59 articles
How modular automation architecture enables manufacturers to reconfigure production lines quickly, scale capacity on demand, and adapt to product changes without full system rebuilds.
Practical guidelines for designing automation equipment with maintenance accessibility in mind, covering layout strategies, component placement, and serviceability best practices.
Practical engineering guidance for designing automation systems that perform reliably in harsh manufacturing environments including temperature extremes, moisture, dust, vibration, and chemical exposure.
How standardization in automation design reduces engineering costs, accelerates commissioning, and simplifies long-term maintenance across multiple production lines.
How simulation tools reduce risk and accelerate automation design by validating robot reach, cycle times, material flow, and control logic before building hardware.
Learn how prototyping and proof-of-concept testing reduce risk in automation projects. Practical guidance on validating processes, tooling, and cycle times before committing to full-scale builds.
A practical comparison of robot programming languages including teach pendant, RAPID, KRL, Karel, TP, and offline programming tools used in industrial automation.
A practical comparison of EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and other industrial Ethernet protocols for automation engineers selecting the right network for their systems.
A practical engineering guide to sizing and selecting servo motors for industrial automation, covering torque calculations, inertia matching, duty cycles, and common mistakes.
Learn how to properly size pneumatic cylinders for automation applications, including force calculations, bore selection, stroke length, and air consumption considerations.
A practical guide to IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for industrial automation equipment, covering dust and water protection levels, common ratings like IP54, IP65, and IP67, and how to select the right enclosure rating for your manufacturing environment.
Learn how industrial safety circuits protect workers and equipment in automated manufacturing, from e-stop wiring to safety PLCs, relays, and risk assessment strategies.