Relays

A relay is defined as an electrical device, typically incorporating an electromagnet, that is activated by a current or signal in one circuit, to open or close another circuit. Carl Gauss and Willhem  Weber developed an electromagnetic relay in 1833.  Although, Joseph Henry claimed he invented the relay in 1835. Relays are simply switches that open and close…
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A Failed Braking Resistor

Ah the BR Fault. Usually when one sees the BR error code it means that the drive is detecting a short in the Braking Resistor Circuit in your motor control. The solution to this fault in many variable frequency drive manuals we have seen reads “Replace the VFD.” Please do not. While yes this is…
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American Made: The Oscar Statuette

In late February/early March, celebrities and cinema professionals from around the globe meet in Hollywood, CA for the Academy Awards. The nominees all vie for a chance to have their name called and to walk on stage for their Oscar. While that small, gold statuette has been a staple in film making for nearly the…
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New Metal Imports Tariff: What Could It Mean for the U.S.?

President Trump recently announced intentions to move forward with a 25% tariff on imported steel and a 10% tariff on imported aluminum, making good on campaign promises to put American-made first. The plan has many sparked many opinions from both sides of the conversation. The tariff plans have been met with harsh criticism from analysts…
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IIoT in Manufacturing Part 3: How to Get Started

If you’ve read part one of our series on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in manufacturing, in which we discussed history and benefits, and part two, in which we discussed future trends and expectations, you may now be asking yourself how to get started in adopting IIoT technology for your own manufacturing facility. While…
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IIoT in Manufacturing Part 2: Expectations and Trends

In part one of our series on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in manufacturing, we explored IIoT history and how the same technological advancements transforming the ways people interact with their homes are also transforming how manufacturers handle production and manage their businesses. Next, we’ll explore some IIoT innovations manufacturers expect to see in…
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IIoT in Manufacturing Part 1: History and Benefits

The most common Internet of Things (IoT) devices may involve home-based gadgets like smartphone-connected doorbells, smart garage doors, and refrigerators that send alerts when you’re out of milk, but the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) demonstrates that these advances aren’t limited to the home. In fact, IIoT devices are changing manufacturing in many ways. IoT…
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A Breakdown of Manufacturing Systems

Not all manufacturing systems are the same, and different companies may use different types of manufacturing systems depending on what they manufacture, how they want to manufacture it, how big they are and a number of other factors. Here is a quick and comprehensive breakdown of the different types of manufacturing systems commonly in use…
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How Electric Motors and Generators are the Same Device

An interesting topic came up in conversation while speaking to a customer recently about motor repair. We were discussing failures types and how we handle each, going over what is included in the repair and generally just having a nice chat about repairs in general. Towards the end of the conversation he asked – almost…
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Automation in Manufacturing: Pros & Cons

Companies everywhere are looking for ways to cut costs and improve efficiencies on the production floor. One of the most common ways manufacturing companies are handling these issues is through the implementation of automated tasks, primarily with robotics. The surface benefits of automation in manufacturing are simple to understand, but it’s important to weigh the…
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