Valin's Blog

In mechanical systems, backlash is the clearance or lost motion between parts, often due to manufacturing imperfections. This gap causes positioning errors, which can degrade machine performance.

What is Backlash? In mechanical engineering, backlash (sometimes called lash, play, or slop) is a clearance or lost motion in a mechanism caused by gaps between parts. It can also be defined as an angle or distance through which any part of a mechanical system may move in one direction without applying force or motion to the next part.

As a heavily marketed and “new” technology, there are a lot of misconceptions about collaborative robots. In reality, we can’t even call them “new” anymore, but they are still new and unfamiliar to a lot of people. And those are the people who probably most need to look at using cobots. Let’s debunk some of the common myths surrounding collaborative robots to gain a clearer understanding of their true potential.

We often hear about rising labor costs, worker shortages, and people unwilling to work. The solution? Automation. Collaborative robots (cobots) are an excellent first step, especially for businesses new to automation. They offer several key advantages.

When it comes to industrial automation, the choice of hardware can significantly impact your system’s performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency. Standard Industrial PCs (IPCs) have been widely used, but they often come with several limitations. Yokogawa’s e-RT3 Linux-based model presents a superior alternative, addressing these limitations while offering robust and flexible solutions tailored for industrial environments.

In the realm of industrial automation, choosing the right controller can make a significant difference in the efficiency, flexibility, and performance of your systems. While standard Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have been the go-to for many years, their limitations are becoming increasingly apparent in today's fast-paced industrial environments. Yokogawa's e-RT3 and FA offer advanced alternatives that address these limitations and provide superior performance and capabilities.

In the world of industrial automation and control, the choice of measuring devices can significantly impact efficiency, flexibility, and cost. While standard measuring devices have their place, they often come with limitations that can restrict their utility and adaptability. Enter the e-RT3 – a versatile and powerful alternative that not only measures but also analyzes data on a single platform.

When it comes to selecting the right control system for your industrial automation needs, the choice between a Single Board Computer (SBC) and a more robust solution like the e-RT3 can be crucial. While SBCs have their place, they often come with limitations that can hinder your system's performance and longevity. Let's explore why you should consider the e-RT3 as a superior alternative.

The demand for robust and versatile automation solutions has never been higher. Yokogawa's FA-M3V Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and e-RT3 Plus Controller provide a powerful combination to meet these needs.

Ashcroft announces NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification for select models of their pressure gauges, switches, transducers and diaphragm seals/isolation rings.

PLC's are complex pieces of equipment.  If there is a vendor trying to tell you that a particular PLC will solve all of your challenges and is set to meet all of your needs, that is certainly a red flag.

Valin's team will be at SEMICON® WEST this year joining Yokogawa in booth #5584. Stop by to learn how Yokogawa is applying AI in industrial controls to help improve efficiency and speed while reducing development time for semiconductor machine tools.

There is a considerable amount of thought that goes into specifying a regulator, and it has everything to do with application. Read the blog below to learn the key factors that you need to consider before buying.

Tank heating is crucial across various industries, making it a common application in industrial heating. Whether dealing with water, fuel, or corrosive substances, the process requires careful consideration. Read this blog to learn more.

It's crucial to capture as much rainwater as possible for future use in groundwater basins. However, during storm events, the existing wastewater system can become overwhelmed. The influx of freshwater from a storm event can disrupt the wastewater treatment process, leading to an imbalance in the system.

Across the U.S., booster stations and pumping stations are feeling the strain of both age and increased demand. As pumping stations edge near full capacity, financial or real estate constraints can make it difficult to expand or retrofit them.

Most processes in this world require some form of heat. Specifically, there is a need to heat something that resides in a tank. Water, fuel, etc... there seems to always be a need to maintain temperature or heat up product inside a tank. However, this requirement is not something to be taken lightly.

Discover the intricacies of condition monitoring in our latest blog. Learn how to select the right sensors and equipment tailored to your process needs and budget.

Preventative maintenance and condition monitoring are not only independent concepts, but they are also ones that should not be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn more in the blog below.

As part of Valin's 50th anniversary, we asked our employees to share their experience working at Valin over the years. Here is what some of them had to say.

With the Industrial Internet of Things and digitization, opportunities to improve business performance are almost endless. Yet the process of adopting new technology requires smart investments.

Valin offers a comprehensive and highly differentiated portfolio of fluid control & pneumatics, machine control, and software solutions for discrete and hybrid manufacturing.

Emerson has developed a groundbreaking solution for addressing challenges in upstream oil and gas applications related to pneumatic valve emissions.

Microelectronics are an inescapable and critical part of nearly every person's life.