Articles

Engineers building linear-motion systems can use ground-up DIY approaches or purchase complete turnkey solutions. Here we explain where each tactic is most profitable.

The iPolymer PTFE Pressure Regulator is designed for use with high-purity water systems and aggressive chemical applications to regulate and maintain a constant pressure downstream of the valve and prevent over-pressurization of sensitive equipment.

In the last ten years, the design of pneumatic manufacturers' online tools for sizing components has evolved, the fieldbus systems are ever-changing, component designs are constantly improving, and network devices such as the Industrial Internet of Things have reshaped the industry. Learn more.

Thermocouples and controllers themselves do not prevent a failure from occurring. What they can do is create a temperature profile for a heater that can be used as a maintenance log.

Liquid choked flow in control valves results in either flashing, or more often, cavitation.

Robotics and motion control are closely related in many ways, but robots lean towards a "pre-engineered" solution while motion control leans towards a modular solution. Before deciding to install a robot or motion control component, these are ten questions to ask yourself.

Robotics can be narrowed down to five types: Cartesian, Cylindrical, SCARA, 6-Axis, and Delta. Each has specific elements (speed, size, workspace) making them ideal for certain applications. Knowledge of each type can help machine designers choose the best robot for their process. Learn more.

Controlling vibration and surge is one of the most critical aspects of keeping centrifugal and reciprocating compressors up and running. If improperly monitored and maintained, these types of compressors can experience frequent functional issues and ultimately shorten their life span.

Valve sizing and proper application of control valves have always gone hand-in-hand. However, the tools available to valve users have changed and improved significantly over time.

The latest developments in servo technology allow for the benefits of high-performance motion control to be used in harsh environments.

We think of routine care and maintenance of a system to stave off failures as standard practice, but what about preventive maintenance of the replacement parts used when the system does fail?

Despite the demand for standardized communication protocols among manufacturers, both the manufacturers and end users face challenges when it comes to agreeing on a path.

Proper filtration is one of the most important functions performed inside refineries. Filtration is the removal of contaminants through some type of synthetic, paper, pleated, or wound media. The goal of this process is to achieve a specific level of cleanliness.

Electromechanical drives continue to capture more factory automation projects, but pneumatics technology still offers distinct advantages in many fields.

Semiconductors are the basis of most electronic circuits and exist in virtually all electronic devices. The manufacturing of these integrated circuits, also referred to as chips, is a multi-step process involving an intricate design system. Learn more

Employing flexible automation technology now is vital for companies to sustain growth, keep a diverse range of products flowing through their lines, and minimize downtime with product changeovers. Advances in industrial technology and the evolution of automation have been unprecedented. Learn more.

In environments with persistent cold weather, ice buildup on flat commercial roofs is both a safety hazard and a costly liability for many businesses. There are three main roof drainage systems used by commercial facilities: drainage, scupper, and traditional pitch and gutter drainage. Learn more.

Oil and gas engineers face a problem in accurately and reliably measuring and monitoring the various fluids that are introduced into oil pipelines from well-site pumping stations. A thorough understanding of both the oil separation process and the properties of valves and actuators is required.

As electronics and technologies become smaller and more intricate, engineers are running into new challenges in automating manufacturing processes. The challenges of manufacturing new products extend beyond the capabilities of precise motion control mechanics to include environmental control.

When selecting the pipes and valves for a cooling system, it is important to understand the options available—and the possible outcomes associated with each selection. Many factors can impact the effectiveness, longevity, and quality of the overall cooling system. Learn more.

In today's coal-fired power generation plant, one element of critical preventative maintenance is keeping everything at a temperature that will prevent instrumentation from freezing. Learn more about the successful application of heat trace solutions in coal-fired power generation plants.

Inside of plants today, AC motors are becoming the industry standard. Many plants are shifting to AC motors from hydraulic motors or DC motors when powering heavy loads, which were more popular in the past. This shift can be attributed to a variety of reasons and most have to do with cost.

For automation applications, one of the larger misconceptions in the industry today is that when someone uses the phrase "motion control," they can just as easily use the term "robotics," as if the two are interchangeable. Read more.

Valin Corporation's Vice President of Marketing, Anne Vrancic, recently did a Q&A with ID to discuss Valin's journey from the planning phase, through the launch and how the site is being received now that it's been up and running for 8 months.