One of the biggest advances in the manufacturing industry was the rise of automation. The use of PACs, PLCs, and robotic equipment has offered many advantages to the manufacturing sector. According to research, more than 30% of businesses have fully automated at least one of their functions. We all know that industrial automation is the…
The manufacturing industry faces many challenges in the course of production. One of the top issues you may face is the effect of a harsh industrial environment on your electrical cables. Variable frequency drives (or VFDs) that are used to regulate your conveyor belts, fans, and control pumps can wreak havoc on ordinary cables. And…
Remote monitoring of machines is not a new development. It has, however, come a long way in recent years thanks to modern technological advancements. But what exactly is remote monitoring, and how does it apply to PLCs? To understand how this technology works, and why it is beneficial to your company, keep reading. We answer…
There comes a time in any manufacturing plant when the old electric control panels just aren’t delivering anymore. So, is it time you replace yours with a new custom control panel? Unless you are a panel builder you may not understand some of the terminology involved. And if you do not operate these machines, you…
When dealing with electrical enclosures, you will come across something called a NEMA rating. But what are these NEMA ratings for electrical enclosures? More importantly, how are these ratings determined, and why are they important? This article will answer all of these questions. What Are NEMA Ratings? NEMA ratings are the North American standards for…
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is an industrial controller that has been modified for the control of various manufacturing processes. These include any industrial activity for which high easy programming, high reliability, and fault diagnosis would be an advantage. Used extensively across several industries such as food processing, forest products, power plants, and more, PLCs…
For newcomers to the world of manufacturing technology, it may be confusing to know what the difference is between PLCs and PACs. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) are industrial computers designed for the manufacturing industry. All automated systems, no matter industrial the sector, are built with one of these two types…
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and ladder logic are integral parts of industrial automation. They are designed to withstand harsh industrial environments and perform a variety of tasks based on their specific programming. Their rugged construction and ability to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, and dust make them ideal for use in industrial applications. In this article,…
Most industrial machines have an emergency stop button. They have various shapes and sizes, but they function the same. They stop the machine from operating in case of an emergency. These safety devices have can be added with custom motor controls, industrial motor controls, and tied into electrical automation. Their use is universal and is…
If you have seen inside a factory or a manufacturing facility, you may have wondered what equipment was running. Could it have been electric motors? What about a complete conveyor system? There are many options that can be running simultaneously, but they all share common background controls. If you’ve never peeked behind the curtain of…
