Latest Technical Articles

Simplicity in automation is a great thing, but it must be weighed against the requirements of the project. When speed…

Simplicity in automation is a great thing, but it must be weighed against the requirements of the project. When speed control and precision are critical, we must consider feedback in CNC systems.

Explore how modular hardware, predictive diagnostics, and fault-isolating technologies are transforming control panels…

Explore how modular hardware, predictive diagnostics, and fault-isolating technologies are transforming control panels into resilient, self-healing systems.

I had some questions about firewalls for industrial networks, topics like selecting, configuring, and updating the…

I had some questions about firewalls for industrial networks, topics like selecting, configuring, and updating the software, so I turned to some experts for a little advice.

Learn how to configure a MELSEC PLC using the MX OPC server and GX Simulator to connect to Factory I/O.

Learn how to configure a MELSEC PLC using the MX OPC server and GX Simulator to connect to Factory I/O.

Selecting the right robotic gripper is key to performance. Discover gripping solutions for delicate parts, soft foods,…

Selecting the right robotic gripper is key to performance. Discover gripping solutions for delicate parts, soft foods, and industrial payloads.

Take a step back and check out a bit of the history of motors in the mining industry, from driving compressed air to…

Take a step back and check out a bit of the history of motors in the mining industry, from driving compressed air to generating various DC and AC voltages for mineral transportation.

Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get…

Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.

In this article, we continue our tutorial by designing a simple structured text motion program and downloading it to the…

In this article, we continue our tutorial by designing a simple structured text motion program and downloading it to the onboard PLC.

In this article, we’ll explore the SBD drive series from CMZ, including setting up the motor, scaling and testing the…

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.

IO-Link technology keeps improving, and with the recent introduction of Safe IO-Link, the automation world is going to…

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.

In this article, we will learn how to set up a Mitsubishi FX PLC to drive a FR-D700 3-phase VFD, including detailed…

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.

Handshaking between robots can be handled in many ways, one of them being GE-FANUC’s protocol called “Ethernet Global…

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.

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

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.

Using a MOVE function block, a counter preset value can be loaded into an OpenPLC counter using a digital input. The…

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.

IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices.…

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.

Automation systems' historical development and future are closely tied to interoperability. Standardized, yet open…

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

H-bridge circuits are commonly used to provide current switching capabilities to different electrical components in…

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.

Learn how SPE and Power over Data Line are enabling advanced developments in industrial and building automation,…

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

In this article, we’ll connect a Festo CMMT to a Rockwell CompactLogix PLC, and as a bonus, we’ll add an HMI to…

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.