Control Engineering archiveScroll Through Current And Previous Articles
May 2013
PC-based controls help packaging machines
Application Update: Bag-in-box food packaging machines from Pattyn Packing Lines embrace modular concepts, adaptability, ease of maintenance, reliability, high ease of operation, and universal... » more
Working in the cyber security red zone
Do you have enough first responders within your company when it comes to dealing with cyber security incidents and network violations? How can you make sure you aren’t developing critical staffing... » more
3D vision system performs rope wear analysis
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging can be used to verify rope and cable quality to measure pitch length and diameter, and identify rope surface damage and type of wear, with accuracy surpassing current... » more
April 2013
Thermal techniques in measurement and control circuitry
Circuit design: Applying thermal techniques to measurement and control circuits allows novel solutions to difficult problems, most obviously temperature control. » more
Cross-platform communication enables continuous process improvement
Failure to communicate across platforms often blocks effective continuous process improvement. » more
Is your controller tough enough?
Controllers are the nervous system of the production process. Reliability is important. Controller malfunctions can throw a wrench into your production processes or even paralyze your factory. You... » more
Controller works in extreme environments
Allen-Bradley ControlLogix-XT (Extreme Environment) controller from Rockwell Automation operates in abusive environments. » more
Open-source robotic software advances at kickoff meeting
ROS-Industrial Consortium (RIC) kickoff meeting included 25 people representing 14 organizations interested in fostering advanced manufacturing technologies enabled by ROS-Industrial open-source... » more
March 2013
CNC advances: Monitor CNC wirelessly via tablets; CNC industrial PC HMI touch panel; motion control
Tablet devices monitor Fanuc Series 30i/31i/32i-Model B CNCs; Fanuc 19-in. industrial PC with touch panel provides fast, reliable, secure interface and control for machining; and Fanuc Power Motion... » more
Industrial wireless: Bluetooth can be robust, easy to use
Technology Update: Bluetooth offers optimal features to satisfy industrial requirements of robustness, reliability, and seamless, coexistent operation with Wireless LAN networks. In addition to low... » more
Hot technology jobs: computers, telecommunications, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, robotics
Next generation of innovative technology jobs will involve computers, telecommunications, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics, according to Dr. Michio Kaku, American theoretical... » more
CNC services and support
The ‘right’ technical services and support capabilities for CNCs will maximize uptime, boost profits, and reduce maintenance costs. » more
February 2013
Universal Robots collaborate outside enclosures
Since Universal Robots launched in North America in September 2012, the user-friendly, lightweight robot arms from Denmark have been met with overwhelming interest from distributors and customers,... » more
Robots vs. jobs: Jobs win
Think Again: Smart applications of automation and robotics save and create jobs. Proposed Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation could advance manufacturing more quickly. » more
PLC vs. PAC
These technologies continue to evolve, making differences harder to distinguish. Here are some thoughts on what does what, and how to choose between a PLC and a PAC for your next application. » more
Virtualization on the plant floor
While IT networks already use virtualization extensively, its benefits are moving into industrial networks. Five diverse viewpoints on its advantages and implementation are offered. » more
January 2013
Dynamic simulation predicts steam consumption in unpredictable paper mill application
Langerbrugge mill used simulation analysis to make sure the boiler and steam system could remain stable even during the biggest disruption: a turbine trip. » more
Five ways to enable the next generation workforce
Automation future: Technology advances challenge and enable industries worldwide, and five key factors influence the success of future and current engineers in this dynamically changing labor market. » more
Integrator Update: Remote access programming
Internet promises of better remote access, monitoring, and tweaking of automation systems have been slowed by malware and other security issues; options are available for secure remote access... » more
Hydroelectric utility has to control with the flow
Located in an environmentally sensitive area, Box Canyon Dam has to deliver power while remaining invisible to the surrounding community. This means trying to control output around changes in water... » more
Talking to transmitters
I/O systems have to offer multiple communication options to accommodate different types of field sensors and transmitters. » more
Scroll Through Current And Previous Articles
That Have Appeared In Control Engineering Magazine.
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PC-based control products used on the Pattyn machines
Application uses Beckhoff CX1010 Embedded PC with directly connected EtherCAT Terminals; Beckhoff EL7041 and EL7031 stepper motor terminals control the stepper motors. » more
Application uses Beckhoff CX1010 Embedded PC with directly connected EtherCAT Terminals; Beckhoff EL7041 and EL7031 stepper motor terminals control the stepper motors. » more
PC-based controls help packaging machinesApplication Update: Bag-in-box food packaging machines from Pattyn Packing Lines embrace modular concepts, adaptability, ease of maintenance, reliability, high ease of operation, and universal... » more
Simulators use math to create virtual processes
Complex sets of equations can help designers of processes, objects, or control systems experiment and test solutions without prototypes. » more
Complex sets of equations can help designers of processes, objects, or control systems experiment and test solutions without prototypes. » more
Working in the cyber security red zoneDo you have enough first responders within your company when it comes to dealing with cyber security incidents and network violations? How can you make sure you aren’t developing critical staffing... » more
3D vision system performs rope wear analysisThree-dimensional (3D) imaging can be used to verify rope and cable quality to measure pitch length and diameter, and identify rope surface damage and type of wear, with accuracy surpassing current... » more
11 of 35
Thermal techniques in measurement and control circuitryCircuit design: Applying thermal techniques to measurement and control circuits allows novel solutions to difficult problems, most obviously temperature control. » more
Cross-platform communication enables continuous process improvementFailure to communicate across platforms often blocks effective continuous process improvement. » more
Is your controller tough enough? Controllers are the nervous system of the production process. Reliability is important. Controller malfunctions can throw a wrench into your production processes or even paralyze your factory. You... » more
Controller works in extreme environmentsAllen-Bradley ControlLogix-XT (Extreme Environment) controller from Rockwell Automation operates in abusive environments. » more
Open-source robotic software advances at kickoff meetingROS-Industrial Consortium (RIC) kickoff meeting included 25 people representing 14 organizations interested in fostering advanced manufacturing technologies enabled by ROS-Industrial open-source... » more
11 of 42
CNC advances: Monitor CNC wirelessly via tablets; CNC industrial PC HMI touch panel; motion controlTablet devices monitor Fanuc Series 30i/31i/32i-Model B CNCs; Fanuc 19-in. industrial PC with touch panel provides fast, reliable, secure interface and control for machining; and Fanuc Power Motion... » more
Industrial wireless: Bluetooth can be robust, easy to useTechnology Update: Bluetooth offers optimal features to satisfy industrial requirements of robustness, reliability, and seamless, coexistent operation with Wireless LAN networks. In addition to low... » more
Is HF or UHF industrial RFID better?
Identify the right RFID technology: Knowing the difference between HF and UHF is important for industrial applications. » more
Identify the right RFID technology: Knowing the difference between HF and UHF is important for industrial applications. » more
Hot technology jobs: computers, telecommunications, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, roboticsNext generation of innovative technology jobs will involve computers, telecommunications, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics, according to Dr. Michio Kaku, American theoretical... » more
CNC services and supportThe ‘right’ technical services and support capabilities for CNCs will maximize uptime, boost profits, and reduce maintenance costs. » more
11 of 29
Universal Robots collaborate outside enclosuresSince Universal Robots launched in North America in September 2012, the user-friendly, lightweight robot arms from Denmark have been met with overwhelming interest from distributors and customers,... » more
Robots vs. jobs: Jobs winThink Again: Smart applications of automation and robotics save and create jobs. Proposed Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation could advance manufacturing more quickly. » more
PLC vs. PACThese technologies continue to evolve, making differences harder to distinguish. Here are some thoughts on what does what, and how to choose between a PLC and a PAC for your next application. » more
Virtualization on the plant floorWhile IT networks already use virtualization extensively, its benefits are moving into industrial networks. Five diverse viewpoints on its advantages and implementation are offered. » more
Software moles in your systems
Old programs, utilities, and plug-ins languishing on your computer or control systems could threaten your security. » more
Old programs, utilities, and plug-ins languishing on your computer or control systems could threaten your security. » more
11 of 23
Dynamic simulation predicts steam consumption in unpredictable paper mill applicationLangerbrugge mill used simulation analysis to make sure the boiler and steam system could remain stable even during the biggest disruption: a turbine trip. » more
Five ways to enable the next generation workforceAutomation future: Technology advances challenge and enable industries worldwide, and five key factors influence the success of future and current engineers in this dynamically changing labor market. » more
Integrator Update: Remote access programming Internet promises of better remote access, monitoring, and tweaking of automation systems have been slowed by malware and other security issues; options are available for secure remote access... » more
Hydroelectric utility has to control with the flowLocated in an environmentally sensitive area, Box Canyon Dam has to deliver power while remaining invisible to the surrounding community. This means trying to control output around changes in water... » more
Talking to transmittersI/O systems have to offer multiple communication options to accommodate different types of field sensors and transmitters. » more
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Click below to read content from previous years
- 2012 Control Engineering magazine archive
- 2011 Control Engineering magazine archive
- 2010 Control Engineering magazine archive

