Latest Technical Articles

Categories

Applications of Industrial AI: Quality Control

Applications of Industrial AI: Quality Control

Several use cases for industrial AI get a lot of attention, like maintenance and process optimization. Learn how AI has been used for years to ensure high-quality product monitoring and output.


Behind the Scenes: The Making of SICK Sensor Technology

Behind the Scenes: The Making of SICK Sensor Technology

Every element of your life–your food, your car, your house–everything is made with processes that use sensors. Join us as we visit the SICK facility, where many of these sensing products are made.


Reversing the Rotation of an Industrial 3-Phase Motor

Reversing the Rotation of an Industrial 3-Phase Motor

Many online sources explain how to reverse a 3-phase motor; this article will discuss the electrical principles that define why it works and how the phase relationships determine the rotation direction.


Optimizing the Selection of Optical Sensors for Object Detection

Optimizing the Selection of Optical Sensors for Object Detection

Optical sensors for industrial applications are becoming increasingly intelligent. Learn how new hardware, onboard software configuration, and touchscreens are unlocking new object detection capabilities.


AI Algorithms Used in Predictive Maintenance

AI Algorithms Used in Predictive Maintenance

No doubt you have heard all about the use cases of AI and predictive maintenance. Learn about the algorithms that are actually used to provide analysis and insights based on industrial data sets.


Electrical Instruments and Gauges: Connection and Configuration

Electrical Instruments and Gauges: Connection and Configuration

In any process industry, transducers are the basic instrumentation unit for continuous monitoring of system variables that provide inputs for control system algorithms and outputs.


Tackling Tough Tasks: Protolabs Automates Manufacturing Processes

Tackling Tough Tasks: Protolabs Automates Manufacturing Processes

Creating low-volume, custom batches of parts is one of the costliest and time-intensive manufacturing paths. Join us for a tour and learn how Protolabs "automates the automation" to deliver results.


Industrial Maintenance: How AI Can Predict Failures Before They Happen

Industrial Maintenance: How AI Can Predict Failures Before They Happen

Predicting when maintenance should occur isn’t simply a matter of getting on board with the latest trend, it can save many thousands of dollars in lost downtime and unnecessary parts and labor.


How To Read Ladder Logic in PLC and Relay Controls, Part 2

How To Read Ladder Logic in PLC and Relay Controls, Part 2

Ladder logic is an industrial control systems legend stemming from electrical line diagrams before the days of PLCs. Although logical, they are difficult to interpret.


Understanding Hairpin Stators in High-Efficiency Motors

Understanding Hairpin Stators in High-Efficiency Motors

Hairpin motors are becoming popular with electric vehicle manufacturers, but what sets them apart from traditional electric motors? And, if they are so great, why not use them in all applications?


Python Tutorial Part 10 | Mathematical Functions

Python Tutorial Part 10 | Mathematical Functions

While mathematical expressions are important in any programming language, the topic of math functions addresses not just the algorithms themselves, but the design of custom functions within Python.


Introduction to Valve Sizing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to Valve Sizing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ensure efficient and safe industrial applications with proper valve sizing. Learn how to choose the right valve size and avoid common pitfalls.


All About PLCs: The CPU

All About PLCs: The CPU

Learn all about the central processing unit (CPU): the built-in module inside the PLC responsible for executing the program and communicating with external devices.


Motion Control: It’s More Than Just “Point A to Point B”

Motion Control: It’s More Than Just “Point A to Point B”

Building precise rotating or linear systems often costs a lot! When is it justified to spend the extra cost to design and build such a system, and what are the different components and system types?


Using Structured Text in OpenPLC | Warning Simulator Tutorial

Using Structured Text in OpenPLC | Warning Simulator Tutorial

With a C++ extension, monitoring of status and warning messages can easily be displayed with OpenPLC. Arduino PLC variables can then be observed using a serial terminal or monitor.


Touching on Touchscreens | Capacitive vs. Resistive Technologies

Touching on Touchscreens | Capacitive vs. Resistive Technologies

Two primary technologies are used for creating touchscreens. For industrial HMIs, resistive and capacitive methods both contain certain advantages for various applications.


Python Tutorial Part 9 | Conditional Flow: For Loops

Python Tutorial Part 9 | Conditional Flow: For Loops

Learn how to use ‘for loops’ in Python to create complex, iterable tasks such as modifying lists, combining lists into dictionaries, or iterating over a dictionary.


Here’s One for Teachers: How Industry and Education Build Pipelines for the Future

Here’s One for Teachers: How Industry and Education Build Pipelines for the Future

Join Control Automation as we visit Central CA colleges to help install robotic equipment and learn how local industries partner with schools to create exciting opportunities for students.


Design a GRAFCET-Controlled Pneumatic System in FluidSIM

Design a GRAFCET-Controlled Pneumatic System in FluidSIM

Learn how to use Festo's FluidSIM software to design and simulate a pneumatic cylinder extension system using GRAFCET as the control method.


Ode to a Volt Meter: Of Linear Equations and OSHA Compliance

Ode to a Volt Meter: Of Linear Equations and OSHA Compliance

Do you know enough about electricity to poke around in a conversation, but not inside a breaker panel? Read on for an introduction to electricity in a way you’ve (probably) never heard it before!