Nidec’s Control Techniques has launched the SI-BACnet IP add-on module for new and existing HVAC drives to help communicate between devices and create a connected automated building. Recently, Japan-based industrial control manufacturer Nidec announced the release of a new product designed to drive more building automation capability toward motor control systems: the SI-BACnet IP module. … Read more
In this first of an upcoming series, we investigate Siemens as a major PLC manufacturer, learning about the hardware, software, and key applications of each product lineup. Siemens AG is the largest energy and industrial manufacturing company in Europe, and with more than 170 years of history, it is also an innovator in many fields. … Read more
Learn how to write a ladder logic program to assign a string value to a data register and share that register with any HMI compatible with Mitsubishi’s MELSEC PLC series. Human-machine interface (HMI) panels are often designed for the control and display of essential data from the control system to the users. From interaction with … Read more
Learn how to use GT Designer 3 to create an interactive control system on Mitsubishi HMIs. With practical examples of simple on/off bits, gain some understanding of HMI designing and programming. Interacting with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in industrial control systems is one of the most engaging aspects of the system. HMIs come in different sizes … Read more
Mitsubishi’s FX series PLC is one of MELSOFT GX Developer’s most popular automation solutions for small and medium-scale applications. Learn how to use GX Developer software to program the FX series PLC. The FX series PLC is one of the introductory MELSEC product lines from Mitsubishi Electric. The company is widely recognized for the manufacturing … Read more
Controlling an industrial robot can be done through the use of well-crafted signal handshakes. Follow along as we dive into several robot-to-PLC communication strategies. In an automated environment, we use program instructions, oftentimes in ladder logic or structured text, to command robots and other equipment to do work. However, external devices like those robots and … Read more
This article will provide links and resources for those looking to integrate robotics into their process without having to go back to school or spend hours researching programming languages. This article will present visual block-based programming. An interface that requires no coding experience, block-based programming lets users select blocks with commands more or less in … Read more
With technology becoming more connected and smarter, understanding robotic programming is becoming even more of a valuable skill. Are you keeping up? The current skills gap and the number of baby boomers preparing to retire has sparked some concern in the manufacturing industry. How can manufacturing advance with technology if companies can’t find workers with … Read more
Learn how to set up Ethernet/IP communications, including steps for both the FANUC controller and the Studio 5000 environment for a Rockwell PLC. Connecting a PLC to a FANUC robot via Ethernet/IP offers numerous benefits for industrial automation. It gives access to integrated control, allowing coordination between different manufacturing process components. The PLC can send … Read more
There are multiple methods for mapping inputs and outputs to an industrial robot. In this article, we cover two of the most popular methods: letting the robot or the PLC control the I/O signals. There is one unavoidable question to ask during your next robotic design, no matter what brand of robot is used: you … Read more