For those in the US, regardless of anyone's opinion on the president elect, his stated policy plans are extremely isolationist which will make our work improving manufacturing capabilities in our borders more important than ever. This post details a mental model for controls engineers entering the field of industrial automation and gives some appreciation to the value of what we do!

Automation/controls engineers have to stich together super specific solutions using various pseudo-compatible hardware, networking software, IIOT devices, & proprietary solutions. Its hard!

There's a dizzying array of industrial automation tools/terms/brands out there with overlapping capabilities that blend together into a gray mush of confusing vernacular: IPC, PLC, DAQ, SCADA, PAC, DCS… HMI, GUI, Touchscreen, Web Interface… EtherCat, EtherNet, ProfiNet, ProfiBus, modBus… OPC-UA, MQTT, HTTP/REST… LD, ST, SFC, IL, FBD?

My thought process when exposed to a new tool is categorizing it by its capabilities in a mental map to help make sense of things. Basic but important for clear thinking!

https://engineerdog.com/2024/11/11/a-map-of-the-automation-hardware-territory/

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SOLVED:

By going to Tools -> Options -> ClearMark Advanced II in the ClearTools software and checking the box to allow adjustable heating and applied. We could then click on the label types in the project tree on the left like MX5X15 or whatever and there was a heating adjustment button available at the bottom of the properties window. You get a choice of Default, +, ++, -, and --. By selecting -, the prints came out without bubbling or burning.

Note that a newer version of the manual found online pointed us to Curing Performance and that was nowhere to be found. Not sure if maybe our version of Clear Tools is newer or older or what.

Original Post:

We use terminal block markers from the 1492 family such as 1492-M5X15 and our old ClearMark printer did a good job of it until it stopped working from the miles we put on it. We got a ClearMark Advanced II to replace it and every damn marker card is burned/bubbled when it comes out. They're still legible and most are good enough to use, but we're reprinting stuff all the time just so it doesn't look like trash.

I can't find anything in the settings to adjust heat or print time or whatever. I'm wondering if maybe the venting flow isn't strong enough? Has anyone been through this with this printer? Our distributor is struggling as well.

Need some static!

I'm trying to recreate an old demo unit for static ionizers. My company works for Panasonic's industrial automation division and ionizers are in our product set.

My sales group had an ionizer demo unit at one time, but it appears that somewhere along the way the unit was damaged/lost/destroyed/left behind in the Biosphere. No idea.

I'm now hoping to try to recreate it (or at least something functionally similar). Here's what the old demo unit looked like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzwQZpyGLhg&t=47s

Core to its function was the ability to press a button to impart a bunch of static into the center column, enough to cause the little tissue paper "tree limbs" to levitate. Then you'd press the other button to activate the ionizer which would rain down charged particles to dissipate the static and the tree limbs would respond by falling down as the charge dispelled. It was a pretty cool-looking demo.

If I were to try to recreate this demo, I can't think of a good way to do a consistent and controlled application of static. Everything I've ever done in the world of engineering involving static electricity was to take it away. I simply don't know where to start if I need to create static.

So the summary is, I have no issues at all mounting and wiring up my ionizer to get rid of static. I just don't know how to create static in the first place.

Any suggestions on what components I will need to make my own static electricity with the push of a button? Any recommendations are appreciated.

I need to create an automated conveyor tracking system, there’s a photo sensor on both sides and I need one to latch a solenoid and the other to unlatch it. Basically the same as a seal-in circuit with parallel latch/unlatch outputs that can be programmed into a PLC, but I want to keep cost down and not use a PLC. I’ve been trying to hardwire it with relays but I can’t figure out how to get one side sensor to latch even when the output is no longer energized. Any suggestions on how to do this or any special type of physical relay/controller that can do this?

(Using control power of 24VDC and output of 24VDC for entire system.)

Hey everyone,

I'm working on a project using 2 sets of stepper motors, and I'm trying to set up the home position connection. The motors seem to have a pre-built limit sensor that operates on 5V DC, and while the motors themselves are working fine, I'm struggling with the connection for the home position.

The instructions mention that I need to use a 10K pull-up resistor and that the signal will be high at both the far and home positions. I'm confused about what exactly the far position means in this context.

If anyone has experience with this or can help explain the wiring, I’d really appreciate it! I'm using an Arduino Nano to control the stepper motors and a DM542 stepper drive. If someone could provide a connection diagram or explain the proper wiring setup, that would be super helpful.

Thanks in advance! :)

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Hello, noob question here, but I’m looking for relay on DIN that would be NO and would open up from 220V AC. The circuit that it would control be 24V DC. Can anyone give advices what would be a good quality one in EU for home usage. Was looking into this https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B07GXM2Q3S but I’m not sure if switch voltage being DC makes any difference?

I screwed up. I logged into a CISCO SG200 switch to get the current configuration and for some reason I selected "Download" instead of "Backup". Download of course asks for a file which should have clued me in but I completely spaced out and thought it just needed a file to write the data to so I created a blank text file and pointed it to that then did the download. Thank goodness nothing immediately changed but now I have a blinking "Save" icon in the top right which I'm terrified someone will click and wipe out the settings. Is there a way to back out of this?

It seems like I maybe need to implement logic to achieve what I am trying to do, but I figured I run it by this sub and get some other opinions.

I am using a Model 716 Accu-Coder and I just want to check for reverse motion, I dont care about speed. I know I could monitor the A B A' B' pulse patterns with logic and determine this, but is it possible without logic? System does not have a plc, and if I dont have to add one it would be easiest. If I do, I'll probably just throw something cheap (arduino) at it as this is a redundant safety anyways.

Let's see how you guys have your panel shop or panek building area organized. How do you store your extra backplate, enclosures, wire duct, din rail, etc. And what kind of table do you build enclosures on? What is your wire spool setup for building panels? How do you hang your schmatics while wiring the panel?

Hi. I am new to this kind of work. I have a system that depends on some low voltage (24v) signals. I will need to splice some signal wires together and would like to use terminal blocks to do this. Is that appropriate, or would it be better to solder them? If blocks are appropriate, can anyone recommend a manufacture and type of block?

I work in an automobile industry and we are planning to deploy AMRs in our factories for efficient material handling. Now I am responsible for learning about AMRs and their technologies and then making a deployment strategy. I am very new to this field and an absolute beginner, and so I am very confused on how to start and what to learn.
I was asked by my manager to learn about ROS but it's a bit complicated and I don't really that much time to study it in detail. I don't even know what parts of it would be required in this job as it is used for AMR development.
Where should I start? How should I approach it? What are the resources I can take help from?

Also if there's anyone who is working in a similar field or has done this deployment thing before, how did you do it? Where did you start? What approach did you take

I have a machine that has a clamp valve that pushes a cylinder into a part to hold it in place during the machine cycle. Problem is the cylinder slams into the part. We have flow controls on the cylinder lines. If we turn down the flow control it stop slamming but we have to turn it down to where the cylinder is moving really slow and we lose cycle time. The machine clamps different width parts so if we get a cushioned cylinder it would help on parts where the cylinder stroke is maxed out but on longer part where the cylinder doesn't it full stroke the cushion won't help. Do they make an analog flow control where we can ramp up flow then ramp it down before it is clamped? Or a digital flow control where the flow control is bypassed until we turn it on with a signal then this slows it down when it is almost clamped?

Does anyone have a good source for modular SS framing to be used for small machine builders? I have a 4ft x 3ft machine which will require washdowns for food and beverage. Kind of like 80/20 but in SS?

Or a source to send a design to for them to produce it. Like for a custom machine enclosure?

Hi all

We're looking to install some form of relay with notification system to safeguard a 250amp 3 phase circuit at work that powers 5 x 40ft freezer containers, we are not a 24/7 business and are concerned about losing stock over the weekend. We're based in QLD Australia.

Design is not my area of expertise, being a maintenance fitter. I've been looking on RS online.

Would I need a monitoring relay and some form of sms notification output device?

Any advice is appreciated and welcomed.

Much Gratitude

Long story short - power engineering back home in Ukraine, lots of experience programming and designing control systems in the same place, (almost) 309A in Canada, and a few years building solar systems

Question: Who do I need to sacrifice to get a job in the local industry? Will it help to change my name to something more English?

I applied for a shit ton of jobs, and for most of them the result was complete ignorance, for some of them "You need Canadian experience" which usually means sorry man, you are just not white enough to get this job

Starting a Facebook group to discuss the areas of panel building, machine designing, field layout, etc. (Electrical, Hydraulics, Pneumatics). Creating this group for individuals who want to better themselves, pass knowledge on to the next generation, or if your just curious and want to check out the group. I am in the position of wanting to be able to know the right way to do things or the most practical way. I also want to be the most efficient i can be in my profession. I know that there is tons of knowledge on this board that I would like to learn. As fast as the industry is moving I think this group would be a good way to share new information. I also think sharing pictures can be beneficial helping explain. I build about 30-50 machines a year. And have a ton of machines at my plant that need to be rebuild. I would like input to make these the best that I can. Also I have a ton of questions. I hope I can gather interest for this group where you all can help answer or ask questions of your own. This group isn't specific to this project just geared toward the area of machine controls. Reason for a seperate group is that it would be specifically for controls/designing. Using this post to see how much interest there would be in joining this group. What do you guys think?

Hi Everyone,

I'm reaching out for some guidance in starting a career in controls and automation engineering. I have a degree in mechatronics (BE) but, due to a few difficult years I wasn't able to start my career as planned. I've been doing odd jobs to make ends meet, but I now feel ready to get back on track and regain a sense of achievement in my life - they say it's never too late..

I’m looking for advice on where to start again, especially considering the financial challenges and responsibilities. Any guidance on courses or ways to break into the field would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

What are the best practices when it comes to terminating the shield for field devices such as an encoder for example? My current understanding is that the shield should only be terminated if you have interconnecting terminals and at the cabinet the device is sourced from to prevent ground loops. What is your current practice and are there any recognized standards that can help for specific applications? I am curious because even after researching this extensively I have a hard time finding straight answers. My main reason for posting is to find documentation I can reference, especially so I don’t have to tell other engineers “because I just know it works” lol. I need the data.

Hi.

I work with an Automation Company and we build custom made machinery. I am responsible for programming the machines we offer. I am looking for a way to communicate remotely to Delta PLCs and HMIs. I would like to be able to control and program them from my office. That way instead of having to be physically near the hardware. All I need is a Wi-Fi Connection.

I have been looking for some options and came across a company from China. We-con V-Box. It claims to be what I am looking for but before purchasing I wanted to ask if someone has used this in the past or maybe has an alternative.

Requirements are

Connect to PLC and HMI through RS232 or Ethernet.

No Subscription Fees

No Hidden Fees

Wi-Fi Connectivity

Regards,

Clayton

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