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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

Deep Dive into PLC Sequential Function Chart (SFC) Programming

Sequential function charts (SFCs) are a great tool when processes require sequence control, but things can get complicated fast. Here are some ways to create better SFC programs and applications.

August 31, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

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

Littelfuse Introduces The World’s Smallest Reed Switch

Sensing that size does matter to automating engineers, Littelfuse introduces the world's smallest reed switch sensor.

August 23, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Balluff offers a minimalist yet powerful entry-level IO-Link sensor and actuator control hubs

Checking all the boxes needed for harsh industrial applications, Balluff’s IO-Link hubs are fit for duty without frills or extra expense.

August 16, 2023 by Seth Price

Wood You Look at That? The Incredible Automation Controlling Lumber Mills

From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control and automation. Learn about the process from start to finish and how lumber mills ensure the world has access to high-quality lumber thanks to control technology.

August 14, 2023 by David Peterson

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

Temposonics Develops New Rod Sensor for Extreme Environments

Sensors give IIoT the vital information it needs to better enhance plant connectivity, Tempsonics’ new R-SERIES V RM5 sensor expands sensing capabilities to even the most harsh environments.

July 30, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

SMC Releases Suite of New Products for Pneumatic System Optimization

A new set of connector, valve, and cylinder products released by SMC promises to reduce downtime, save space, and provide more cost-effective maintenance operations.

July 24, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Fundamentals of Directional Control Valves in Fluid Control Systems

Directional control valves (DCVs) come in many shapes and sizes for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Learn to distinguish the different configurations and the meaning of external markings.

July 19, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Mechanisms Used in Robotic Compliance Devices

Compliance and compensator devices are used in processes where variation and uncertainty are prevalent. What sorts of compliance devices are used, and what distinct advantages are held by each?

July 05, 2023 by Seth Price

Schmalz Develops Extra Flat FEL Pneumatic Gripper for Tight Spaces

Schmalz has developed a lightweight, extra-thin gripper for use in tight spaces, such as screen handling and other applications where vertical vacuum gripper height is a concern for end users.

June 29, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

What’s New? SICK Adds Sensor and Encoder Products to Catalog

SICK has released a new time-of-flight (TOF) safety vision sensor and a new contactless linear encoder to the product catalog, intended to impact new automation systems in mobile and linear motion designs.

June 15, 2023 by Seth Price

Fundamentals of Hydraulic Pumps: Types and Operating Principles

Hydraulic pumps take energy from a source, usually an electric motor or combustion engine, and turn it into a usable force to complete work. What kind of hydraulic pumps exist, and how do they work?

June 02, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Introduction to Transfer Functions for Control System Analysis

Transfer functions allow systems to be converted from non-algebraic time measurement units into equations that can be solved, but how do these functions work, and why do we use them?

June 01, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

Covering all the Latest Control Technology: Automate 2023

The second day of Automate 2023 in Detroit was a huge success! The Control Automation engineering and sales team met with a number of companies to discuss and explore the exciting, innovative demonstrations.

May 25, 2023 by David Peterson

Pneumatic Cylinders Used for Industrial Automation

Engineers face a common challenge of moving objects from one point to another, especially in a production line. This article will introduce the pneumatic cylinder as used in industrial automation.

May 23, 2023 by Simon Mugo

Hydraulic Accumulators: What Are They and Why Do We Need Them?

Hydraulic systems suffer from pressure drops and energy loss whenever any fluid is in motion. Learn about these devices called ‘accumulators’. What are they, how do they work, and why do we need them?

May 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

SMC Ups Pneumatic Offerings With CXS2 Series of Dual Rod Cylinders

SMC has added to its CXS product family with the CXS2 series of pneumatic actuators. The new series of dual rod cylinders is faster and has a higher kinetic energy capacity than SMC's previous offerings.

April 13, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Fluid or Electric Power? Understanding Hydraulic and Pneumatic Motors

There are many different kinds of electric motors used for industrial power transfer, but there are also hydraulic and pneumatic motors that can lend advantages in some situations.

April 11, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich