depend on circuit breakers all the time, even when you have a day off or work from home. These overcurrent protection devices keep machines running safely, reducing the risk of fires and arcing.