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How Cobots are Helping With the Welder Shortage

The welder shortage is continuing to grow. Are cobots the answer to help relieve the welder shortage gap?

one day ago by Seth Price

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Steps and Applications in Industrial Automation

Learn the definition of failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), steps to execute it, and applications in the industry.

December 29, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

Protecting Control Systems with Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS)

Safety is of utmost importance in the day-to-day operations of any system, especially a system where humans and machines work together. Learn all about Safety Instrumented Systems and what it takes to keep workers safe, and the system running smoothly!

December 28, 2021 by David Peterson

Introduction to Photoelectric Sensors

This article covers the principles of operations and different types of photoelectric sensors used in industrial automation.

December 21, 2021 by Antonio Armenta

A Software Approach to Calculating Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

MTTR and MTBF are metrics utilized to determine equipment downtime. How do you calculate these metrics, and how can a control engineer use them for machine reliability?

December 07, 2021 by Shawn Dietrich

Utilizing Preventive Maintenance to Promote Machine Autonomy

Learn the steps and how-tos for operators, maintenance crews, and management to create an autonomous maintenance system for industrial manufacturing.

December 06, 2021 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

The Relationship Between Predictive Maintenance and Digital Transformation

This article discusses some trends in digital transformation, specifically matching real-world data with resources and gaining control in an ever-changing world.

November 22, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

Considerations When Integrating Cobots Into a Facility

What are some steps to consider before integrating a cobot, such as Universal Robots, into a facility?

November 12, 2021 by Damond Goodwin

Process vs. Discrete Manufacturing

What are the similarities and differences between process and discrete manufacturing, and how can control engineers best equip themselves for these processes?

November 09, 2021 by Seth Price

How to Control Robotic Transfer Systems with Laser Distance Sensors

Let’s take a closer look at retrofitting T-cart control with newer technology, such as using laser distance sensors versus limit switches.

November 05, 2021 by Damond Goodwin

Conveyor Belt Maintenance Strategies

When the conveyor belt goes down, what do you do? Follow a few of these preventive maintenance strategies to help get production back on track.

October 29, 2021 by Muhammad Asim Niazi

Key Points to Help Manage Maintenance for Industrial Energy Systems

Industrial energy systems are imperative for continuous manufacturing production and should be maintained to ensure efficiency. Learn how to maintain these systems and implement automation devices.

October 25, 2021 by Bryan Christiansen, Limble CMMS

Five Common Breaking Points of Industrial-grade Machinery and How to Combat Them

Broken industrial machinery can cause unexpected downtime, production loss, and even injury. Let's look at some of the most common issues and how to properly address them.

October 12, 2021 by Jordan McDowell, G&G Hydraulics Corporation

Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Melt Flow and Asymmetric Parts

We finish exploring some challenges and trends in laser welding with melt flow and asymmetric parts.

September 09, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Cracking

We continue our exploration of some challenges and trends in laser welding. This article explores cracking.

September 07, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

Pain Points and Solutions in Laser Welding: Porosity

Explore the biggest challenges and trends in laser welding, starting with porosity.

September 03, 2021 by Jeff Kerns

An Overview of Fracture Mechanics in Industrial Applications

Always cracking your HMI? Learn how fracture mechanics strives to model and understand how cracks form and propagate.

August 06, 2021 by Gunner Scott

Essential Industrial Pipeline and Inspection Tools

What are some critical tools for pipeline inspection that an engineer should know about?

August 03, 2021 by David Barnard, Flexlife Ltd

Machine Reliability for Industrial Automation

In industrial processes, a down machine can affect the entire supply chain. This article discusses machine reliability and its importance in industrial automation.

July 08, 2021 by Anish Devasia

Designing a LabVIEW Human Machine Interface (HMI) for Increased Safety and Readability

LabVIEW Virtual Instruments (VIs) can simulate tools like multimeters, which are useful for measuring in control systems. Read this article to learn more about designing around possible safety and readability blockers.

July 02, 2021 by Seth Price