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Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 6: Node-RED Development

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 6: Node-RED Development

This article will explore the setup of Node-RED, the glue that will serve to connect all of the individual components of the solution that we have created up to this point.


The Art of Maintaining and Repairing Hydraulic Cylinders

The Art of Maintaining and Repairing Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders and actuators can quickly move heavy objects and provide strong clamping forces. But when they break down, the effects can be catastrophic and the repairs costly and timely.


A Hands-On Demonstration of the PyGWalker Data Visualization Library - Part 1

A Hands-On Demonstration of the PyGWalker Data Visualization Library - Part 1

PyGWalker is an open-source data visualization tool for developing dashboards and analytics. To get you started down the right path here's a hands-on guide on how to use PyGWalker to visualize a pseudo-milling dataset.


Understanding XML and Data Exchange Formats for Industrial Settings

Understanding XML and Data Exchange Formats for Industrial Settings

The basic component of data exchange between devices, machines, and embedded systems serves as a hallmark foundation in every organization’s Industry 4.0 implementation process.


Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Three Things About IO-Link Sensors That May Shock You

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.


System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

System Dynamic and Frequency Response Analysis

Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.


What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

What Does ‘Explosion Proof’ Mean, and Who Should Care?

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do explosions occur, and what practices exist to reduce such risk for equipment and workforce?


Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

Explaining User-Defined Data Types for PLC Programming

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.


Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Creating a Low-Cost OpenPLC Pulse Timer Function Block HMI with an M5Stack Core

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief tutorial on how an M5Stack Core can offer a simple, effective low-cost Arduino OpenPLC HMI solution.


Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Beginner’s Guide to Programmable Encoders

Programmable encoders provide engineers real flexibility to adjust process parameters. From operating theory to programming methods, here’s everything you need to know to begin leveraging these handy devices.


Bringing the Heat: Precise Temperature Control Key to Printing 3D Parts in Metal

Bringing the Heat: Precise Temperature Control Key to Printing 3D Parts in Metal

Additive manufacturing includes, but is not limited to, printing parts in 3D. Creating these parts in metal presents unique challenges and requires some rather innovative additive technologies.


What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

What You Need to Know: Soft Starters for Industrial Motors

Driving motors is one of the most fundamental automation tasks, but understanding and selecting the proper motor soft starter for your application may require more investigation than you thought.


Examples of Analog Signals in Control Systems

Examples of Analog Signals in Control Systems

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?


Potential Problems Arising from Misuse of Motor Phase Wiring

Potential Problems Arising from Misuse of Motor Phase Wiring

Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It is never recommended, but important to quickly understand symptoms of incorrect wiring.


Industrial Wireless Technology: Communication and Programming

Industrial Wireless Technology: Communication and Programming

Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping the current and future landscape of the automated factory floor?


Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Panel Builder’s Guide to Grounding and UL 508A Standards - Part 1

Ground wires reduce the risk of injury and damage from faulty equipment. Shops designing according to the UL 508A standard must understand how, when, and why to properly ground and bond circuits.


Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Controlling and Troubleshooting Common DC Motors

Direct current (DC) motors have existed since the late 19th century. What sets these motors apart from AC models, how do you control them, and how can you tell when it’s time to repair or replace them?


Temperature Profiling: The Process and The Underlying Benefits

Temperature Profiling: The Process and The Underlying Benefits

Temperature profiling is an effective tool to monitor thermal properties in process equipment. This article defines temperature profiling, discusses the process components, and describes the various benefits it offers.


Industrial and Robotic Connectors: Choosing Suitable Contacts for Cable Connections

Industrial and Robotic Connectors: Choosing Suitable Contacts for Cable Connections

Selecting a suitable electrical connector is a process that is based on how you will terminate it to the system. This article provides advice on how to make the right contact selection for your industrial or robotic system.


Methods and Algorithms in Error Checking for Serial Communications

Methods and Algorithms in Error Checking for Serial Communications

Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission process, leading to various methods for determining whether received data has been damaged.