Guest Post
Eight Advantages of IO-Link
IO-Link is an open standard serial communication protocol that allows for the bi-directional exchange of data from sensors and devices that support IO-Link and are connected to a master.
The IO-Link master can transmit this...
How Automation is Shifting Traditional CNC Machining
Modern manufacturing has paved the way for improved machinability, enhanced machine efficiency, and superior quality products. Modern manufacturing technology started with the Industrial Revolution that spanned from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century.
The discovery...
Data-Driven Decision Making: Driving the Need for Remote Sensors in Manufacturing
Too often, manufacturing and Industry 4.0 are described only in terms of greenfield deployments. Unrealistic and expensive descriptions of shiny new factories outfitted with the latest industrial-internet-of-things (IIoT) technologies to deliver transformational insights are...
Automated Downtime Tracking the Right Way, Part 1
I have been chasing OEE and throughput improvements my entire career; it is a way of life in manufacturing.
The first step to enable your operations team to improve OEE, is to provide the data...
3D Printing Applications In Manufacturing Processes
3D printing is the latest in a long line of technologies and innovations that have transformed and evolved the manufacturing industry. As 3D printing technology and materials have advanced, the process has expanded its...
Harnessing Developments in 3D Printing Technology for Manufacturing Innovation
3D printing has been a capable technology for quite a number of years now, but the developments in machine technology and the extensive range of materials that have become available over the last 12...
Christmas Light Show Automation
Are you going to decorate for Christmas? Never!
I moved into our house in June 2015 with my wife and baby twin girls. My agent mentioned during close that "the agent (selling) said this is...
How To Add Profinet I/O & Drives To S7-1500 (Video, TAS 24)
In this week's episode of The Automation Show, John DeTellem walks us through how to add PROFINET (Ethernet) I/O and Drives to an S7-1500 using TIA Portal:
For more information, check out the "Show Notes"...
Connecting PLCs and Sensors to the Cloud
Life would be so easy if there were only one PLC manufacturer, one Communication Protocol, and just one Cloud Solution.
Unfortunately, since this is not the case you'll want to find a solution that will...
Creating your first Siemens S7-1500 Program (Video, TAS 20)
In this week's episode of The Automation Show, John DeTellem of Siemens walks us through how to create a new program for a Siemens S7-1500:
For more information, check out the "Show Notes" located below...
Poka Yoke in Manufacturing
Humans make mistakes, and these mistakes can cause defective products.
Poka Yoke, also known as mistake-proofing, is a technique for avoiding simple human errors at work. The idea was originally developed in the 1960s by...
Share Your Knowledge
Automation Professionals, Integrators, and Vendors: You're invited to share your knowledge and expertise on TheAutomationBlog.com!
Since 2013, The Automation Blog has become known as a great place to learn about industrial automation products.
From how-to articles...
Exchange Data Between Simatic S7 PLCs on Different Subnets
Easy data exchange between two Siemens Simatic S7 PLCs on different Ethernet subnets using a PN/PN Coupler
Suppose you have two Simatic S7 PLCs, like a S7-1200 and S7-300, on different Ethernet subnets and you...
Upgrading Legacy Winder and Slitter Positioning Control Systems
Connecting ControlLogix to Simatic S7-300 via Ethernet
In this article I'll walk you through how to setup a connection between an Allen Bradley CompactLogix 1769-L36ERM controller, and a Siemens Simatic S7-300 PLC CPU 315-2PN/DP via Ethernet using the Prosoft PLX31-EIP-SIE Gateway.
There...
Robots Defeat Humans on Foosball Playing Field
Robotics is a field of study which is experiencing constant progress. People are wondering how they can improve or make a groundbreaking discovery in robotics. That is why they are developing absolutely everything they...
Here We Grow Again! Guest Bloggers Wanted.
The Automation Blog is looking to expand its reach with new content and know-how, by welcoming guest bloggers who have expertise and knowledge about automation products from some of the leading automation manufacturers from...
Careers in Industrial Automation
When you think "industrial automation" you may visualize robotic arms putting cars together on an assembly line.
The field is about so much more than that. Industrial automation covers everything from robotics to the tiny...
Serial Communications – If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
I’ll be the first to admit it, serial communications (RS-232) is so 1980’s. However, it is also relatively easy to install and support and for many legacy devices it is the only communication option...
UCI Hyperloop Team “HyperXite” Compete for Clean Transportation of the Future
Editor's Note: I've had the distinct pleasure of consulting for the UCI HyperXite team, and in appreciation they have provided this "guest post" for readers of The Automation Blog.
IRVINE, Ca. - May 24, 2016 - HyperXite,...
