As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can…
As summer heat continues to scorch the northern hemisphere, manufacturers face potential equipment damage and downtime. Learn about the ways extreme heat can damage automated equipment and systems.
The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This…
The CTRL F3 series reviews field studies and failures in the field focused on control fails, fixes, and facts. This article covers an explosion at an industrial sawmill.
Electrical signal analysis has come to the forefront of predictive maintenance, helping to reduce downtime in industrial…
Electrical signal analysis has come to the forefront of predictive maintenance, helping to reduce downtime in industrial manufacturing by remotely identifying problems with electric motors and generators.
Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in…
Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in VFD systems becomes critically important.
In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery…
In honor of May the 4th, Star Wars Day, we compare the sources and applications of the two most common force-delivery systems - mechanical and hydraulic.
Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware…
Our Control Automation engineering staff got the chance to visit a commercial farm in North Dakota and learn the hardware and software making these huge automated tractors ready for high-tech ‘field’ work.
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f,…
Two common methods exist for driving induction motors with VFDs - linear scalar control, which is often labeled as V/f, and vector, or field-oriented control, which can be a bit more complex to understand.
Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how…
Large DC and AC motor drives often provide terminals for installing a braking resistor. What are these resistors, and how do they slow down a machine? What hazards and cautions must be considered?
Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive,…
Linear sensors use electrical means to determine their position. Common linear position sensors are resistive, inductive, capacitive, and many rely on a property called magnetostriction.
AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC…
AC motors are common throughout industry - easily controlled by VFDs and without the maintenance that comes with DC brushes. So then, why are DC motors still used in certain applications?
Power delivered to devices can be changed by raising or lowering the voltage and current. But this method does not always…
Power delivered to devices can be changed by raising or lowering the voltage and current. But this method does not always produce intended results. Pulse width modulation (or PWM) can be used to better control variable loads.
Servo motors are widely utilized in industry for numerous applications. How do you use fuzzy logic to control a servo motor?
Servo motors are widely utilized in industry for numerous applications. How do you use fuzzy logic to control a servo motor?
Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for…
Motors drive all sorts of processes in a facility. Depending on the application, which motor starter is best suited for your needs?
Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and…
Solenoids and linear actuators provide similar movements in industrial applications. What are the main similarities and differences, and how are they each used?
Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and…
Different conveyance systems have different ways to calculate speed. Let’s dive into these systems, their speed, and some determining factors.
With the adoption of digital transformation and industry 4.0, conveyors are becoming smarter. This article examines 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.”
When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get…
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.
Who created the first conveyor system, what are some common types of conveyor systems used in industrial automation, and…
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?
Broken industrial machinery can cause unexpected downtime, production loss, and even injury. Let's look at some of the…
Broken industrial machinery can cause unexpected downtime, production loss, and even injury. Let's look at some of the most common issues and how to properly address them.
Fuel cell simulation, modeling, and testing are vital to the expansion of fuel cell usage. But how can engineers…
Fuel cell simulation, modeling, and testing are vital to the expansion of fuel cell usage. But how can engineers specifically use LabVIEW for fuel cell hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) system simulation and testing?
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