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 data over various networks, fieldbuses, or backplane buses, making the data accessible for immediate action...

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 of the steam engine orchestrated the fast development of mechanized systems in several industries today....

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 not the reality for most businesses. For most, the truth is rather different, with manufacturers keen...

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 of what the machine is producing. After you know you are making the highest quality product...

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 footprint from primarily a prototyping technique to one that now has applications in every stage...

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 months or so, are really helping RNA to drive innovative ideas through the business. One of...

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 a crazy Christmas light street or something." I didn't think much of the comment because...

S7 – How To Add Profinet I/O & Drives (S24)

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" located below the video. [vimeo 366833029 w=750 h=420] The Automation Show, Episode 24 Show Notes: Special thanks to...

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 cover as many different "constellations" as possible. What do you need, and why should it be...

TIA Portal, S7-1500 – Create, Download, and Test your first PLC Program (S20)

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 the video. [vimeo 366826557 w=750 h=420] The Automation Show, Episode 20 Show Notes: Special thanks to John DeTellem...

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 Shigeo Shingo who was one of the IE engineers at Toyota. Poka Yoke’s are mechanisms used...

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 and videos, to covering new product releases, our goal has always been to publish articles...

TIA Portal, S7 – Exchange Data Between Simatic 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 need to exchange some data between them. An extremely easy way to do this is to...

Upgrading Legacy Winder and Slitter Positioning Control Systems

In today's article, Jeff Turcotte of PLC Concepts discusses winder and slitter positioning control system upgrades, and how his company's upgrades increase throughput and reduce downtime. Written by Jeff Turcotte, PLC Concepts Inc: Over the Holidays I had the pleasure of catching up with Shawn Tierney who I’ve known for many...

Logix, S7-300 – Connecting 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 is a really big problem for automation engineers to "shake hands" between AB and Siemens...

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 can, with robots involved. With that in mind, a group of developers decided to create...

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 around the world. This week we would like to introduce Siemens automation products. Do you have...

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 devices that run them. A more formal definition of industrial automation is “the field of computer...

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 available.  So, if you are migrating to newer controllers, but would like to keep your...

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, UCI’s very own competitive Hyperloop team, is working around the clock to complete their 1:2...