Latest Technical Articles

Learn how to align and configure the parameters of a light curtain using a send/receive pair of SICK deTec4 light beam…

Learn how to align and configure the parameters of a light curtain using a send/receive pair of SICK deTec4 light beam curtains and the new DCM4 extension module for advanced operating modes.

Learn a few tips and solutions to promote long-lasting electric motor health, explaining why some maintenance practices…

Learn a few tips and solutions to promote long-lasting electric motor health, explaining why some maintenance practices are a better fit for certain devices and situations.

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.

Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to…

Learn about safety light curtains: which one will fit your application, how to choose the proper size, and how to properly process the output signals.

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.

Recent OpenPLC Editor versions offer an improved debugger, allowing real-time monitoring of variables and tags in…

Recent OpenPLC Editor versions offer an improved debugger, allowing real-time monitoring of variables and tags in industrial control applications running on an Arduino Uno PLC.

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.

Learn how to connect, wire, and program a TRi PLC Fx controller in this step-by-step tutorial.

Learn how to connect, wire, and program a TRi PLC Fx controller in this step-by-step tutorial.

Industrial control systems are becoming increasingly dependent on network connections, exposing them to security risks.…

Industrial control systems are becoming increasingly dependent on network connections, exposing them to security risks. The IEC provides guidelines for establishing and maintaining security policies.

Control.com chats with Weidmüller to get some insights about data center automation, learning about security,…

Control.com chats with Weidmüller to get some insights about data center automation, learning about security, environmental impacts, regulations, and more.

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.

Learn how to configure a connection and download a simple digital I/O project using the newest Rockwell software, paired…

Learn how to configure a connection and download a simple digital I/O project using the newest Rockwell software, paired with the Ethernet version of the Micro800 PLC lineup.

Learn how to improve wafer handling robot uptime by identifying common faults, optimizing maintenance, and applying…

Learn how to improve wafer handling robot uptime by identifying common faults, optimizing maintenance, and applying practical troubleshooting.

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.

Join Control.com for an inside look at the Rockwell Automation HQ in Milwaukee, WI, and check out a fully automated…

Join Control.com for an inside look at the Rockwell Automation HQ in Milwaukee, WI, and check out a fully automated assembly line. Plus, a preview of new product tutorials, coming soon!