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Intro to CODESYS: First Project Using CMZ Hardware

Intro to CODESYS: First Project Using CMZ Hardware

CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion operations. However, being vendor-agnostic can present challenges. Learn how to get started.


Lock Out/Tag Out: The Law, The Purpose, and The Details

Lock Out/Tag Out: The Law, The Purpose, and The Details

The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy. It’s important for companies to establish an SOP for standardized LOTO practice.


Turck Expands TNIC Line of Industrial Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

Turck Expands TNIC Line of Industrial Unmanaged Ethernet Switches

Turck has added new unmanaged switches to its TNIC series. These Ethernet switches are compact, rugged, and feature a wide operating temperature and voltage range, making them suitable for various industrial applications.


News Jan 05, 2025 by Shawn Dietrich
Comparing Voltage: When to Ground a Floating Power Supply

Comparing Voltage: When to Ground a Floating Power Supply

The choice to ground or float a power supply is not always clear in the NEC. This article explains floating or fixing a DC supply with respect to ground and how circuits can be functionally constructed both ways.


A Visit From Safety Nick

A Visit From Safety Nick

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.


HMS Networks Expands Next-Generation Gateway Line

HMS Networks Expands Next-Generation Gateway Line

HMS Networks releases new gateways to facilitate secure and fast communication for control systems in industrial environments.


News Dec 18, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Marvel Over DC Voltage: Permanent Magnet vs. Field Wound Motors

Marvel Over DC Voltage: Permanent Magnet vs. Field Wound Motors

Since their creation, DC motors have become a part of our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll examine the differences between various types of field-wound and permanent magnet DC motors.


Emerson’s New Energy Manager Targeting 30% Energy and Emissions Cuts

Emerson’s New Energy Manager Targeting 30% Energy and Emissions Cuts

The new Energy Manager solution by Emerson is designed to enhance electricity monitoring, allowing manufacturers to reduce energy waste and emissions.


News Dec 17, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Merry ControlByWeb-mas! A Fun Holiday Light Show Project

Merry ControlByWeb-mas! A Fun Holiday Light Show Project

As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead, spend many hours automating this very important December job? Let me show you.


Tech Hubs Unite, Igniting Innovation in Automation Solutions

Tech Hubs Unite, Igniting Innovation in Automation Solutions

The University of Tulsa announced the opening of its Institute for Robotics & Autonomy, and other tech hubs are seeking to advance robotics-based operations.


News Dec 16, 2024 by Stephanie Leonida
Festo Rolls Out Suite of Safety Solutions for Pneumatic Systems

Festo Rolls Out Suite of Safety Solutions for Pneumatic Systems

Festo has released a new suite of pneumatic solutions, including CIP safety modules and valve terminals. The latest additions aim to make pneumatic system operation simpler and safer.


News Dec 15, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
What are ‘Eddy Currents’ and Why Do They Matter to Motors?

What are ‘Eddy Currents’ and Why Do They Matter to Motors?

Electromagnetic devices like motors and transformers rely on electric currents that drive magnetic fields which, in turn, can drive current on their own. That’s not always a good thing.


Danfoss Upgrades Diagnostics and Coms for AutomationDrive VFD

Danfoss Upgrades Diagnostics and Coms for AutomationDrive VFD

New updates to the VLT AutomationDrive EZ FC 321 VFD provide new communication protocols, condition monitoring and diagnostic functions, and algorithms for increasing energy efficiency.


News Dec 08, 2024 by Damond Goodwin
Safety Programming Made Agile and Transparent with B&R’s Safety+

Safety Programming Made Agile and Transparent with B&R’s Safety+

The new Safety+ solution from B&R enhances the development of safety applications with open programming, new productivity tools, and flexible software solutions.


News Dec 04, 2024 by Bob Odhiambo
Automation News Roundup: Wrapping up 2024

Automation News Roundup: Wrapping up 2024

Many new products are released around tradeshows and the automation industry is no exception. Following recent shows, check out some of the exciting new developments from your favorite manufacturers.


News Dec 04, 2024 by David Peterson
Banner Adds New Communication Options to TL70 Pro Tower Lights

Banner Adds New Communication Options to TL70 Pro Tower Lights

Banner has expanded its lighting and indication catalog to include new TL70 Pro tower lights. The latest additions feature Modbus RTU, Ethernet, and Power over Ethernet models.


News Nov 28, 2024 by Shawn Dietrich
Pneumatic Valve Operation: Manual, Pilot, and Solenoid

Pneumatic Valve Operation: Manual, Pilot, and Solenoid

Learn about various ways to activate directional control valves for fluids using manual input, air pilot sources, and electrical controls. Sometimes, valves even use a mix of multiple power sources.


Shine Bright Like a Beacon: PATLITE’s GL10 Lights Up Industrial Efficiency

Shine Bright Like a Beacon: PATLITE’s GL10 Lights Up Industrial Efficiency

PATLITE Corporation has announced the upcoming release of its GL10 series flashing beacon. This innovative beacon brings multi-color signaling, robust durability, and advanced integration options to industrial applications.


News Nov 26, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Power and control interruptions are, at best, problematic. In some applications, it’s catastrophic. Learn about redundancy for the system, power supplies, control devices, and network topologies.


WEG W51Xdb Motor: With Great Power Comes Great Efficiency

WEG W51Xdb Motor: With Great Power Comes Great Efficiency

WEG's newest flame-proof motor line, the W51Xdb, has been engineered for reliability and longevity; it adapts with variable speed drive and meets global standards like ATEX and CSA. The W51Xdb motor features a frame engineered to reduce noise, vibration, and bearing.


News Nov 25, 2024 by Joshua Tidwell