Networked I/O vs. Remote I/O
Submitted by Ray Marquiss || Valin Corporation
As technology continues to evolve, some terms meant to represent one thing have come to mean something a bit different. A technology that once had restrictions can evolve to the point where, not only is that restriction gone, but the name of the technology doesnt even necessarily apply anymore.
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VFDs: Running to Failure
Submitted by Kair Turubayev || Valin Corporation
With an understanding of the economic implications of VFDs running until failure, it is also important to be aware of the safety implications of such a feature.
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Cybersecurity: Understanding IT Needs from the OT Perspective
Submitted by Corey Foster || Valin Corporation
Current data on cyber ransom is alarming. Most companies do not report their attacks because they do not want it to be advertised. This article discusses ways that IT and OT personnel can work together to make your company more secure.
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Improving Yield through Upgraded Pneumatic Manifolds
Submitted by Sri Gavini || Valin Corporation
It is on the top of every decision makers mind in the semiconductor industry: yield. Operators are continually doing what they can to improve their throughput and maximize yield in terms of wafer production, all with keeping an eye on increasing profitability.?
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Actuator Options for Process Automation
Submitted by Corey Foster and Peter Jessee || Valin Corporation
The process industries have control valves with actuators designed to open, close, and control them. Many people prefer pneumatic actuators given their long history, reliability, and high performance.
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Control Platform Makes Motion and Safety Easier to Build
Submitted by Raymond Antalek, Inventek Engineering
For the past 30 years, Inventek has utilized the expertise from the engineers at Valin to better understand and master the technology it needs to best serve its customer base.
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How to Monitor Assets Remotely Today
Submitted by Corey Foster || Valin Corporation
As long as products have had ethernet ports, people have been asking for remote access to them. They believed they could just plug the devices into the internet, and it would all work.?As more software tools became available and internet speeds increased, capable users found ways to give themselves access, however, there was a catch.
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Maintaining an Enclosure’s Integrity
Submitted by Fred Gridley || Valin
Maintaining a consistent internal environment for your enclosures is critical for equipment to function properly. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has defined standards for specific enclosures designed for the application and environment when correctly installed. Learn more.
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Sensor Strategies to Optimize Automated Processes
Strategic implementation of sensors helps maximize a process from the start and equips operators with enough information to constantly be aware of everything happening in a line. So, what type of sensor(s) will work best for your environment?
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Remote Access for Original Equipment Manufacturer's
Submitted by Submitted by Tom Trinh & Corey Foster || Valin Corporation
Looking for ways to support your systems more easily, more safely, and more quickly for your customers?? Perhaps you are wondering what remote access technology is for industrial control systems.
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Communication Simplifies Test System Design
Submitted by Ray Marquiss || Valin Corporation
Automation of product testing with IAI hardware and EtherNet/IP communication successfully eliminates monotonous manual labor and human error.
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Pulse Control Basics for Motion Control
Submitted by Ray Marquiss || Valin Corporation
For automating machines that require only two to three axes of electric actuators, pulse outputs may be the simplest way to go.
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The Challenge of Automating a Manual Process
Submitted by Corey Foster || Valin Corporation
When manufacturing engineers are tasked with automating a process that is currently done manually, their main question for an automation supplier is "Have you ever automated this specific process before?" In complex applications, the answer is typically "no." Learn more.
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Which Motors Are the Best: Servos or Steppers?
Submitted by John Brokaw || Valin Corporation
Closed-loop stepper motors may be the best choice for tasks typically done by servos because traditional steppers couldn't handle them.
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Look To Data To Boost Reliability
Submitted by Corey Foster || Valin Corporation
Predicting your plant's future depends on collecting and analyzing the correct type and amount of equipment and process data. Predictive maintenance (PdM), much like "IIoT," "Industry 4.0," and "Plug n Play," may be exciting concepts, but many plants still aren't leveraging them fully. Learn more.
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Profitable Linear-Motion Design
Submitted by John Brokaw and Kent Martins || Valin Corp.
Engineers building linear-motion systems can use ground-up DIY approaches or purchase complete turnkey solutions. Here we explain where each tactic is most profitable.
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Robotics or Motion Control? 10 Questions to Help Decide
Submitted by Corey Foster || Valin Corporation
Robotics and motion control are closely related in many ways, but robots lean towards a "pre-engineered" solution while motion control leans towards a modular solution. Before deciding to install a robot or motion control component, these are ten questions to ask yourself.
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Five Types of Industrial Robots And How To Choose The Best Fit
Submitted by Ray Marquiss || Valin Corporation
Robotics can be narrowed down to five types: Cartesian, Cylindrical, SCARA, 6-Axis, and Delta. Each has specific elements (speed, size, workspace) making them ideal for certain applications. Knowledge of each type can help machine designers choose the best robot for their process. Learn more.
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The Future of Servo Technology in Harsh Environments
Submitted by Dan Colletto || Valin Corporation
The latest developments in servo technology allow for the benefits of high-performance motion control to be used in harsh environments.
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Don't Just Shelve It: Care for Spares
Submitted by John Brokaw || Valin Corporation
We think of routine care and maintenance of a system to stave off failures as standard practice, but what about preventive maintenance of the replacement parts used when the system does fail?
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Weighing Pneumatic Actuators Against Electric
Submitted by Bill Nevills || Valin Corporation
Electromechanical drives continue to capture more factory automation projects, but pneumatics technology still offers distinct advantages in many fields.
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The Drivers of Flexible Automation
Submitted by Jeremy Miller || Parker Hannifin
Employing flexible automation technology now is vital for companies to sustain growth, keep a diverse range of products flowing through their lines, and minimize downtime with product changeovers. Advances in industrial technology and the evolution of automation have been unprecedented. Learn more.
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Precision Automation Meets Advanced Product Demand
Submitted by Corey Foster || Valin Corporation
As electronics and technologies become smaller and more intricate, engineers are running into new challenges in automating manufacturing processes. The challenges of manufacturing new products extend beyond the capabilities of precise motion control mechanics to include environmental control.
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The ABCs of VFDs
Submitted by Kevin Goodsell || Valin Corporation
Inside of plants today, AC motors are becoming the industry standard. Many plants are shifting to AC motors from hydraulic motors or DC motors when powering heavy loads, which were more popular in the past. This shift can be attributed to a variety of reasons and most have to do with cost.
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