Latest Control Systems & HMIs Technical Articles

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Reading and Reporting Industrial Emissions Data

Learn about the different ways control engineers can record, report, maintain, and read emissions data to promote a greener industrial environment and adhere to environmental regulations.

March 17, 2021 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

LiDAR Applications Becoming Increasingly Popular in Different Manufacturing Environments

Learn about some of the industries that are benefitting the most from LiDAR-based solutions.

March 14, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

What are Six-Axis Robots?

For many manufacturing processes, Cartesian robots work well. However, there are times with a robot with more movement capabilities works better. Learn about six-axis robots, how they move, and popular applications.

March 10, 2021 by Anish Devasia

Hall-effect Sensors in Electric Motors and Linear Applications

Learn about how Hall-effect sensors are used in linear and electric motor applications, including brushed and brushless DC motors. 

March 04, 2021 by Damond Goodwin

Brushed vs. Brushless DC Motors

Modern circuitry and technology have allowed innovations in DC motor applications, leading to distinct differences between brushed and brushless DC motors.

February 28, 2021 by David Peterson

Comparing Industrial PCs against PLCs and PACs

This article offers a brief review of types of controllers through history and an analysis of factors to consider when deciding what to use.

February 26, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

What is an Industrial PC?

Learn about the fundamentals of industrial PCs (IPCs), including their common types and architecture, advantages, and trends happening in their development.

February 18, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

Digital Education for Hands-On Manufacturing Skills

Learn about the future of manufacturing education and potential digital solutions to help people gain hands-on skills.

February 08, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

Cybersecurity Resources for Control System Engineers

What kind of guidance is available to help you defend your industrial control system (ICS)?

January 27, 2021 by Steve Blaine

An Introduction to Air Quality Measurement and Sensors

This article introduces the role of air quality measurement in factories and manufacturing facilities. It also covers the different sensors available for air quality measurement systems.

January 13, 2021 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

A Look Into CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)

This article introduces the concept of Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and discusses some common uses for CAM for controls and automation specialists.

January 11, 2021 by Sara McCaslin

3D Printing Failures in Manufacturing: Troubleshooting and Prevention

This two-part series will look at failures in additive manufacturing, how it happens, and what might prevent it from happening.

January 01, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

An Introduction to Batch Processing

Learn about batch processing in manufacturing, including how it is used, advantages, and disadvantages. Also, see how batch processing can work in real-life situations.

December 10, 2020 by Anish Devasia

The Future of Manufacturing

What is the future of manufacturing dependent on? Who plays a role in seeing where/how manufacturing will grow? 

November 22, 2020 by Jeff Kerns

Advanced Methods of State Machine Programming in Ladder Logic

The need for sequential control logic is frequently required for machine control. State machine programming is a powerful technique that can be layered on traditional ladder logic to satisfy this need. 

November 16, 2020 by Greg Schmidt

What is the Difference Between Accuracy, Precision, and Resolution?

The differences between accuracy, precision, and resolution are important but challenging to narrow down. This article introduces the characteristics and concepts of each concept.

November 05, 2020 by Adam Carlson

The Difference Between Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and Soft Starters

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

October 17, 2020 by Jeff Kerns

Industrial Motor Health Tips and IIoT Solutions

Learn about tips and solutions to promote long-lasting electric motor health.

October 11, 2020 by Jeff Kerns

Gear and Pulley Motion Transmission

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.

September 29, 2020 by David Peterson

Understanding Computerized Maintenance Management Systems

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.

September 27, 2020 by Muhammad Asim Niazi