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How to Utilize Real-time Production Data and Achieve Better Manufacturing Results

How to Utilize Real-time Production Data and Achieve Better Manufacturing Results

Struggling to find the best ways to utilize real-time production data? This article reviews six steps to achieve better manufacturing results.


Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

Sensing objects is a tricky business because of the many variables in light, surface texture, distance, color, and other factors. Learn how a photo sensor works!


How to Implement the Data Science Lifecycle: Computer Vision

How to Implement the Data Science Lifecycle: Computer Vision

This article reviews how to implement the data science lifecycle CRISP-DM model phases into industrial computer vision.


Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Types of Motor Starters and Application Considerations

Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?


Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

Introducing the Split-Range Time-Proportioning Instruction

A useful but often overlooked instruction included in Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs for heating and cooling.


Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids vs. Linear Actuators for Industrial Automation

Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and differences, and how are they each used?


Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Calculating the Speed of a Conveyor System

Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and some determining factors.


How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.


What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

What Makes a Smart Conveyor System “Smart”?

With the adoption of digital transformation and industry 4.0, conveyors are becoming smarter. This article examines smart conveyor systems and what makes them “smart.”


Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get production back on track.


Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Introduction to Conveyor Belt Systems

Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and what are the types of controls involved?


Introduction to AS-Interface (ASi)

Introduction to AS-Interface (ASi)

ASi is a pioneering standard in automation technology that helps simplify and lower field device integration costs.


Combining Machine Vision and Neural Networks in IIoT

Combining Machine Vision and Neural Networks in IIoT

As IIoT and Industry 4.0 continue to grow, so do its technologies. Machine vision is becoming more widely used in the industry, and IIoT pushes it to become more and advanced as time progresses.


IIoT Cyber Attack Vectors and Best Mitigating Practices

IIoT Cyber Attack Vectors and Best Mitigating Practices

IIoT infrastructure is more susceptible to cyber-attacks than legacy infrastructure due to its cloud-based nature; this article covers attack vectors and best mitigating practices.


HMI Troubleshooting and Maintenance

HMI Troubleshooting and Maintenance

In this article, we cover some of the most common HMI failures and troubleshooting methods.


The Difference Between HMI and SCADA and How They Work Together

The Difference Between HMI and SCADA and How They Work Together

Learn the differences and similarities between human-machine interface (HMI) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and how they work together.


The Difference Between 2 Wire RTDs, 3 Wire RTDs, and 4 Wire RTDs

The Difference Between 2 Wire RTDs, 3 Wire RTDs, and 4 Wire RTDs

We already discussed a few limitations of resistance temperature detectors (RTDs); this article will explore the difference between two-wire, three-wire, and four-wire RTDs.


Overcurrent Protection: Motor Starter Trip Classes for Industrial Motors

Overcurrent Protection: Motor Starter Trip Classes for Industrial Motors

Trip classes protect motors from overcurrent, but when will an overload relay trip, why, and what trip class should you use?


Top Five Machine Safety Risks and Automated Solutions for the Shop Floor

Top Five Machine Safety Risks and Automated Solutions for the Shop Floor

Each machine on the factory floor comes with risk; learn common safety risks and corresponding automation solutions.


Comparing Electrical and Mechanical Motor Soft-start Methods

Comparing Electrical and Mechanical Motor Soft-start Methods

Learn about the different types of electrical and mechanical soft-start methods as well as devices to use for each method.