Ok, I have a question for you: what do American flags, hot dogs, and sparklers have in common? Give up? Well, besides every Fourth of July, they all use automation in some way during the manufacturing process. Automation is everywhere and has taken a pivotal role in today’s industrial age making many companies dependent on…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookeBookIssue 34 - 2016Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueOnline OnlyPLC eBookProductProgrammable ControlTechnology Brief
What is Ladder Logic?
PLCs have exploded in the controls market and are used throughout the world. Over time they have advanced to become more user friendly, efficient, smaller and less expensive. Different types of programming languages have also been developed for PLCs but the most frequently used is still Ladder Logic. The Origins of Ladder Logic – Relay…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control
Ethernet/IP Protocol FAQs
EtherNet/IP™ is a widely used industrial communications protocol governed by ODVA Inc. The EtherNet/IP protocol combines standard Ethernet technology with the media-independent Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) to create what is considered the world’s number one industrial Ethernet network. Here we review some of the features and answer several frequently asked questions about EtherNet/IP and its…
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 31 - 2015Learning ResourcesNotebook IssuePneumaticsPneumatics MoreProduct
Pneumatic Cylinder Design Factors
Pneumatic systems are widely used for many reasons. They’re durable, clean, affordable, and fairly easy to install and maintain. They move loads in a variety of ways: pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, and rotating. And they can handle widely varying payloads. While not ultra-precise in terms of positioning capabilities, they are accurate enough for countless applications….
Can you tell me what is missing from the image below? What “tool” has become almost necessary in our industrial field? A “tool” that can calculate conduit bend radiuses, determine electrical wire sizing, provide up-to-date codes and regulations, keep you safe and even tell you the weather outside. That’s right, you guessed it. I’m speaking…
Tag based PLC controllers are not necessarily a new thing to the industry. However, the true power and benefits of using them is something that is still talked about in many circles. Below are some of our thoughts on the power of tag based controllers! FREEDOM!!! So what does Freedom mean to you? What comes…
Many existing industrial automation trends gathered strength and reached Top 10 status in 2014, and some new ones emerged and now merit inclusion on the list. All industry participants should be aware of these trends as they will affect many aspects of industrial automation going forward. Top 10 Industrial Automation Trends Multi-Touch Technology Industrial Automation…
+Tech TopicseBookeBook Landing PagesLearning ResourcesOnline OnlyPLC eBookProductProgrammable Control
How to Choose a Controller
Choosing the most effective controller for your application depends on a number of factors. The worksheet below serves as a checklist of things to consider when determining programmable controller requirements. It lists the most important areas to consider when choosing a system, as well as, provides space for recording determinations of your system needs. To…
So what do you think, is this glass half full or half empty? For me, that could be a little difficult to answer and could vary based on the day I’m having, but if we are asking about the level, why not let the PLC answer? In fact, why not have the PLC tell us…
When choosing the type of input or output module for your PLC system, it is very important to have a solid understanding of sinking and sourcing concepts. Use of these terms occurs frequently in discussion of input or output circuits. It is the goal of this post to make these concepts easy to understand, so you can make the right choice the first time…