Synchronized motion has become an industry standard with robots, gantries, and pick and place automation. Follow along this three-part series as we discuss…
Synchronized motion has become an industry standard with robots, gantries, and pick and place automation. Follow along this three-part series as we discuss methods of synchronizing servo motors.
You’ve seen it a thousand times: 24 volts powering a device or representing a trigger signal, but what makes 24 VDC…
You’ve seen it a thousand times: 24 volts powering a device or representing a trigger signal, but what makes 24 VDC such a versatile voltage, and what about the other voltages in control cabinets?
A clear overview of industrial power supply types, specs, and design factors for building dependable control cabinet systems.
A clear overview of industrial power supply types, specs, and design factors for building dependable control cabinet systems.
Not every control system requires an expensive PLC. This tutorial will introduce Node-RED, a popular programming…
Not every control system requires an expensive PLC. This tutorial will introduce Node-RED, a popular programming environment that can be installed on a low-cost single-board controller.
Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC…
Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC programmers, and it often comes down to personal preference.
Looking for a way to create IIoT applications for your factory without hiring expensive developers or spending months on…
Looking for a way to create IIoT applications for your factory without hiring expensive developers or spending months on the computer? Take a look at Node-RED’s approach to low-code applications.
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.
The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep…
The stack light has a simple but powerful purpose: to report the status of the equipment. Follow along as we take a deep dive into the venerable illuminated signal tower.
Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs…
Alignment procedures for pulleys and shafts are a key to preventing costly breakdowns. An effective strategy pairs alignment with vibration analysis to both prevent and predict these downtime events.
After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we…
After working with solenoid valves for many years, there are still a few questions: is AD or DC voltage better? Do we really need lubrication? I turned to an expert for some answers.
Servo drives interact with hardware axes, but there are many ways to configure the motion. I/O signals allow connections…
Servo drives interact with hardware axes, but there are many ways to configure the motion. I/O signals allow connections of sensors and switches for functions like homing and setting travel limits.
Learn how to use simple ladder logic and discrete outputs to control the e-Actuator series from SMC, an interesting…
Learn how to use simple ladder logic and discrete outputs to control the e-Actuator series from SMC, an interesting electric motion axis designed to operate with only simple discrete signal inputs.
When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is…
When dealing with two or more I/O systems, the subject of power supply commons will arise. Sometimes the solution is simple, but it can require creativity to find the best (and safest) solution.
Whether using industrial DIN-rail DC power supplies or linear power supplies for motors, these devices all have the…
Whether using industrial DIN-rail DC power supplies or linear power supplies for motors, these devices all have the potential to fail. Although there can be several root causes, there are a few simple methods of testing a power supply.
Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean…
Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean operation, and accurate motion contro
Selecting the right robotic gripper is key to performance. Discover gripping solutions for delicate parts, soft foods,…
Selecting the right robotic gripper is key to performance. Discover gripping solutions for delicate parts, soft foods, and industrial payloads.
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get…
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.
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.
IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices.…
IO-Link has established itself as a reliable field network that’s constantly evolving with new generations of devices. Learn how to configure logic directly on the IO-Link master.