Featured Articles

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What Are the Effects of Harmonics and EMI on the Increasing Amount of Industrial Ethernet Found in Manufacturing Facilities?

First, let’s clarify that ‘Industrial Ethernet’ is a blanket term covering Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT, and any other industrial fieldbus utilizing Ethernet as a physical layer. Industrial Ethernet is inherently resistant to EMI, as the standard twisted-pair cable used for transmission cancels out most differential-mode noise between the conductors. Transformer coupling on the Ethernet card itself cancels out most common-mode noise as well.

 

 

 

Major U.S. Banking Institution Streamlines Data Integration at Their National Operations Center Using Tridium Vykon

Major U.S. Banking Institution Streamlines Data Integration at Their National Operations Center Using Tridium Vykon

Mid-Atlantic Controls Corporation (MACC) installs, services, and repairs control systems for a range of applications and clients, including building automation for national operations centers (NOC). When a major national bank needed centralized monitoring capability for their building automation portfolio, they turned to the experts at MACC. Leveraging their in-depth knowledge of the Niagara Framework, MACC presented Tridium Vykon as the solution that would meet the client’s needs.

 

 

 

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Edge Computing

Putting processing power as close to the point at which data is generated/used is what Edge computing is all about. “Close” can mean on the factory floor, in the distribution center, or out at sea; wherever data is being generated and critical processes are happening. Proximity helps data-heavy applications connect and interact with machines and provide analytics. By bringing computing near the point of use, Edge deployments open bandwidth, minimize storage costs, and offer real-time insights.

 

 

 

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Southwire’s Project GIFT Provides Disaster Relief Following Winter Storm in Texas

In response to the devastating winter storm that hit Texas and other parts of the United States a few weeks ago, Southwire’s Project GIFT provided a tractor trailer filled with pallets of water to Houston Food Bank, an affiliate of Feeding America. According to the Texas Tribune, the state faced record-low temperatures, snow and ice that made roads impassable.

 

 

 

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Schneider Electric Announces 2021 List of Master-level EcoXpert Partners in Critical Power & Substation Automation Solutions

Schneider Electric recently announced a group of EcoXpert partners to achieve Master Level status in Critical Power & Substation Automation for 2021. These companies represent the most innovative Schneider Electric partners who leverage the latest in IoT-enabled technology to deliver digitized solutions for management and control of electrical power systems. 

 

 

 

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Weschler Instruments: Using DC Current Shunts

A DC current shunt is a specialized resistor used to measure high currents. The shunt is wired in series with a heavy load, such as a DC motor, battery charger, heater, plating bath or smelter pot line. A DC voltmeter is connected to the shunt in a 4-wire (Kelvin) configuration. The shunt has bolt holes or studs for the heavy wires and small terminals for the meter connections.

 

 

 

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Omron’s Perspective On the Factory of the Future

There are plenty of burning questions in the manufacturing industry. “How do we increase flexibility?” “How can we ensure consistent quality and accuracy throughout?” “What’s the best way to minimize the impact of recalls?” And the the big one: “What will the factory of the future look like?” In this globalized era, we need to take on a global perspective when discussing any aspect of manufacturing.

 

 

 

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Stay Cool: 8 Key Elements of Climate Control Systems

If you want to truly understand a language, you must first understand the vocabulary of that language and how it is used to convey information and ideas. As with any aspect of industrial enclosures, there exists a unique and important vocabulary in climate control and the products and services required to ensure industrial enclosures are adequately protected.

 

 

 

How Online Functional Test Speeds Up Safety System Validation and Verification

How Online Functional Test Speeds Up Safety System Validation and Verification

According to ISO 13849-2, the main goal of verification and valiation is to confirm that the design of a control system’s safety-related parts (SRP/CS) meets the specific safety requirements for a machine. The first step is to design a validation plan that will combine analysis and functional testing under any foreseeable conditions with respect to the final system.

 

 

 

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Discussing Building Controls with John Zappa

In this special Monthly Market Company Feature we are discussing building controls with John Zappa, Owner and President of Building Controls Group a distributor for HVAC control supplies (embed website on first company mention) in St. Paul Minnesota. Buildings Controls Group has a UL508a fabricating facility that also specializes in the fabrication of UL508A industrial control panels for the HVAC and building automation industry.

 

 

 

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How the LVS-7510 Helped a Medical Device Manufacturer Boost Labeling Speed and Accuracy

In order to comply with FDA UDI standards, all medical device manufacturers must properly format their labels and include a unique device identifier (UDI) to help end users easily identify package contents. Changing requirements can be a challenge for manufacturers in this industry, while incorrect information can lead to fines, recalls and a reduction in consumer confidence.

 

 

 

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Four Common Challenges to DCS Cybersecurity

Just as most people haven’t crossed paths with sophisticated criminals in their everyday lives, most industrial automation users have not had to face major cyber threats from bad actors. Many manufacturers and producers don’t know how vulnerable their systems are – and unfortunately, the ramifications of an attack go deeper than lost product. Threats and bad actors are out there – just ask the 18,000 companies affected by the recent SolarWinds hack, or the industrial and energy-producing facilities targeted by the Stuxnet malware attack on PLCs in 2009.

 

 

 

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Spotlight: University of Richmond Gets a Facilities System Upgrade

 In 2014, the University of Richmond (U of R) realized they needed to enhance their building management to keep up with campus expansions and student needs. They chose to work with MACC, a local building controls contractor with extensive experience. Part of MACC’s objective was to optimize occupant comfort while at the same time minimizing energy use.

 

 

 

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Schneider Electric Announces Launch of Wholesale Building Management Distributor Program

Schneider Electric had recently announced the launch of its Wholesale Building Management Distributor Program. This new formalized partner program highlights Schneider Electric’s commitment to providing the resources, incentives and support distributors need to sell more product, grow their business and increase revenue.

 

 

 

How Print Quality Inspection Helps You Comply With Labeling Requirements

How Print Quality Inspection Helps You Comply With Labeling Requirements

Manufacturers can face hefty fines and serious reputational damage when erroneous labels escape into the supply chain. To combat this, it’s essential to install a system that will catch misprints, reveal printer maintenance problems, and prevent debris and foreign matter from obstructing the label. This all starts with print quality inspection.

 

 

 

Fibox: Battle of the Boxes – Fiberglass vs Polycarbonate Enclosures

Fibox: Battle of the Boxes – Fiberglass vs Polycarbonate Enclosures

If you are reading this, you are probably wondering “Should I use a polycarbonate enclosure or a fiberglass enclosure?”  This is a very valid question to have. Often we find companies continue to use fiberglass because they are unaware of the advantages of working with polycarbonate; and, the inherent value in using this versatile thermal set plastic. When it comes to the NEMA ratings, a 4X enclosure is a 4X enclosure when it leaves the factory, regardless of the material.