Latest Product Mfg Technical Articles

Get ready for a control-themed roller coaster ride, pitting two PLCs against one Modbus I/O rack, and you might be…

Get ready for a control-themed roller coaster ride, pitting two PLCs against one Modbus I/O rack, and you might be shocked at the results: Who will win… And who will lose?

Learn how to configure the connection for a Mitsubishi FX5UC controller over Ethernet using GX Works 3.

Learn how to configure the connection for a Mitsubishi FX5UC controller over Ethernet using GX Works 3.

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is…

When motors drive in parallel from a single main power source, do they each need an individual VFD? Check out why this is useful in some cases, and take note of some necessary precautions.

Predictive maintenance brings real cost and time savings, but there can be a lot of confusion when setting up a system.…

Predictive maintenance brings real cost and time savings, but there can be a lot of confusion when setting up a system. Control.com talks to the experts at NORD, a motor specialist, to learn more.

Requiring multiple AC motors to start simultaneously is a common need for conveyors within manufacturing plants, but can…

Requiring multiple AC motors to start simultaneously is a common need for conveyors within manufacturing plants, but can we really reduce costs and panel space by eliminating redundant components?

In this tutorial, we add remote I/O to a Studio 5000 project using Modbus TCP and the new SLM System from Synergy Logic,…

In this tutorial, we add remote I/O to a Studio 5000 project using Modbus TCP and the new SLM System from Synergy Logic, which promises to simplify the integration. We’ll see how it lives up.

Addressing variables at the bit level can save precious PLC memory as well as make your code more readable and easier to…

Addressing variables at the bit level can save precious PLC memory as well as make your code more readable and easier to understand.

Part 2 of a 2-part series. A practical look at how normally closed (NC) power contacts and feedback can drive loads…

Part 2 of a 2-part series. A practical look at how normally closed (NC) power contacts and feedback can drive loads toward a defined safe state under real‑world faults.

Part 1 of a 2-part series. A practical look at the failures that plague motor drive systems, even those that are rated to…

Part 1 of a 2-part series. A practical look at the failures that plague motor drive systems, even those that are rated to be fail-safe.

Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without…

Some safety applications aren’t a simple on/off at all times; they need objects to pass through a light curtain without stopping the machine. For these, we turn to muting and blanking features.

Learn how to create programs that directly drive a Meca500 robot arm using a Siemens S7 PLC, including adding the…

Learn how to create programs that directly drive a Meca500 robot arm using a Siemens S7 PLC, including adding the hardware and using pre-built function blocks for STEP7 TIA Portal.

Although ‘HMI’ has become synonymous with a durable, rugged touchscreen measuring 7 to 21 inches and mounted in a…

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.

Use the analog capabilities of a TRi PLC to read a distance sensor and create a custom function that triggers events…

Use the analog capabilities of a TRi PLC to read a distance sensor and create a custom function that triggers events using integer data types.

A practical look at how 2NO/2NC contactors and auxiliary contacts can clean up command, feedback, and fault logic in…

A practical look at how 2NO/2NC contactors and auxiliary contacts can clean up command, feedback, and fault logic in motor circuits.

This guide shows you how to set up RS-485 communication between the FX3U PLC and the FR-D700 inverter with the…

This guide shows you how to set up RS-485 communication between the FX3U PLC and the FR-D700 inverter with the FX3U-485-BD. You can control speed and monitor the system using ladder logic.

Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of…

Why do "forever" LEDs fail? A technical guide on L70 standards, multi-voltage IC drivers, and a comparison of industry-leading LED manufacturers.

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.

Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of…

Showcase, manufacturing, repair, and research: Join Control.com for a recap of our team’s recent visit to the US HQ of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, and see where the magic happens.