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Wood You Look at That? The Incredible Automation Controlling Lumber Mills

From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control and automation. Learn about the process from start to finish and how lumber mills ensure the world has access to high-quality lumber thanks to control technology.

August 14, 2023 by David Peterson

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.

August 01, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

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.

July 24, 2023 by Seth Price

Troubleshooting and Testing Single Phase AC Motors

Single-phase motors are common in household and small industrial devices. They are a bit more complex than 3-phase models, so it’s important to recognize failure modes and common symptoms.

July 13, 2023 by Seth Price

Introduction to Mitsubishi PLC - FX Series and MELSOFT GX Developer

Mitsubishi's FX series PLC is one of MELSOFT GX Developer’s most popular automation solutions for small and medium-scale applications. Learn how to use GX Developer software to program the FX series PLC.

May 10, 2023 by Bob Odhiambo

The Mechanic’s View of Control: Belt Drives

Rubber belts have lived under the hood of nearly every car since they first took to the streets, but they also transmit power through all kinds of industrial machine drives as well.

May 09, 2023 by David Peterson

Vibration Sensors For Use In Condition Monitoring

Vibration sensors measure the mechanical vibration of an object, making it possible to monitor machines for early signs of failure to prevent costly and dangerous breakdowns.

May 09, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

Hydraulic Accumulators: What Are They and Why Do We Need Them?

Hydraulic systems suffer from pressure drops and energy loss whenever any fluid is in motion. Learn about these devices called ‘accumulators’. What are they, how do they work, and why do we need them?

May 08, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Measuring the Force of Rotation: Torque Sensors

Understanding torque is a key method of preventing damage to machines and ensuring a long lifespan. We have all heard of torque, but what is it, and how is it measured in automated systems?

May 04, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

How To: Simple Programming with AutomationDirect Productivity PLCs

AutomationDirect’s Productivity line of PLCs is known for cost-effectiveness and ease of use. Learn how to build and download a simple program using discrete input and output ladder commands.

May 03, 2023 by David Peterson

Testing the Limits: Capabilities of the Limit Switch

Limit switches are electromechanical devices that open or close contacts when external pressure is applied to an actuator. This solves a simple problem faced by motion devices: limiting movement

May 02, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Accurate Tracking: A Look at Position and Distance Sensors

Engineering processes like robotics, feedback control, and security systems rely on position and distance sensors to provide real-time information that enables machines to operate accurately and safely.

May 02, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

Introduction to Sequence Valve Control in Fluid Flow Systems

Fluid flow control is often crucial to control systems and can be achieved by incorporating control valves. In this article, we will look at the sequence valve and its use in systems to automate fluid flow.

May 01, 2023 by Simon Mugo

The Mechanic’s View of Control: Types of Gear Drives

Although electrical systems often receive the highest praise for advancement, precision, and technological innovation, the world would be stuck without mechanical power delivery systems like gear drives.

April 26, 2023 by David Peterson

Flow Rate Sensors for Measurement in Fluid Systems

Flow sensors measure the flow rate of liquids or gasses in pipes, ducts, and other fluid systems to help monitor and control processes, prevent system failures, and optimize performance.

April 25, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

Disaster Recovery Plan and Strategy in Case of IT/OT Equipment Failure

Failures are never the goal of any industrial operation. But when disaster strikes, it’s always better to have a mitigation plan in place well in advance of the event to ensure timely recovery.

April 24, 2023 by Munir Ahmad

Level Sensors and Their Use in Level Measurement and Monitoring

Level sensors are used to measure the level of a substance, usually a liquid or granular material, in a container. Different types of level sensors include capacitive, ultrasonic, acoustic, and radar.

April 20, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

Understanding Power Factor Correction in Single Phase and Three Phase

In today's modern, digitally connected world, reliable and continuous power availability, together with power quality, help optimize power consumption hence improving distribution system efficiency.

April 18, 2023 by Munir Ahmad

Pressure Sensor Fundamentals and Types

Pressure sensors are essential tools in industrial applications, required wherever there is a hydraulic or pneumatic system to keep pressure quantities under control.

April 18, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

When To Calibrate: Making Sense of Calibration Intervals

Calibration is performed on a regular basis to ensure proper measurement tool function, but how do we determine the proper interval? Factors include environment, usage, and level of dependence on proper function.

April 17, 2023 by Muhammad Asim Niazi