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Tutorial: Single-Axis Motion Control with CMZ Drive, Part 1

Tutorial: Single-Axis Motion Control with CMZ Drive, Part 1

In this article, we’ll explore the SBD drive series from CMZ, including setting up the motor, scaling and testing the axis, before creating a simple motion program in the onboard PLC.


Safe and Connected | An Intro to IO-Link Safety

Safe and Connected | An Intro to IO-Link Safety

IO-Link technology keeps improving, and with the recent introduction of Safe IO-Link, the automation world is going to get a whole lot more modular.


Tutorial: Mitsubishi FX PLC With VFD and HMI Controls

Tutorial: Mitsubishi FX PLC With VFD and HMI Controls

In this article, we will learn how to set up a Mitsubishi FX PLC to drive a FR-D700 3-phase VFD, including detailed parameter settings, wiring, and HMI integration.


Using FANUC’s EGD Protocol for Robot-to-Robot Communication

Using FANUC’s EGD Protocol for Robot-to-Robot Communication

Handshaking between robots can be handled in many ways, one of them being GE-FANUC’s protocol called “Ethernet Global Data,” or EGD. Learn how to set up EGD on a pair of FANUC robots.


Understanding the Industrial Network Protocol CC-Link

Understanding the Industrial Network Protocol CC-Link

This article will explore CC-Link and how it is used in industrial automation. Learn its history, uses, and how to implement it in control systems.


OpenPLC Programming: Manipulating Counters With a MOVE Command

OpenPLC Programming: Manipulating Counters With a MOVE Command

Using a MOVE function block, a counter preset value can be loaded into an OpenPLC counter using a digital input. The technique allows flexibility in creating counter-based automation applications.


Tutorial: Setting up an IO-Link Network With Built-in Logic

Tutorial: Setting up an IO-Link Network With Built-in Logic

IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices. Learn how to configure logic directly on the IO-Link master.


From Past to Present: How Open Architecture Drives Innovation

From Past to Present: How Open Architecture Drives Innovation

Automation systems' historical development and future are closely tied to interoperability. Standardized, yet open architecture leads to new ideas for process control.


Introduction to H-Bridges for Industrial Motor Control

Introduction to H-Bridges for Industrial Motor Control

H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in automated systems like motor control circuits, VFDs, and DC/AC current conversions.


Applications for Single Pair Ethernet: Perspectives for Device Manufacturers

Applications for Single Pair Ethernet: Perspectives for Device Manufacturers

Learn how SPE and Power over Data Line are enabling advanced developments in industrial and building automation, robotics, processing, infrastructure, and energy.


Connecting Motion to a PLC: A Complete Project

Connecting Motion to a PLC: A Complete Project

In this article, we’ll connect a Festo CMMT to a Rockwell CompactLogix PLC, and as a bonus, we’ll add an HMI to provide some basic on/off and positional targeting controls.


Motion Control Tutorial: Cyclic Actions Using the Record Table

Motion Control Tutorial: Cyclic Actions Using the Record Table

Learn how to configure a single motion axis and perform some basic cyclic action using Festo’s Automation Suite and a simple electric linear axis.


Mitsubishi PLCs: Complex Sequences with Step and Return Logic

Mitsubishi PLCs: Complex Sequences with Step and Return Logic

Learn how to segment your sequential control logic for easy troubleshooting using Step (STL) and Return (RET) commands in Mitsubishi PLCs.


ASCII Table Infographic

ASCII Table Infographic

A high-resolution version of the ASCII table for converting text and special characters into equivalent hex and decimal formats.


Collaborative vs. Industrial Applications: Understanding Robot Differences

Collaborative vs. Industrial Applications: Understanding Robot Differences

Discover the key programming differences between robots used for collaborative and traditional industrial purposes, highlighting ease-of-use versus advanced control in automation tasks.


A New Way to Pneumatic: Industrial Piezo Electric Valves

A New Way to Pneumatic: Industrial Piezo Electric Valves

The term "piezo" refers to a relationship between mechanical deformation and voltage–useful for some sensor processes. Recently, the concept has been employed to upgrade pneumatic valves.


Motion Control Tutorial: Setting up a Linear Axis

Motion Control Tutorial: Setting up a Linear Axis

Learn how to configure a single motion axis using Festo’s Automation Suite, a servo motor drive, and a simple electric linear slide assembly.


DIN Valve Connectors: Types, Applications, and Benefits

DIN Valve Connectors: Types, Applications, and Benefits

DIN valve connectors, not to be confused with DIN rails, are a common electrical connector for valves in the automation industry, efficiently providing power to valves, sensors, and even small motors.


Practical Comparison: Microcontroller vs. PLC for Arc Welding Control

Practical Comparison: Microcontroller vs. PLC for Arc Welding Control

Learn in this detailed analysis about the performance of industrial PLC and a prototyping microcontroller to perform stepper motor motion control for an arc welding automation project.


Understanding the Derivative Term in PID Control

Understanding the Derivative Term in PID Control

We know that PID stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, but have you ever seen exactly how the derivative term affects the final output signal in a motion control system?