PLC Data to MQTT
Passive methods to stream PLC tags to MQTT brokers and cloud platforms without touching ladder logic or stopping the line.
Industrial Automation · Reference Library
News & Insights
Selection guides, head-to-head comparisons, and field-tested configuration notes for control engineers, integrators, and maintenance teams.
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1
Ultrasonic NDT Scan Modes
Understand how A-scan, B-scan, and C-scan ultrasonic imaging modes work, what each reveals about a flaw, and which mode to use for weld inspection, corrosion mapping, and composite delamination detection.
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2
Fanless vs Fan-Cooled Distributed Drives
When a fanless distributed drive running natural convection can handle continuous conveyor duty — and when the thermal math says you need a fan. Covers power limits, ambient temperature derating, altitude effects, and the lifetime cost of cooling method choice.
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3
Proportional vs On/Off Solenoids
Compare proportional and on/off solenoid valves across cost, control complexity, response time, and application fit — and determine where continuous flow modulation delivers a measurable return on investment.
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4
Unloading Valve Selection
Pilot-operated unloading valves handle higher flow but bring orifice-clogging and stability risks. Direct-acting valves respond faster and tolerate dirt but max out at 150 L/min. Here is the decision framework.
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5
Ink Concentration vs Viscosity Control
Viscosity or concentration — which measurement strategy should control solvent replenishment in flexographic and gravure printing? A comparison of measurement physics, response speed, and application matching for ink condition automation.
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6
Battery-Activated Lifting Magnets
How battery-activated electro-permanent lifting magnets work — combining Alnico and NdFeB in a magnetic circuit that holds steel loads with zero continuous power, eliminates the dropped-load failure mode, and operates cordlessly.
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7
Wind Speed Alarm Thresholds for Crane Safety
How to set pre-alarm and full-alarm wind speed thresholds for tower and mobile cranes, anemometer placement rules, and integration with multi-channel safety annunciators like the MTL RTK P825 SmartAlarm.
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8
Integrated vs Separate Welding Supply
When a welding power source shares a backplane with the robot controller or sits across the cell connected by fieldbus — the distance between control and arc shapes waveform response, spatter rate, and travel speed.
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9
Distributed vs Centralized VFDs for Conveyors
A practical decision framework for choosing between wall-mounted distributed drives and cabinet-based VFDs in horizontal conveyor applications, comparing installation cost, cable requirements, environmental protection, and maintenance access.
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10
Poppet vs. Spool Valve Guide
Poppet valves seal tight and survive 100 million dry-air cycles. Spool valves pack 5/2 function into a thumb-sized body but leak by design. Which one fits your pneumatic application?