Latest Technical Articles

Just like the emergence of transistors led to digital control systems, solid-state electronics have created a whole new…

Just like the emergence of transistors led to digital control systems, solid-state electronics have created a whole new variety of relays with some striking differences, with a few distinct advantages.

Whether it’s a critical machine repair or the installation of a brand new piece of equipment, it’s important to have…

Whether it’s a critical machine repair or the installation of a brand new piece of equipment, it’s important to have the knowledge and skill to properly connect sensors to a control system.

This article provides an introduction to proximity and distance sensors and common uses for them.

This article provides an introduction to proximity and distance sensors and common uses for them.

This article will focus on using an Allen-Bradley ramp/soak controller with a PID.

This article will focus on using an Allen-Bradley ramp/soak controller with a PID.

The ramp/soak controller has long been associated with temperature control loops and is included standard in some, and as…

The ramp/soak controller has long been associated with temperature control loops and is included standard in some, and as an option on other stand-alone electronic temperature controllers. 

The wide variety of sensors available for control systems leads to the daunting task of selecting the proper device.

The wide variety of sensors available for control systems leads to the daunting task of selecting the proper device.

In this article, we will discuss the application and identification of NPN sensors, clarifying why they work and how to…

In this article, we will discuss the application and identification of NPN sensors, clarifying why they work and how to properly use them in a control circuit setting.

Why do we need to use PNP sensors in certain applications, and which markings and diagrams allow us to identify these devices?

Why do we need to use PNP sensors in certain applications, and which markings and diagrams allow us to identify these devices?

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for electromechanical actuators as they may be beginning to replace…

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for electromechanical actuators as they may be beginning to replace hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. 

Cobots are poised to provide major breakthroughs in robot integration alongside the workforce.

Cobots are poised to provide major breakthroughs in robot integration alongside the workforce.

This article discusses different types of motor encoders in automation, specifically linear and rotary encoders and their…

This article discusses different types of motor encoders in automation, specifically linear and rotary encoders and their applications.

Additive manufacturing is only one small segment of overall manufacturing. But it might prove to be one of the most…

Additive manufacturing is only one small segment of overall manufacturing. But it might prove to be one of the most efficient, driving us closer to the ability to produce customized parts on demand. 

This article discusses the importance of rev counters when troubleshooting a robot and how to update rev counters as needed.

This article discusses the importance of rev counters when troubleshooting a robot and how to update rev counters as needed.

This article provides an introduction to several serial communication methods and how to understand and apply them.

This article provides an introduction to several serial communication methods and how to understand and apply them.

In this article, we take a look at hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators and how they are used in different scenarios.

In this article, we take a look at hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric actuators and how they are used in different scenarios.

PID controllers are an excellent method of using feedback to turn an otherwise open-loop system into one which can follow…

PID controllers are an excellent method of using feedback to turn an otherwise open-loop system into one which can follow a carefully prescribed profile, correcting for inconsistencies caused by the equipment, the environment, and even the products in the manufacturing process.

Industrial robots have replaced many of the dangerous and repetitive tasks that workers have faced in manufacturing.

Industrial robots have replaced many of the dangerous and repetitive tasks that workers have faced in manufacturing.

In this article, we take a look at adaptive machines and how they differ from traditional manufacturing techniques.

In this article, we take a look at adaptive machines and how they differ from traditional manufacturing techniques.

A human-machine interface is a valuable tool used to display key information and control your automated system with a…

A human-machine interface is a valuable tool used to display key information and control your automated system with a panel that can be designed and programmed with flexibility.