Latest Motors & Motion Controls Articles

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.

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?

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation,…

We know that servo motors are found inside machines that rely on precise motion with feedback to verify proper operation, but how do they work, and what makes them different from any other kind of motor?

Mechanical devices can harbor environments that encourage the growth of bacteria, which is why designing hygienic…

Mechanical devices can harbor environments that encourage the growth of bacteria, which is why designing hygienic equipment is crucial for sterile production lines. Enter WITTENSTEIN's newest servo actuators.

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the…

Coil, field winding, rotor, stator, eddy current… When it comes to motors, there are numerous terms that describe the theory of operation, but what is inside a 3-phase motor? Take a look, and learn how they work.

When accurate positioning and speed control is needed, most engineers turn to servo motors or stepper motors, but what is…

When accurate positioning and speed control is needed, most engineers turn to servo motors or stepper motors, but what is the difference between the two, and which is the right choice?

Frequency filters remove unwanted variations from signals and power sources. In this article, we explore why we need…

Frequency filters remove unwanted variations from signals and power sources. In this article, we explore why we need frequency filters in industrial automation and where they are commonly found.

Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’.…

Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’. What does it mean to send one network over another, and how does it work to your advantage?

Total laboratory automation (TLA) helps in workforce utilization, reduced costs, and management of routine testing. Learn…

Total laboratory automation (TLA) helps in workforce utilization, reduced costs, and management of routine testing. Learn about what TLA is, its components, and what to consider before replacing a traditional laboratory.

SMC has developed a size 16 AC servo motor for applications which require high accuracy and low power consumption, fit…

SMC has developed a size 16 AC servo motor for applications which require high accuracy and low power consumption, fit for use in machining, packaging, and assembling operations.

Variable frequency drive units can be found inside tons of control cabinets, but what happens if you disassemble one to…

Variable frequency drive units can be found inside tons of control cabinets, but what happens if you disassemble one to see what’s inside and how it works? We did just that. The results might surprise you.

Rockwell has expanded its Armor product family as part of their On-Machine solutions. The products are designed to be…

Rockwell has expanded its Armor product family as part of their On-Machine solutions. The products are designed to be mounted on the machine or in the field, greatly reducing occupied space in the cabinet.

Connecting a new motor without knowing the phase rotation of the electrical supply can cause damage to expensive…

Connecting a new motor without knowing the phase rotation of the electrical supply can cause damage to expensive equipment. By using a 3-phase rotation meter, you can save yourself time and money.

The Red Lion PM-50 allows you to easily upgrade by replacing any meter in a one-eighth or one-sixteenth DIN panel cutout…

The Red Lion PM-50 allows you to easily upgrade by replacing any meter in a one-eighth or one-sixteenth DIN panel cutout using existing wiring.

Last week, we went boots on the ground and hit the streets in Chicago (ok, hit the show floor) to find out what exciting…

Last week, we went boots on the ground and hit the streets in Chicago (ok, hit the show floor) to find out what exciting trends and technologies will be addressed by the leading manufacturers in 2023.

With all-electric trucks, mustangs, and vans, Ford has expanded its product offerings to fit the evolving consumer…

With all-electric trucks, mustangs, and vans, Ford has expanded its product offerings to fit the evolving consumer market. In order to meet the growing demands, Ford has selected Rockwell to aid in electric vehicle production.

With precise control abilities to manage speed, torque, and direction, variable frequency drives remain one of the most…

With precise control abilities to manage speed, torque, and direction, variable frequency drives remain one of the most common methods of driving 3-phase industrial motors. Below, we introduce a few leading VFD manufacturers.

Safety is one of the most critical aspects of machine design. Today, with network connections between different machines…

Safety is one of the most critical aspects of machine design. Today, with network connections between different machines and control centers, safety signals must be shared logically and reliably across networks.