Installing sensors into a manufacturing process is intended to collect data, useful in making logical true/false decisions. But what settings must be adjusted when you install these sensors?
March 12, 2024 by David Peterson
Have you ever heard of a relay? Of course you have. There are many different kinds, plus hundreds of different trade lingo names. What are some of the most common, and how do we use them?
January 25, 2024 by David Peterson
Knowing what kind of control system to use: that’s a question that must be answered before setting up the factory floor. Why would someone choose pneumatic over electrical controls?
January 23, 2024 by Austin Futrell
Within motors, two very different types of resistance are evident. The resistance of the windings is measured with a normal multimeter. But what is insulation resistance, and how is it measured?
January 16, 2024 by Gunner Scott
It’s important to consider your PLC tag naming convention when using different styles. Learn when and why you might even use more than one, depending on the circumstances and scope of your project.
December 28, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
For large process systems, learn how the location of data indication and flag processing can increase or decrease the burden on computers at the device, RTU, or main computer level.
December 20, 2023 by Munir Ahmad
Rockwell Automation’s Allen-Bradley control hardware catalog has long included many series that start with 17xx, but what are these lineups, and what function do they serve?
December 14, 2023 by David Peterson
In this article, we will explore real-world considerations for strain gauge performance and typical applications. We’ll be talking about foil and wire strain gauges, but ignoring semiconductors.
December 12, 2023 by Harry Trietley
Some terminology, like normally open and normally closed switch contacts, is common throughout industry, but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.
December 05, 2023 by David Peterson
For being no more than a thin piece of metal, the strain gauge is a versatile measurement tool, from small switches to multi-ton machines. In this article, learn the operating principles and properties.
December 04, 2023 by Harry Trietley
In this article, we will explore the inbound integration to the mage.ai pipeline, connecting to the spreadsheet data source using the Google Sheets API through a JSON credentials file.
November 27, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What causes problematic pressure changes, and how can you trace them to their source?
November 15, 2023 by Damond Goodwin
An overview of HMI data types, input controls, output indicators, and message functions, the building blocks used to construct informative and appealing HMI applications.
October 04, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Data has become the currency that enables operational excellence. Sensors are the key links, acting as the eyes and ears of modern manufacturing units by providing real-time data on machine performance.
October 03, 2023 by Eric Whitley, L2L
Have you ever needed to know the temperature, pressure, flow, or other measurement on location, but the readout is way off in the control room? Here’s an easy way to add a readout in the field.
October 03, 2023 by Harry Trietley
A PLC can be placed in Run or Stop, or occasionally Program mode, usually through physical or virtual methods. But what do these modes mean, and when should they be used?
September 18, 2023 by David Peterson
Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of function block diagram (FBD) programming.
September 05, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Function block diagram (FBD) programming is a common language for PLCs following the IEC 61131 standard. What is FBD, and how does it differ from the familiar ladder logic programs?
August 29, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich
Analog voltage and current are the dominating standards for industrial technology. Is one format better than the other? And if so, why do both signal types still exist in modern systems?
August 28, 2023 by David Peterson
A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack. The first step in the process involves sending data from a device to a server.
August 16, 2023 by Michael Levanduski
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