Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a control cabinet door, the reality of the…
Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a control cabinet door, the reality of the interface extends far beyond this device.
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.
Kyntronics’ mission is to combine servo control with hydraulic actuators to form hybrid motion control. Our engineering…
Kyntronics’ mission is to combine servo control with hydraulic actuators to form hybrid motion control. Our engineering team posed a few questions in hopes of learning more about this technology.
Join Control.com for an inside look at the Rockwell Automation HQ in Milwaukee, WI, and check out a fully automated…
Join Control.com for an inside look at the Rockwell Automation HQ in Milwaukee, WI, and check out a fully automated assembly line. Plus, a preview of new product tutorials, coming soon!
It’s easy to obtain I/O values for local and remote modules and network nodes. But what about system data that’s…
It’s easy to obtain I/O values for local and remote modules and network nodes. But what about system data that’s built into the PLC? How can we access and use that information?
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.
This tutorial explains how the Meca500 executes stored motion programs triggered by a PLC.
This tutorial explains how the Meca500 executes stored motion programs triggered by a PLC.
Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC…
Is it best to ‘controller scope’ or ‘program scope’ your tags? This is the question asked by many new PLC programmers, and it often comes down to personal preference.
Learn how to set up a VFD, from initial unboxing to configuring the network parameters necessary to drive some simple…
Learn how to set up a VFD, from initial unboxing to configuring the network parameters necessary to drive some simple motion from a PLC.
Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean…
Learn how electric actuators can replace fluid systems with SMC’s e-Actuator series, offering simple setup, clean operation, and accurate motion contro
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get…
Finding a good PLC simulator can be challenging. Read an assessment of Factory I/O and learn how it works, how to get started, and how to use it in your automation learning journey.
A well-designed SCADA system can reduce costs, increase throughput, and improve usability. Successful implementation…
A well-designed SCADA system can reduce costs, increase throughput, and improve usability. Successful implementation requires consideration from both an operational and a business perspective.
Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick,…
Unexpected, false, and fluctuating PLC input signals can cost many hours of debugging, but luckily, there are some quick, simple tricks to try before downtime is wasted.
A common field-level protocol for automation is ASi or AS-interface–a method used to convey actuator and sensor data…
A common field-level protocol for automation is ASi or AS-interface–a method used to convey actuator and sensor data and commands between I/O devices and the PLC control system level.
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.
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.
The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy.…
The purpose of LOTO is to create a method of reducing the chance that a worker will be exposed to hazardous energy. It’s important for companies to establish an SOP for standardized LOTO practice.
‘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.
As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead,…
As an engineer, why would you settle for simply plugging and unplugging your Christmas lights when you could, instead, spend many hours automating this very important December job? Let me show you.