Build Better Machines Faster Using Today’s Enhanced Motion Controllers and PLCs
Issue 53, 2024Motion ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Build Better Machines Faster Using Today’s Enhanced Motion Controllers and PLCs

Process-enabled motion controllers and motion-enabled PLCs give OEMs the flexibility to optimize design and performance. By: Kevin McClelion and Joe Scoccimaro, AutomationDirect There was a time when designing machines that included motion control followed a standard architecture. The PLC handled basic machine control and a dedicated motion controller managed the motion axes. Today, the trend…
Enhancing Automation System Performance with the EtherCAT Protocol
Issue 53, 2024Motion ControlNotebook IssueProductProgrammable Control

Enhancing Automation System Performance with the EtherCAT Protocol

The EtherCAT protocol is a high-performance and cost-effective Ethernet networking technology, providing a versatile solution when EtherNet/IP and PROFINET simply aren’t fast enough. By Joe Kimbrell, AutomationDirect Ethernet rapidly expanded into and throughout commercial information technology (IT) networking connectivity environments beginning in the 1980s, and it has experienced rapid performance advancements and adoption since then…
What is an Encoder?
Discrete SensingIssue 53, 2024Motion ControlNotebook IssueProcess Sensing & ControlProduct

What is an Encoder?

For determining the precise motion of industrial machinery and equipment elements, or servo motors, encoders provide a high-performance solution—but only if they are specified properly. By Joe Kimbrell, AutomationDirect Mechanical movement generated on automated machinery and equipment almost always needs to be monitored by sensors to provide a robust motion control solution. This is especially…
From Ethernet to EtherCAT and Beyond
Motion ControlProductProgrammable Control

From Ethernet to EtherCAT and Beyond

Once only suitable for sheltered office installations, Ethernet media and protocols can now efficiently serve and future-proof a variety of industrial applications. Once upon a time (think 1980s), Ethernet was a relatively specialized computer connectivity technology, administrated by experienced gurus under highly-controlled office settings. Since then, technology and performance have advanced incredibly, and much of…
What is EtherCAT?
Motion ControlProduct

What is EtherCAT?

EtherCAT, which stands for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is a high-performance industrial network protocol based on standard Ethernet. It’s specifically designed for real-time communication and deterministic data exchange, making it ideal for motion control applications like robotics, assembly lines, and packaging machines.  Key Features:  Motion Control using EtherCAT:  Benefits of using EtherCAT for Motion…
Linear Actuator Options
Mechanical Power TransmissionMotion ControlProductProgrammable Control

Linear Actuator Options

Linear actuators, driven with servo or stepper motors, are an effective way to implement accurate automated machine motion. Chip McDaniel at AutomationDirect wrote an article for the January 2023 issue of Design World’s Linear Motion Tips. Titled A Straight Line to Effective Linear Motion, this article explains linear actuator technologies, and it shows how they…
Practical Motion Control Using Micro-PLCs
Issue 50 - 2023Motion ControlProductProgrammable Control

Practical Motion Control Using Micro-PLCs

Designers working on smaller automation systems can now take advantage of advanced yet economical motion control by using micro-PLCs and stepper motors. Conor Perry, Technical Product Manager for the HMI and CLICK product groups at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the October 2022 issue of Applied Automation. Titled Micro-PLC Motion Control Made Practical, the article…
What are Electrical Actuators?
Motion ControlProduct

What are Electrical Actuators?

Electrical actuators are an efficient and accurate way to automate linear motion on machinery and equipment. Automated machinery and equipment frequently require linear physical movement. Sometimes the mechanisms most move a product-holding tray into position, while other times the movement is for performing a manufacturing function, like drilling, inserting, gluing, or taping parts. The motion…
Simpler Servos Speed Solutions
Motion ControlProduct

Simpler Servos Speed Solutions

Servo systems are a leading way to implement high-performance motion control, and the latest servo drives offer functional, programming, and diagnostics capabilities to help users quickly create and commission solutions. Chip McDaniel, technical marketer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article posted July 2021 on Control Design titled Servo Systems Lead the Way to Implement High-Performance Motion…