Latest Distribution Technical Articles

Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without…

Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without stopping the machine. For these, we turn to muting and blanking features.

Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to…

Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to properly process the output signals.

Use the analog capabilities of a TRi PLC to read a distance sensor and create a custom function that triggers events…

Use the analog capabilities of a TRi PLC to read a distance sensor and create a custom function that triggers events using integer data types.

Motor speed control can be a tricky process, due to the variety of options. In a VFD, speed can be controlled using fixed…

Motor speed control can be a tricky process, due to the variety of options. In a VFD, speed can be controlled using fixed values, digital or analog signals, or communication networks.

Despite being one of the oldest protocols in automation, Modbus is still more complex than digital I/O. When you have a…

Despite being one of the oldest protocols in automation, Modbus is still more complex than digital I/O. When you have a Modbus TCP device, what do you do? How do you actually use it?

Learn five essential features to consider when selecting a controller, from I/O and software licensing to networks and web access.

Learn five essential features to consider when selecting a controller, from I/O and software licensing to networks and web access.

Conveyor technology is rapidly advancing thanks to the close integration of mechanical machines and electrical controls,…

Conveyor technology is rapidly advancing thanks to the close integration of mechanical machines and electrical controls, but it’s important to understand how feedback improves that relationship.

Stacking items on a pallet seems a minor part of the manufacturing process, but it actually requires speed, precision,…

Stacking items on a pallet seems a minor part of the manufacturing process, but it actually requires speed, precision, and flexibility to relieve a heavy burden placed on employees.

Explore the art of automated palletizing and the different ways you can accelerate the packaging process using PLC and…

Explore the art of automated palletizing and the different ways you can accelerate the packaging process using PLC and robotic controls.

Industrial sensor applications face challenges of digital or analog, NPN or PNP, normally closed and normally open, but…

Industrial sensor applications face challenges of digital or analog, NPN or PNP, normally closed and normally open, but for optical sensors, the terms “light-on” and “dark-on” must also be understood.

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering…

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering team contacted our friends at OnLogic to gain some insight into VPN technology.

Filters and reactors can protect your electrical devices, but what is the difference between these two kinds of devices,…

Filters and reactors can protect your electrical devices, but what is the difference between these two kinds of devices, and are they supposed to be installed before or after a VFD?

Since their creation, DC motors have become a part of our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll examine the…

Since their creation, DC motors have become a part of our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll examine the differences between various types of field-wound and permanent magnet DC motors.

Learn about various ways to activate directional control valves for fluids using manual input, air pilot sources, and…

Learn about various ways to activate directional control valves for fluids using manual input, air pilot sources, and electrical controls. Sometimes, valves even use a mix of multiple power sources.

Conveyor systems come in all shapes and sizes, with factors like the drive motor and conveyor style influencing the…

Conveyor systems come in all shapes and sizes, with factors like the drive motor and conveyor style influencing the control method. Join us as we dive into the world of automated conveyance.

Inside the walls of a manufacturing or storage facility, AI is used heavily to prevent shortages and bottlenecks. Learn…

Inside the walls of a manufacturing or storage facility, AI is used heavily to prevent shortages and bottlenecks. Learn about the algorithms used within various warehouse applications.

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users…

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users and equipment while maintaining strict adherence to regulations.

Learn about the various strategies and algorithms used to optimize trucking routes and manage the loading and unloading…

Learn about the various strategies and algorithms used to optimize trucking routes and manage the loading and unloading of warehouses, all to keep the supply chain world running smoothly.

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules,…

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules, and learn the difference between control and field device power delivery.