Latest Product Mfg Technical Articles

Most commercial control technologies have fascinating histories, especially industrial robots. Here’s the story behind…

Most commercial control technologies have fascinating histories, especially industrial robots. Here’s the story behind the development of Unimate, the world’s first.

Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when,…

Function block diagrams can be a useful tool, but they can also add a lot of complexity. Learn about the what, when, where, and why of function block diagram (FBD) programming.

Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages…

Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?

PyGWalker is an open-source data visualization tool for developing dashboards and analytics. To get you started down the…

PyGWalker is an open-source data visualization tool for developing dashboards and analytics. To get you started down the right path here's a hands-on guide on how to use PyGWalker to visualize a pseudo-milling dataset.

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although…

Control.com’s Director of Engineering got to explore IO-Link sensors and what he found might surprise you! Although still considered an “emerging” technology, it’s clear IO-Link technology boasts several bonafide benefits over traditional sensors.

From forest to felling, logging road to mill, finished lumber’s adventure on its way to market is filled with control…

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.

Some workplaces are more dangerous than others, not because of the practices, but rather the products. Where do…

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?

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused,…

User-defined data types (UDTs) are a powerful and useful tool when applied to their full advantage. However, misused, they can become problematic and introduce roadblocks to troubleshooting and upgrading PLC programs.

Triggering a machine by an external event often requires a pulse timer for OpenPLC Pulse Timer control. Here’s a brief…

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.

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might…

Many articles address the wiring and implementation of analog control signals, but where are they used, and what might make them a better (or perhaps worse) decision than digital input/output devices?

Using the right motor for the right task is critical - but what happens if the motor is connected to the wrong supply? It…

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.

Directional control valves (DCVs) come in many shapes and sizes for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Learn to…

Directional control valves (DCVs) come in many shapes and sizes for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Learn to distinguish the different configurations and the meaning of external markings.

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and…

Digital signals hold a prominent position due to their compatibility with computers. But what are digital signals, and what are some examples of the various devices used with digital inputs and outputs?

Structured Text (ST) is one of the common IEC programming languages that can be used in programming PLCs. Learn how to…

Structured Text (ST) is one of the common IEC programming languages that can be used in programming PLCs. Learn how to use structured text to write executable programs for MELSEC’s FX series PLC.

Compliance and compensator devices are used in processes where variation and uncertainty are prevalent. What sorts of…

Compliance and compensator devices are used in processes where variation and uncertainty are prevalent. What sorts of compliance devices are used, and what distinct advantages are held by each?

Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get…

Rockwell Automation’s Micro800 series is the modern replacement for some older MicroLogix PLCs. Learn how to get started with basic I/O, plus timers and counters, to build your own programs in a snap!

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or…

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch?

Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the…

Implementing PID control in a PLC is far more complicated than textbooks would make it appear. There is more to the process than simply picking gain (k) values and calculating an output value.

GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX…

GX Simulator2 is one of MELSOFT’s essential tools for the simulation of programs in a virtual PLC and works with GX Works2. Learn how to virtually simulate and test your ladder programs.