Voices: Automation Basics
We take you back to the basics with these Control Design features, presentations and more.
Vision is not always clear
While we await AI and deep machine learning, be sure not to oversimplify vision hardware and programming
Jan 23, 2019
When it comes to machine vision, don't oversimplify. Applications range from simple to complex, and there are many pixels in between. The gross inspections, such as presence and absence, tend to be the simple ones. Add some fine dimensional checks, contamination and defect detection, vision-guided motion or color recognition and a vision application can quickly become difficult.
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Application gateways to automation
Jan 4, 2019Workstations are varied, depending on the functionalityA modern, minimalist HMI
Dec 10, 20189 is the new dozen in HMIs when it comes to displaying information to an operatorDress control equipment appropriately for the environment
Oct 28, 2018Control-enclosure selection is important in the factory to meet the environmental needs of the applicationA proper motor load and speed
Sep 23, 2018A system level approach will find that motor and drive selection is based on both motor load demands and the ability to change speed if possibleCloudy, with a chance of innovation
Aug 27, 2018The future of automation will involve apps, configuration and continuous programming flexibilityTerminate the rat’s nest
Aug 22, 2018For those who think it's okay to open a control enclosure and see a monochromatic rats nest of wires without any wire labels, you should be aware, that's worst-case practiceAutomation adapts to manufacturing needs
Jul 13, 2018Autonomous machine technology in the future will enable the adaptive machine to achieve mass customization cost-effectivelyPower supply ins and outs
Jun 27, 2018When integrating a power supply, it’s necessary to properly handle the input and output current and powerYou can’t troubleshoot what you can’t diagnose
May 16, 2018Diagnostic tools come in many forms, all with the purpose of keeping a machine running, troubleshooting it when there is a problem or perhaps predicting future issuesWhat is motion control?
Apr 23, 2018The fundamentals of motion control focus on the details and theories about motor control, feedback methods and mechanical actuatorsKey positions on encoders
Feb 26, 2018Understand the specifications, but don't miss any of the signals by being too slow and not willing to communicateIntrinsic safety comes with requirements
Jan 15, 2018How to design a control circuit for use while keeping barriers in mindDiagnostic tools of the future
Nov 8, 2017The tried and true multimeter will always be around, but sensor level communications, technology and the Internet of Things are changing diagnostic tools from reactive to proactiveHydraulic muscle, as needed
Oct 23, 2017Sometimes brute force is needed, and a little hydraulic knowledge can get things moving in the right directionOptions for HMIs in explosive atmospheres
Sep 12, 2017The many faces of HMI when hazardous classified areas are involvedHow to write a PLC step sequence program
Jun 14, 2017Define a machine's control modes, main cycles and sequence steps before a program is written, or you'll just write scatter code and confuse othersDo I really need a presence sensor?
May 10, 2017It is not just the type of sensor used or a little hope, but where, when and whyDesign distributed I/O on your machines instead of running bundles of wires
Apr 20, 2017How these design decisions reduce wiring on machinesHow to specify, size and connect wire
Mar 26, 2017You cannot just use any size and type of wire to connect automation hardware on machines.How to keep a machine in position
Mar 17, 2017Are you going to crash and damage expensive tooling or just one manufactured part?Basic automation safety requires not-so-basic safety
Feb 6, 2017There are very few machines where installing a safety system will not reduce the risk.Why just an emergency stop button isn't enough
Jan 10, 2017Every machine needs an e-stop button, but can the HMI do everything else or should push buttons, indicator lights, alarm horns and stack lights be included?Invite the drives to join the motor team
Dec 14, 2016The best motor and drive for the application should go together like two peas in a pod.The basics of variable frequency drive installation
Nov 18, 2016Once a VFD is specified, pay attention to these installation tips to realize its benefitsHow to integrate RFID tags in any tracking application
Oct 14, 2016With greater cost comes a greater number of opportunities.Apply motors and drives efficiently
Sep 19, 2016Manufacturers worry about supplying hardware that meets federal efficiency requirements.Control panel design starts with the basics
Aug 22, 2016Don't confuse control panel design with the environmental rating or physical configuration of the enclosure.Motion application drives stepper or servo selection
Aug 9, 2016Will the stepper motor work poorly in a servo application, or will the servo motor be overkill for the stepper application?The basics of power supplies in industrial machinery
Jun 28, 2016Although power supplies just keep getting better, these well developed devices still must be properly specified and connected.Decades have fine-tuned control software functions and capabilities
May 18, 2016Whether using PLC- or PC-based control software, rest assured, many decades of use has fine tuned their functions and capabilities.Pneumatic use is all about the fundamentals
Apr 25, 2016Once clean, dry air at the proper pressure is connected and safe, get control of the pneumatic cylinders, actuators and motors with proper valve selection and flow control.A variety of improved options are provided by industrial PCs
Mar 28, 2016From a small machine to large assembly lines, the IPC's capabilities fit with many applications while providing a wide range of simultaneous functionality from monitoring and control to the IoT.HMI software often starts with the hardware
Feb 29, 2016From simple machine monitoring to large manufacturing systems and back, a wide range of capabilities can be found in the program.Successful machine vision starts with testing
Jan 21, 2016Troublesome installations are often due to lack of initial testing.Design basics of control enclosures in machines, automation and industry
Dec 21, 2015Careful attention to requirements is necessary when specifying enclosures for use in machines, automation and industryProgramming standardization through IEC 61131
Nov 23, 2015As software takes on a larger role, so do its costs.Fundamentals of analog inputs: How to choose the right device
Nov 2, 2015How to turn measured conditions into useful numbers for controllers.IEC 61131-3 specifies syntax and semantics for a unified suite of programming resource
Aug 26, 2015Independent standard for industrial automation can be split into common elements and programming languages.You might have HMI design backward
Jul 13, 2015Did you know background color is the least important element?Go back to basics with HMI design
May 14, 2015Dave Strobhar, one of the founders of the Center for Operator Performance, thinks a lot of people may have it backward when it comes to HMI design.Soft starters bring motors up to speed in a controlled fashion
Apr 1, 2015The use of a soft starter can help save mechanical wear-and-tear and could save money in other ways.What does your sensing application require?
Mar 20, 2015Because accuracy and precision come at a price, you need to understand just how accurate and how precise a system needs to be.Get energy under control
Mar 17, 2015From motors and gearboxes to I/O modules and the cabinet, opportunities for efficiency improvements and power savings abound.Closed-Loop PID algorithms in motion/motor control
Jul 12, 2012Use Differential Feed Forward for Numerical Controls or Integrate Backward for Trajectory Control of MotionHow can we reduce the noise?
Nov 26, 2008Alternatives to help sort out the best course of action for resolving electrical noise interference from motors and drives that affect sensor signals and HMIHow to choose pressure transmitters wisely
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