Motion, Vision, and Control: The Whole Automation Package at Beckhoff

Join Control Automation for a visit to Beckhoff USA in Minneapolis, MN, as we learn about cabinet-free controls, high-speed motion, and magnetic conveyance working to drive the future of the industry. Remember the year 2019? That was one year before COVID rocked the world with shutdowns and global shortages of resources that forced many companies … Read more

pH Monitoring and Control Systems

What are pH monitoring systems and how are they applied in control systems? This article explores the use of pH sensors in the industry, as well as the basic setup of a pH control system. A fundamental understanding of the pH scale and acid-base reactions are recommended before reading this article. pH Monitoring and Control … Read more

What Is a PLC? An Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

What is a PLC? This article will lay out a succinct definition of a programmable logic controller and explain its basic components. The programmable logic controller, or PLC, is ubiquitous in every kind of process and manufacturing industry today. PLCs were initially designed to replace electromechanical relay systems in order to offer a simpler solution … Read more

Using PID and Feedback Loops for Precise Motion Systems

PID controllers are an excellent method of using feedback to turn an otherwise open-loop system into one which can follow a carefully prescribed profile, correcting for inconsistencies caused by the equipment, the environment, and even the products in the manufacturing process. In many systems, it is sufficient to send voltage to a motor or valve, … Read more