Latest CAD and Digital Simulation Technical Articles

These days, a virtual PLC is not only for simulations; it can also be used to read real-world inputs, turn on outputs, or…

These days, a virtual PLC is not only for simulations; it can also be used to read real-world inputs, turn on outputs, or initiate motion. Follow along as we dive deep into the world of virtual PLCs.

Learn how to control the Factory I/O PLC system simulator using a virtual Siemens S7-1200 PLC, a great tool for testing,…

Learn how to control the Factory I/O PLC system simulator using a virtual Siemens S7-1200 PLC, a great tool for testing, training, and automation development without hardware.

Cam profiles are a great way of strictly controlling two servo axes to follow a predefined path. Follow along as we dive…

Cam profiles are a great way of strictly controlling two servo axes to follow a predefined path. Follow along as we dive into setting up and programming an electronic cam profile.

Modernizing legacy plants requires careful dataflow design. See how audits, protocol choices, edge computing and security…

Modernizing legacy plants requires careful dataflow design. See how audits, protocol choices, edge computing and security layers can unify old and new systems for better insights and operations.

Smart greenfield design unlocks clean, scalable dataflow. Learn how defining KPIs, choosing open architecture,…

Smart greenfield design unlocks clean, scalable dataflow. Learn how defining KPIs, choosing open architecture, contextualizing data, leveraging edge computing, and using the cloud wisely can transform operations from day one.

Automation is evolving. Today, this is marked by a shift towards more efficient, sustainable operations, enhanced by…

Automation is evolving. Today, this is marked by a shift towards more efficient, sustainable operations, enhanced by closer collaboration between humans and machines, enhancing safety and profitability.

Learn how to drive a compact Meca500 industrial 6-axis robot with a CompactLogix PLC over an Ethernet connection,…

Learn how to drive a compact Meca500 industrial 6-axis robot with a CompactLogix PLC over an Ethernet connection, transferring direct TCP set points in joint and world coordinate systems.

In a few short video tutorials, Festo engineers show how fast and easy it can be to design electrical and fluid…

In a few short video tutorials, Festo engineers show how fast and easy it can be to design electrical and fluid automation systems using free online tools.

Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be…

Learn about more advanced Boolean logic functions, including truth tables, Schmitt triggers, and multiplexers that can be implemented in a PLC function block programming environment.

Learn about some of the basic Boolean logic gates using the graphical PLC language of function blocks, recreating ladder…

Learn about some of the basic Boolean logic gates using the graphical PLC language of function blocks, recreating ladder logic and other IEC languages with a digital flair.

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.

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.

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.

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering…

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering team contacted our friends at OnLogic to gain some insight into VPN technology.

Predicting when maintenance should occur isn’t simply a matter of getting on board with the latest trend, it can save…

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.

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

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

Learn how to use Festo’s FluidSIM software to design and simulate electro-pneumatic systems, featuring a reciprocating…

Learn how to use Festo’s FluidSIM software to design and simulate electro-pneumatic systems, featuring a reciprocating actuator example using solenoid valves and limit sensors.

As commercial and industrial software migrates to ‘cloud-based’ and ‘subscription’ models, what does it mean? How…

As commercial and industrial software migrates to ‘cloud-based’ and ‘subscription’ models, what does it mean? How does it affect the usability and security of critical parts of control infrastructure?