Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies.
Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies.
Fluid control valves rely on the opening and closing of internal passageways to direct the flow of power. But what do…
Fluid control valves rely on the opening and closing of internal passageways to direct the flow of power. But what do they look like inside, and how do these ‘valve spools’ actually work?
There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along…
There are a few options when it comes to tracking part data throughout a process or assembly of a machine. Follow along as we explain just a few of the more common methods.
Recently, the Control.com engineering team had the opportunity to visit the R&D demo lab facility for the robotics…
Recently, the Control.com engineering team had the opportunity to visit the R&D demo lab facility for the robotics division of Epson, located in Los Alamitos, CA. Come learn how the magic happens!
I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for…
I/O mapping is the process of converting raw input and output data into specific tags, but how can we find a method for mapping I/O that is both efficient and scalable?
Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite…
Learn how to use analog I/O devices with AutomationDirect’s Productivity series of PLCs and Productivity Suite software. Wiring, configuring I/O, and programming will be a part of this tutorial.
Ethernet switches can use four different types of connections: RJ45, fiber, M12, and SFP. Understanding the difference…
Ethernet switches can use four different types of connections: RJ45, fiber, M12, and SFP. Understanding the difference can help with network troubleshooting, design, or alteration.
Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog…
Learn how to measure temperature using an RTD and a temperature transmitter to convert resistance into common analog voltage or current values for process control.
Shifting from manual code backup processes to more modern, automated solutions can provide more benefits to…
Shifting from manual code backup processes to more modern, automated solutions can provide more benefits to manufacturers, far above simply the time saved compared to manual techniques.
In the field of robotics, designing proper end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) is a crucial step. This article includes critical…
In the field of robotics, designing proper end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) is a crucial step. This article includes critical material and inertia factors to consider when designing EoAT for 6-axis robots.
Learn how to control servo motors from a PLC using Allen-Bradley servos and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 using a…
Learn how to control servo motors from a PLC using Allen-Bradley servos and Rockwell Automation’s Studio 5000 using a simple-to-understand method.
Creating custom alarm systems can be complicated and overwhelming, but they can also be very beneficial for equipment…
Creating custom alarm systems can be complicated and overwhelming, but they can also be very beneficial for equipment builders and integrators. Follow along as we build a custom alarm handling system.
In this article, we'll explore user frames in the context of a 6-axis industrial or collaborative robot. Learn the…
In this article, we'll explore user frames in the context of a 6-axis industrial or collaborative robot. Learn the definition, practical applications, and advantages that user frames have to offer.
Installing sensors into a manufacturing process is intended to collect data, useful in making logical true/false…
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?
Version control software allows manufacturers to automatically save code revisions across teams. Learn how Automation NTH…
Version control software allows manufacturers to automatically save code revisions across teams. Learn how Automation NTH leveraged this strategy to save countless hours and increase reliability.
Servo motors are common in all kinds of motion control applications for various industries, but what are these devices,…
Servo motors are common in all kinds of motion control applications for various industries, but what are these devices, and what makes them different from standard AC or DC motors?
Using a Raspberry Pi and the OpenPLC software platform, create a simple PLC that can be programmed in ladder diagrams…
Using a Raspberry Pi and the OpenPLC software platform, create a simple PLC that can be programmed in ladder diagrams with remote access and I/O monitoring dashboards.
What is pressure? Everybody knows about this important quantity, but how do you define it? How do you measure it? Where…
What is pressure? Everybody knows about this important quantity, but how do you define it? How do you measure it? Where does it come from? In this article, we’ll learn about the basics of pressure.
This article investigates the basic components and wiring conventions for common three-phase motor starter…
This article investigates the basic components and wiring conventions for common three-phase motor starter configurations, including direct online, reversing, and star-delta.
Complete wiring guide for 3-phase motor starters with and without overload (OL) relays.
Complete wiring guide for 3-phase motor starters with and without overload (OL) relays.