Latest Motors & Motion Controls Technical Articles

The term "piezo" refers to a relationship between mechanical deformation and voltage–useful for some sensor processes.…

The term "piezo" refers to a relationship between mechanical deformation and voltage–useful for some sensor processes. Recently, the concept has been employed to upgrade pneumatic valves.

Learn how to configure a single motion axis using Festo’s Automation Suite, a servo motor drive, and a simple electric…

Learn how to configure a single motion axis using Festo’s Automation Suite, a servo motor drive, and a simple electric linear slide assembly.

Learn in this detailed analysis about the performance of industrial PLC and a prototyping microcontroller to perform…

Learn in this detailed analysis about the performance of industrial PLC and a prototyping microcontroller to perform stepper motor motion control for an arc welding automation project.

We know that PID stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, but have you ever seen exactly how the derivative…

We know that PID stands for proportional, integral, and derivative, but have you ever seen exactly how the derivative term affects the final output signal in a motion control system?

Watch how each of the P and I terms influence the output of a motion control system. How do we explain and prevent terms…

Watch how each of the P and I terms influence the output of a motion control system. How do we explain and prevent terms like overshoot, error, and long settling time?

Dynamic braking resistors stop motors more quickly by converting the rotational energy, but how do we select the correct…

Dynamic braking resistors stop motors more quickly by converting the rotational energy, but how do we select the correct one and configure a PowerFlex drive to utilize the resistor effectively?

When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting…

When the blinking lights on automation devices stop blinking, the control cabinet is often the go-to troubleshooting culprit, but how do you make the best judgments for quickly locating the problem?

Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment,…

Using an Arduino Opta PLC, a few off-the-shelf electrical components, and the popular OpenPLC software environment, automation control concepts can be built on your own test bench.

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?

CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion…

CODESYS is an automation software that is independent from any one vendor, capable of many PLC, I/O, and motion operations. However, being vendor-agnostic can present challenges. Learn how to get started.

Have you ever disassembled a motor and wondered how it rotates? Throughout this article, we’ll discuss electromagnetic…

Have you ever disassembled a motor and wondered how it rotates? Throughout this article, we’ll discuss electromagnetic induction and how magnetic fields can be utilized to generate motion.

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and…

Air motors are common in process industries, mainly used in hazardous areas. This article introduces the features and working principles of air motors and the differences between air and electrical motors.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas: like you’ve (probably) never heard it before.

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.

Electromagnetic devices like motors and transformers rely on electric currents that drive magnetic fields which, in turn,…

Electromagnetic devices like motors and transformers rely on electric currents that drive magnetic fields which, in turn, can drive current on their own. That’s not always a good thing.

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.

Before tuning a motion axis, you must define the axis. If the control system doesn’t understand the axis properties or…

Before tuning a motion axis, you must define the axis. If the control system doesn’t understand the axis properties or specifications, it can’t be expected to effectively complete the tuning process.

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.