| | |

Your Guide to Electromechanical Relays

October 2, 2024 What Are Electric Relays? Electromechanical relays are electrically operated switches that control circuits by opening and closing contacts. They receive an electrical signal from an external source and transmit it to other equipment by toggling the switch on or off. This mechanism allows relays to manage high-power applications with low-power signals, ensuring safe…

| |

Transforming Logistics Industry with Machine Vision in Scan Tunnels

October 2, 2024 The logistics industry is experiencing a transformative shift with the integration of machine vision technology in scan tunnels. This technology enhances operational efficiency and sets new standards in quality, speed, and precision.  Essential for tasks such as measurement, quality control, object recognition, and traceability, machine vision is becoming a fundamental component of…

| | |

HELUKABEL’s Quality Connections for Photovoltaic Solar Energy

September 30, 2024 By Krystie Johnston Quality cables and connections for photovoltaic (PV) systems are critical to ensure safe and long-lasting setups. HELUKABEL has provided cables, wires, and accessories for infrastructure and energy applications for more than 45 years. Their comprehensive portfolio of products is trusted by manufacturers, installers, and operators of PV systems worldwide…

| | |

PC-Based Control and Drive Technology in Robotics

Premium finish with professional finesse September 17, 2024 A perfect surface finish is the most obvious sign of a high-quality component. Achieving this consistently throughout series production is a challenge many manufacturers face, and this prompted Lesta srl, an Italian company, to develop its innovative painting robots. Flexibly automated with PC-based control from Beckhoff, these…

| |

Guide to Mechatronics – Part 4: Software & Programming

September 17, 2024 In mechatronics, software plays a pivotal role, acting as the central nervous system that orchestrates and controls the interactions between mechanical and electronic components. The development and implementation of software in mechatronic systems encompass several key areas: Software’s Role in Control: Software is integral to controlling mechatronic systems, from simple feedback loops…

| | |

Outdoor Enclosures: Aluminium vs. Stainless Steel – Which is Best for Your Application?

September 16, 2024 When selecting an enclosure for outdoor environments, stainless steel has long been the go-to material. But is it always the best choice? Increasingly, aluminum is being recognized as a viable, often superior option, especially when factoring in weight, durability, cost, and corrosion resistance. Strength and Weight: Why Aluminium Excels While stainless steel…

| | |

Enhancing Food and Beverage Manufacturing with Motion Control

September 9, 2024 Reliability in automation motion control is crucial for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), directly influencing machine efficiency and production costs Key factors of motion control, such as servo position accuracy, trajectory repeatability, and system efficiency are essential for maintaining high performance and competitiveness. OEMs must balance the addition of advanced features with profitability,…

| | |

Schneider Electric Delivers Energy Management Products and Solutions in Canada

September 5, 2024 By Krystie Johnston Canada is undergoing an energy transition to become more sustainable, reduce emissions, and reach net zero targets. Wiser Energy from Schneider Electric is an integral Energy Management System that monitors devices and energy usage in real-time, helping you use electrical energy more wisely in your building. Buildings are the…

|

For Systems Integrators: Embracing Vendor-Agnostic Network Technologies

September 5, 2024 All-in-one platforms can add flexibility to a system integrator’s offerings The COVID-19 pandemic presented system integrators with a unique opportunity to evaluate manufacturer performance during a global disruption. Throughout this period, there have been numerous instances where end users have successfully utilized their diversified supply chains to enhance production by integrating more…

|

ABB Canada Launches Ergonomics Pilot Project to Help Improve Employee Health and Safety at Work

August 26, 2024 ABB Canada’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) team recently deployed an ergonomics pilot project at its Iberville, Quebec, facility aimed at improving overall employee well-being in the workplace. Exoskeletons are assistive technologies that mechanically support the body and reduce the stresses associated with physical work such as lifting heavy loads. Specifically, passive…

|

Guide to Mechatronics – Part 3: Strategies for Integrating Mechatronic Subsystems

August 20, 2024 Integrating various subsystems in mechatronics is a complex task that requires a thoughtful approach, blending mechanical, electronic, and computing components into a cohesive and efficient system. Methodologies for Integration: Common Challenges in Integration: Overcoming Integration Challenges: Integration of mechatronic subsystems is as much an art as it is a science. It requires…

| | |

Inspection Capabilities Skyrocket Using Innerspec Test System

August 15, 2024 PC-based control and EtherCAT from Beckhoff power the Twin Robotic NDT System while boosting aerospace inspection speeds by a factor of 10 Designing non-destructive test (NDT) systems for aerospace clients can feel like engineering with blindfolds on. Even when the parts under test aren’t confidential, they can change rapidly as companies optimize…

SEW-Eurodrive Is Your Complete Source for Motion Control
| | | | | | |

SEW-Eurodrive Is Your Complete Source for Motion Control

August 12, 2024 By Krystie Johnston SEW-Eurodrive specializes in custom, scalable drive solutions that focus on meeting the needs of customers today – and into the future. SEW-Eurodrive’s decentralized variable frequency drives combine power, communications, integration, and support all-in-one, saving you time and money. They have this and so much more to offer. SEW-Eurodrive has set…

| |

Operating Principles of Omron Inductive Proximity Sensors

August 12, 2024 Modern automation and industrial control systems rely heavily on inductive proximity sensors like ones from Omron. These sensors use the principles of electromagnetic induction to determine if metallic items are present or absent without coming into direct touch with them. Their resistance to harsh circumstances, such as exposure to dust, grime, oil, and…

Festo’s MS-Series Supports Quality Assurance for Food Producers that Require SQF-Certification
| |

Festo’s MS-Series Supports Quality Assurance for Food Producers that Use Compressed Air

August 8, 2024 Food producers who use compressed air in their operations can rely on the MS-Series from Festo to ensure compliance with SQF-Certification By Krystie Johnston Festo has a broad portfolio of products and solutions for the food industry. One facet of this offering is their MS-Series compressed air preparation units designed with your…

|

The What, Why, and How of Hygienic Design

August 8, 2024 The stringent food safety standards of the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) impact everyone in the U.S. food supply chain, from manufacturers to retailers. For food and beverage processors, preventing contamination necessitates rigorous sanitation protocols to ensure equipment cleanliness at the microbiological level. Enter hygienic design: an approach to enclosure design…