Motion Control and Automation

Achieving true precision in motion control applications requires a deeper understanding of the full motion control system from the mechanics to the motors, drives and controls. 

In the world of automation, both industrial and collaborative robots have proven invaluable in improving efficiency, repeatability, and safety. However, many robots in use today still operate in what can be considered a “blind” mode.

Predictive maintenance starts long before the machine hits the plant floor. Here’s how OEMs can harness known failure patterns, targeted sensing, and embedded intelligence to reduce service calls and boost customer uptime.

Traditional fixed I/O architectures are giving way to mobile, cloud-connected, self-contained units.

How to choose between digital incremental encoders, analog encoders and absolute encoders.

In the world of motion control, engineers often face the challenge of integrating different brands of drives and motors into a cohesive system. At first glance, mixing and matching equipment might not seem like a problem, especially if the sizes of the components line up. 

Electrical installations are the backbone of any industrial system. A well-executed installation can prevent numerous issues, while poor ones can introduce problems that are difficult to diagnose and fix.

When and why to consider SCARA, Cartesian, articulated and collaborative robots.
 

Stack lights – we've all seen them. They are the bright, LED light towers encountered in manufacturing and industrial sectors. They serve a range of applications and are typically installed on top of machines, systems, and on walls. Some towers are also suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

The WIO Wireless Control System is a Bluetooth enabled system which allows for remote indication and monitoring. 

A sanitary water district in California partnered with Valin Corporation to address a challenge in its operations. Moreover, the district was looking for a complete, turnkey solution, meticulously engineered and pre-assembled for immediate deployment. Read the article below to learn how Valin helped.
 

Although new tools and technologies are available to make tapping into industrial IoT more manageable, one must ensure expectations are accurate.

Discover why replacement parts are crucial for machine builders in this insightful article. Learn how ensuring access to quality parts enhances efficiency and reduces downtime.

Avoid the allure of one-size-fits-all solutions and consider standardization, support and future-proofing for programmable logic controllers.

A large refinery in California (U.S.) was conducting a turnaround and utilized an outside engineering firm to oversee the process. During this phase, the engineering firm discovered the refinery needed new emergency safety shut-off valves (chopper valves) as part of their regeneration process.

There is plenty of discussion in the industry regarding the pros and cons surrounding programmable logic controllers (PLCs) vs. programmable automation controllers (PACs) vs. PC-based controllers.

In the semiconductor industry, keeping equipment in top shape is a chief priority. To ensure that every batch of wafers coming out of the process meets the meticulous industry standards for quality, every component in the process must be regularly maintained.

The certification exists for a reason to ensure that the control panels being built meet the very highest safety standards available.

A little knowledge goes a long way knowing and understanding the advantages and limits of encoders and limit switches can ensure the best possible motion system design.

The key to making the proper decisions on condition monitoring is to understand what kind of information is required, how often that information is needed and what kind of budget is in play.

The concepts of preventive maintenance and condition monitoring are not always characterized in a way that is entirely accurate. They sometimes seem to be treated as a one-size-fits-all service that many operators believe they need. However, these concepts can mean very different things depending on the application.

Understanding the environment the conveyor is earmarked for is the most critical piece of the puzzle. Oversights on this part of the specification process can cause delays and corrections that lead to significant costs that could otherwise be avoided.

Selecting a conveyor for an automation project is certainly not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Automation applications are incredibly diverse, and the options and features available on conveyors reflect that.

As technology continues to evolve, some terms meant to represent one thing have come to mean something a bit different. A technology that once had restrictions can evolve to the point where, not only is that restriction gone, but the name of the technology doesnt even necessarily apply anymore.