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Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power, and the Role of Power Factor

Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power, and the Role of Power Factor

The diverse power terms in electrical generation systems include active, reactive, and apparent power, all of which lead to the introduction of ‘power factor’ effectiveness in an AC circuit.


The Annual EETech Engineering Survey of 2022

The Annual EETech Engineering Survey of 2022

The quality of content from our educational site comes from understanding our audience and your needs. Help give us the best snapshot of today’s control industry, along with a free chance to win one of several Amazon card prizes!


News Aug 09, 2022 by David Peterson
Automation Issues and Energy Usage in Environmental Extremes

Automation Issues and Energy Usage in Environmental Extremes

As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can damage automated equipment and systems. 


Nikon’s Latest C3 eMotion Actuators

Nikon’s Latest C3 eMotion Actuators

Nikon’s new series of actuators used in robotic joints and collaborative mechanical arm applications extend the options for peak torque and rotational speed, among other key performance characteristics.


News Jul 29, 2022 by Gunner Scott
CTRL F3: Factory Explosion Field Study

CTRL F3: Factory Explosion Field Study

The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This article covers an explosion at an industrial sawmill.


Bosch Rexroth Releases its New Plug-and-Produce Smart Function Kit for Dispensing

Bosch Rexroth Releases its New Plug-and-Produce Smart Function Kit for Dispensing

Bosch Rexroth's new universal Smart Function Kit for Dispensing helps customers execute dispensing tasks faster than previously possible with their complete and deployment-ready linear robots. 


News Jul 11, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
ABB Introduces New Motor Solutions at EASA Convention

ABB Introduces New Motor Solutions at EASA Convention

ABB showcased its latest innovative motor solutions at the EASA Convention in Saint Louis, Missouri on June 26-28. The motors are designed to operate in harsh industrial environments, with different options available to fit customers' changing needs. 


News Jun 30, 2022 by Damond Goodwin
Predictive Maintenance: Defect Analysis Using Electrical Current

Predictive Maintenance: Defect Analysis Using Electrical Current

Electrical signal analysis has come to the forefront of predictive maintenance, helping to reduce downtime in industrial manufacturing by remotely identifying problems with electric motors and generators.


A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

A How-to Guide to Control Automation Day 2022

Welcome to Control Automation Day 2022—Control.com’s digital-only event for engineers! Here is your guide to navigating the keynote addresses, live educational sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News Jun 20, 2022 by David Peterson
Control.com Will be Attending Automate 2022

Control.com Will be Attending Automate 2022

The reappearance of the Automate show in Detroit is an opportunity to witness some of the most innovative, exciting technology displays from manufacturers around the globe. If you see us, stop and say hello!


News Jun 05, 2022 by David Peterson
Invertek Drives Expands its German Operations into the DACH Region

Invertek Drives Expands its German Operations into the DACH Region

Invertek, a global manufacturer of VFDs for single and three-phase motors, announces its investment plans for growing business in Germany and expanding operations into other areas in Europe.


News Jun 01, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
Interroll Unveils New Ultra Hygienic Conveyor for the Poultry Industry

Interroll Unveils New Ultra Hygienic Conveyor for the Poultry Industry

Hygienic treatment is critical in manufacturing processes for food products. Interroll’s new UHT conveyor module reduces the amount of debris and germs produced from automated cutting operations.


News May 30, 2022 by Stephanie Leonida
New LEG Series from SMC: Electric Actuator with Battery-less Encoder

New LEG Series from SMC: Electric Actuator with Battery-less Encoder

SMC announces a new electric actuator series with high-rigidity guide rods, equipped with a battery-less encoder, driven by stepper motor and matching drive compatible with multiple networks.


News May 21, 2022 by David Peterson
Variable Frequency Drives: Managing Network Outage Responses

Variable Frequency Drives: Managing Network Outage Responses

Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in VFD systems becomes critically important.


Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control.com Announces Control Automation Day 2022!

Control Automation Day 2022 will be on June 21st, focusing on PLC systems, packed with keynote addresses, educational live sessions, and exciting giveaways from your favorite manufacturers!


News May 18, 2022 by David Peterson
Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

Comparing Mechanical vs Hydraulic Forces

In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.


Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Up Close and Personal With Automated Ag Equipment

Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.


Rockwell’s New Armor Powerflex Variable Frequency Drive

Rockwell’s New Armor Powerflex Variable Frequency Drive

Rockwell recently announced the newest addition to the PowerFlex family of VFD units - the Armor PowerFlex series, designed for on-machine control with heightened IP ratings over previous models.


News May 03, 2022 by Shawn Dietrich
Defining Scalar and Vector Control in VFD Outputs

Defining Scalar and Vector Control in VFD Outputs

Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.


Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Dynamic Braking Resistors for Motor Control Applications

Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?