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

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.


Dold Develops SSR for Precise Control of Variable AC Loads

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.


News Aug 29, 2023 by Seth Price
Kollmorgen Introduces Enhancements to Its Powerful AKD2G Drive

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.


News Aug 24, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

Schneider Electric Launches Managed Security Services

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


News Aug 22, 2023 by Seth Price
What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

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?


Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

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.


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

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.


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

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.


News Aug 03, 2023 by Dale Wilson
Bringing the Heat: Precise Temperature Control Key to Printing 3D Parts in Metal

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.


The Annual Control Engineering Survey - 2023 Edition

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!


News Aug 01, 2023 by David Peterson
Beckhoff Creates Power Supply Module for ‘Cabinetless’ Automation System

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.


News Jul 10, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Keyence Develops New Devices for Measurement, Scanning, and Vision

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.


News Jul 05, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
Control.com’s Most Popular Content: a Recap of First Half 2023

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?


News Jun 28, 2023 by David Peterson
PID for Your PLC Using SP and PV. So Many Acronyms, So Little Time

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.


Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

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?


Temperature Profiling: The Process and The Underlying Benefits

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.


Industrial and Robotic Connectors: Choosing Suitable Contacts for Cable Connections

Industrial and Robotic Connectors: Choosing Suitable Contacts for Cable Connections

Selecting a suitable electrical connector is a process that is based on how you will terminate it to the system. This article provides advice on how to make the right contact selection for your industrial or robotic system.


New Mitsubishi Electric Compact PLC: More I/O Power in a Smaller Size

New Mitsubishi Electric Compact PLC: More I/O Power in a Smaller Size

Mitsubishi Electric Automation expands the iQ-F series of compact PLCs with the powerful and affordable FX5S that uses familiar programming software while increasing the range of I/O and communication.


News Jun 11, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Methods and Algorithms in Error Checking for Serial Communications

Methods and Algorithms in Error Checking for Serial Communications

Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission process, leading to various methods for determining whether received data has been damaged.


Phoenix Contact’s New Thermomark E-Series Printers Simplify Wiring

Phoenix Contact’s New Thermomark E-Series Printers Simplify Wiring

Phoenix Contact has announced the release of the new Thermomark E-Series printers to increase the speed of wiring projects and provide a more well-documented future for control cabinet manufacturing.


News Jun 09, 2023 by Seth Price