Latest Technical Articles

Building Automation and Control Network (BACnet) is commonly used in building automation systems. Learn how the BACnet…

Building Automation and Control Network (BACnet) is commonly used in building automation systems. Learn how the BACnet protocol works and the different network technology used to set up the system.

Distributed control systems (DCS) evolved out of control systems for facilities, but their scope can be difficult to…

Distributed control systems (DCS) evolved out of control systems for facilities, but their scope can be difficult to fully understand. This article explores the role of a DCS and how it fits in with PLCs and PACs.

The benefits of modern building automation systems (BAS) include interoperability and technical support in case a problem…

The benefits of modern building automation systems (BAS) include interoperability and technical support in case a problem occurs. Learn about the BAS four-layer architecture concept adopted by manufacturers.

This article will provide links and resources for those looking to integrate robotics into their process without having…

This article will provide links and resources for those looking to integrate robotics into their process without having to go back to school or spend hours researching programming languages.

Building automation systems (BAS) control the environmental parameters of a factory. In this article, learn about the…

Building automation systems (BAS) control the environmental parameters of a factory. In this article, learn about the requirements and components of a BAS.

Learn about the importance of the ISO 9001 standard and some essential procedures and considerations to make when using…

Learn about the importance of the ISO 9001 standard and some essential procedures and considerations to make when using the standard.

Learn all about the differences between PLC and CNC hardware, and be informed in making the right decision. Although…

Learn all about the differences between PLC and CNC hardware, and be informed in making the right decision. Although different, it is possible to interchange them, but challenges exist because of the hardware and devices being controlled.

It can be easy to group CNCs and PLCs together since they are both run by digital processors and programs. Are they…

It can be easy to group CNCs and PLCs together since they are both run by digital processors and programs. Are they interchangeable? This article explores the possibility on a software level.

The following will examine how to reduce the wear on motors during startup and compare soft starters and variable…

The following will examine how to reduce the wear on motors during startup and compare soft starters and variable frequency drives (VFDs). 

Electrical resistance can be intentionally extremely high to insulate and stop current between conductors. Learn about…

Electrical resistance can be intentionally extremely high to insulate and stop current between conductors. Learn about measuring insulation using a mega-ohmmeter.

This article explores what tools can be used to predict and prevent costly mechanical breakdown events occurring from…

This article explores what tools can be used to predict and prevent costly mechanical breakdown events occurring from heat, vibration, or humidity.

Regulating the pressure in a fluid system is the purpose of the appropriately-named pressure regulator. In this article,…

Regulating the pressure in a fluid system is the purpose of the appropriately-named pressure regulator. In this article, learn more about pressure regulators.

Industry leaders partner to bring innovation and push automation even further into the world of manufacturing, but how…

Industry leaders partner to bring innovation and push automation even further into the world of manufacturing, but how are they achieving this?

Sequencer functions are used to perform a specific output pattern that needs continuous repeating. When there are more…

Sequencer functions are used to perform a specific output pattern that needs continuous repeating. When there are more than three steps in a process, it is generally better to use a sequencer function rather than simple routines.

What causes mechanical failure? Learn about three major sources of failure points in any mechanical assembly and a few…

What causes mechanical failure? Learn about three major sources of failure points in any mechanical assembly and a few tips to minimize failure.

The choice of load device and transmission method often dictates what kind of control system is used, so it’s important…

The choice of load device and transmission method often dictates what kind of control system is used, so it’s important to be familiar with the mechanical and electrical components of a system.

A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a software system that manages an entire company’s…

A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a software system that manages an entire company’s maintenance activities. It supports the maintenance personnel by helping to develop a database relevant to maintenance activities.

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.

This article discusses how to use sensors with open collector outputs and learning some of the module connections involved.

In nearly every machine with motion, a selection of gears, belts, and chains sends power to the final mechanisms and…

In nearly every machine with motion, a selection of gears, belts, and chains sends power to the final mechanisms and power must be transmitted from the motor to the final load(s) device. Choosing between transmission methods isn’t always simple, but a few key properties can help to make the choices easier.