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Pack Expo Exceeds All Expectations

Pack Expo Las Vegas kicks off day 1 with exciting demonstrations from OEMs, integrators, and service providers from all around the packaging and processing industry. Check out the sights from the show!

September 11, 2023 by David Peterson

Managing Program Versions: Use Git to Commit and Track Files

If you’re working collaboratively with teams in a corporate industrial setting and require a version control system for critical software or documents, Git is a must-have in your skillset.

September 07, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Pack Accordingly: Pack Expo Returns to Las Vegas on Sept. 11-13

With all eyes on innovation, Control.com will be in attendance, ready to learn about the latest products and solutions from the industry’s top experts and industry minds.

September 04, 2023 by Steve Kuehn

User-Friendly, OMRON’s New H5CC Digital Timer Offers Seamless Industrial Timing Control

OMRON recently released its new H5CC digital timer. Combining features from five OMRON designs, the Industry 4.0-ready device offers an easily accessible programming interface and predictive maintenance functionality in a compact package.

September 01, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo

A Hands-On Demonstration of the PyGWalker Data Visualization Library - Part 1

PyGWalker is an open-source data visualization tool for developing dashboards and analytics. To get you started down the right path here's a hands-on guide on how to use PyGWalker to visualize a pseudo-milling dataset.

August 30, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Dold Develops SSR for Precise Control of Variable AC Loads

Dold now offers a solid state relay (SSR) capable of burst firing mode for controlling electric heaters and infrared lamps.

August 29, 2023 by Seth Price

Kollmorgen Introduces Enhancements to Its Powerful AKD2G Drive

Kollmorgen recently enhanced its AKD2G to deliver a more powerful drive that offers users better access to complex motion capabilities in a simple, compact device.

August 24, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric offers its Managed Security Services (MSS) geared towards shoring up industrial data security and readiness.

August 22, 2023 by Seth Price

What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?

August 09, 2023 by David Peterson

Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.

August 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.

August 07, 2023 by Dr. Don Wilcher

Control Automation Welcomes Steve Kuehn as New Editor-in-Chief

Industrial automation industry leader, Steven Kuehn, joins Control Automation as the new Editor-in-Chief.

August 03, 2023 by Dale Wilson

Bringing the Heat: Precise Temperature Control Key to Printing 3D Parts in Metal

Additive manufacturing includes, but is not limited to, printing parts in 3D. Creating these parts in metal presents unique challenges and requires some rather innovative additive technologies.

August 02, 2023 by Seth Price

The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

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!

August 01, 2023 by David Peterson

Beckhoff Creates Power Supply Module for ‘Cabinetless’ Automation System

Last year, Beckhoff created the MX-System for cabinetless automation control, and has recently updated the power supply modules to be compatible with drives, robotics, and conveyance devices.

July 10, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Keyence Develops New Devices for Measurement, Scanning, and Vision

Keyence recently released three new sensors and devices to assist engineers with better defect detection through accurate measurement, part scanning for CAD drawings, and AI-based vision sensing.

July 05, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

After an amazing first half in 2023, with site records being broken in many categories, we have you, our viewers, to thank! But what content have you been enjoying most? Articles, forums, the textbook?

June 28, 2023 by David Peterson

PID for Your PLC Using SP and PV. So Many Acronyms, So Little Time

Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value.

June 19, 2023 by David Peterson

Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do you control them, and how can you tell when it’s time to repair or replace them?

June 14, 2023 by David Peterson

Temperature Profiling: The Process and The Underlying Benefits

Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines temperature profiling, discusses the process components, and describes the various benefits it offers.

June 13, 2023 by Muhammad Asim Niazi