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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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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Magnetic Filtration – Are You Using it?
Submitted by Frank Schollmeier || Valin Corporation
In many machines, as much as 90% of all particles suspended in the oil can be iron or steel and can be particularly troublesome to operators. This article looks at the advantages and benefits of magnetic filtration and how it can often outperform traditional methods.
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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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Board Level Controllers – Best of Both Worlds
Submitted by Nathan Ehresman || Valin Corporation
An operator in a fluid handling process is only as effective as his ability to work with a given controller. If there are factors that keep this individual from doing what is necessary for a smooth operation, adjustments need to be made.
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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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Improving the Cleanliness of a Cleanroom
Submitted by Brian Sullivan, Frank Schollmeier, Tim Tritch || Valin Corporation
Depending on the industry and specific environment, different rooms will have different cleanroom classification requirements. There is information out there regarding how classifications are tested and determined, but not as much about how to improve a specific room's classification ranking.
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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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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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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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Liquid to Liquid Separation Process and Technology
Submitted by Tim Tritch
Liquid-to-liquid separation, at the very basic level, is a process where water is removed from a hydrocarbon. Over the last decade, there have been three prominent machines or mechanisms that can perform a liquid-to-liquid separation. Learn more.
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How to Pick and Install the Correct Pneumatic Actuator
Submitted by Bill Nevills
Contemplating an actuator for your pneumatic linear-motion system? Here are some tips on how to select the best one for the job.
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Coal-Fired Power Plants Best Practices: Filtration and Lube
Submitted by Casey Sullivan
According to the United States Energy Information Administration, coal power accounted for 39 percent of the country's electricity production last year.
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United Electric Controls | HART Transmitters with Switching
United Electric Controls has introduced a unique new family of HART capable transmitters that provides programmable switching functionality for industrial process monitoring applications. The One Series 1XTXSW transmitter line is the first to integrate HART 7 compatible 4-20 mA output. Lean more.
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IP69K Products Survive Repeated High Pressure Washdown
Omron has been providing automation solutions for more than 80 years. Their washdown-rated products and extreme washdown products in the IP69k protection class help you deliver safer solutions to your customers.
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Workplace Safety Still Needs a Human Component
Workplace safety is—or should be—a primary focus of every organization, regardless of whether we're talking about a classroom, an office, a manufacturing facility, or an oil rig. Employees deserve a workspace that is as safe and secure as it can possibly be.
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Patlite A6 Multi-Informational Signal Towers
Submitted by Patlite
Patlite innovation continues with improved functionality to drive productivity, improve efficiencies, and reduce waste. One of their basic themes is to help you make continuous improvements in your process. With that in mind, Patlite introduced the LA6 multi-informational signal tower.
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Cavitation… What you need to know
Submitted by Russ Rochambeau, Valin Corporation
Cavitation is the 2nd leading cause of a pump system failure. It's for this reason that a full understanding of what cavitation is, how it is caused, and how it can be prevented is critical in the fluid power industry.
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