Latest Product Mfg Technical Articles

Learn about how one example platform, KEPServerEX by PTC, uses OPC UA to integrate machine centers with various…

Learn about how one example platform, KEPServerEX by PTC, uses OPC UA to integrate machine centers with various communication protocol differences, the ultimate goal of M2M integration.

Conveyor systems come in all shapes and sizes, with factors like the drive motor and conveyor style influencing the…

Conveyor systems come in all shapes and sizes, with factors like the drive motor and conveyor style influencing the control method. Join us as we dive into the world of automated conveyance.

Inputs and outputs play crucial roles in various automated processes. This article will explain the variances between…

Inputs and outputs play crucial roles in various automated processes. This article will explain the variances between digital and group I/O and offer guidance on setting up each type through Ethernet.

The simple tasks can lead to the most failures. Basic practices in the wiring assembly stages of a project can lead to…

The simple tasks can lead to the most failures. Basic practices in the wiring assembly stages of a project can lead to long-term success or haunting tales of intermittent yet persistent failures.

The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation…

The SLC 500 PLC family dominated automation control for well over thirty years and now, with the recent discontinuation of most of the series, we look at the differences between SLC and modern Logix PLCs.

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and…

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and independence from incompatible transport layer differences.

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still…

Some terminology, like 'normally open' and 'normally closed' switch contacts, is common throughout industry but can still be confusing, misleading, or even hazardous if not properly understood.

Before tuning a motion axis, you must define the axis. If the control system doesn’t understand the axis properties or…

Before tuning a motion axis, you must define the axis. If the control system doesn’t understand the axis properties or specifications, it can’t be expected to effectively complete the tuning process.

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you…

Embedded, modular, panel mount, distributed, machine mount, and remote, oh my! What does it all mean, and how are you supposed to know which one to choose for your application?

Regardless of industry, codes and standards developed by organizations including ISO, ANSI, and IEEE are an integral part…

Regardless of industry, codes and standards developed by organizations including ISO, ANSI, and IEEE are an integral part of the environment in which we work and have a major influence on engineering and design.

If your facility or workplace uses a PLC, it’s almost certainly because it must interface with physical input and…

If your facility or workplace uses a PLC, it’s almost certainly because it must interface with physical input and output devices. What kinds of I/O modules exist, and how can you tell the difference?

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users…

Electrical grounding is used to accomplish several different tasks, but none more important than for the safety of users and equipment while maintaining strict adherence to regulations.

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules,…

Learn all about the power supply: modular and built-in devices that deliver electricity to the PLC backplane and modules, and learn the difference between control and field device power delivery.

Across every make and model of articulated robot, certain maintenance procedures must be followed as motion occurs.…

Across every make and model of articulated robot, certain maintenance procedures must be followed as motion occurs. Failure to do so can often result in warnings, alarms, and even failure.

Some devices, like switches, are non-polar; you can connect them in either direction. What makes diodes so special, and…

Some devices, like switches, are non-polar; you can connect them in either direction. What makes diodes so special, and how can you tell the right way from the wrong way?

Besides using a Raspberry Pi or an Arduino Uno, a low-cost PLC can be built using the popular ESP32 microcontroller. The…

Besides using a Raspberry Pi or an Arduino Uno, a low-cost PLC can be built using the popular ESP32 microcontroller. The OpenPLC software supports this popular 32-bit platform.

Several use cases for industrial AI get a lot of attention, like maintenance and process optimization. Learn how AI has…

Several use cases for industrial AI get a lot of attention, like maintenance and process optimization. Learn how AI has been used for years to ensure high-quality product monitoring and output.

Every element of your life–your food, your car, your house–everything is made with processes that use sensors. Join…

Every element of your life–your food, your car, your house–everything is made with processes that use sensors. Join us as we visit the SICK facility, where many of these sensing products are made.

Many online sources explain how to reverse a 3-phase motor; this article will discuss the electrical principles that…

Many online sources explain how to reverse a 3-phase motor; this article will discuss the electrical principles that define why it works and how the phase relationships determine the rotation direction.