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Identifying and Troubleshooting Pressure Changes in Fluid Systems

Pressures are always rising and falling in fluid systems. Sometimes the changes are extreme and lead to damage. What causes problematic pressure changes, and how can you trace them to their source?

November 15, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Managing Program Versions: Use Git to Commit and Track Files

If you’re working collaboratively with teams in a corporate industrial setting and require a version control system for critical software or documents, Git is a must-have in your skillset.

September 07, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

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?

August 09, 2023 by David Peterson

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.

August 07, 2023 by Dr. Don Wilcher

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.

August 02, 2023 by Seth Price

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.

June 13, 2023 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

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

What’s This Standardized Code for Information? Funny You Should ASCII

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and what does ASCII mean for automation engineers?

March 29, 2023 by David Peterson

A Look at Additive Manufacturing and Its Potential In Production

3D printers have come a long way over the years, but can we really expect to see them on the factory floor, taking the place of large machining centers? What benefits and challenges does printing offer to manufacturing?

March 27, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Introduction to Industrial Sensors

Industrial sensors can be found in nearly every modern industrial process, regardless of complexity. Learn the history, evolution, and variety of sensors that make manufacturing the modern marvel we see today.

March 16, 2023 by Antonio Armenta

How IIoT can Benefit Maintenance Practices and Increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness

As data becomes available, maintenance can shift from being done on a rigid schedule to a more cost-effective plan of fixing as required, even turning attention to the root cause of maintenance woes.

February 21, 2023 by Michael Levanduski

Safety Devices - The When, How, and Why

Machine safety design can be a daunting task with all the different safety devices on the market today. Choosing the correct device for your design can be made easier by understanding when to use the proper device.

January 16, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Introduction to Network Switches for Industrial Applications

Industrial network switches connect automation equipment, controllers, and other such devices. Learn about unmanaged, managed, and PoE enabled switches, as well as the differences between switches, routers, and hubs.

January 10, 2023 by Seth Price

What’s the Difference Between a Safety Contactor and a General Purpose Contactor?

Designing a system with motor motion always includes a consideration of safety. Incorporating safety contactors might be the correct prevention to protect equipment and users but may add additional challenges.

January 09, 2023 by Shawn Dietrich

Power Supplies: Understanding the Differences Between Linear and Switching

Linear and switch-mode power supplies provide direct current to power control components and electrical devices. Learn about the differences between the two power supplies and which one is best for your control system.

January 02, 2023 by Damond Goodwin

Electronic Datasheet (EDS) Files: Why do We Use Them?

Many control product manufacturers offer these downloadable ‘EDS files’ for peripheral equipment, but what exactly is an EDS, and how can they aid in the development of a project?

December 28, 2022 by David Peterson

How To: Use the Arduino PLC IDE to Build Basic Ladder Diagrams

Following the release of the official Arduino PLC IDE, this tutorial will introduce programming and understanding of the function blocks common to all IEC 61131 languages, starting with bit commands, timers, and counters.

December 21, 2022 by David Peterson

Industrial Networks: “Protocol over a Standard?”

Industrial communication channels often contain terms such as ‘Modbus over RS485’ or ‘CIP Safety over Ethernet’. What does it mean to send one network over another, and how does it work to your advantage?

December 06, 2022 by David Peterson

PLC Program Commands: Performing Array Functions Part 1

Arrays can streamline data storage and math operations, but they can be difficult to understand for a beginning programmer. Learn the background of array instructions in the Rockwell Studio 5000 software.

November 15, 2022 by Jon Peterson

Introduction to Servers for Industrial Applications

Servers are vital to the flow of information in and around organizations, acting as a hub for information transfer and storage. Learn about the role of servers in industry and the potential challenges that come with maintaining them.

November 03, 2022 by Seth Price