Top 5 Control Engineering articles January 1-7

The top 5 most read articles online, from Jan. 1-7 for Control Engineering, covered PID controllers, robotic machining in aerospace applications, CNCs and PLCs in the factory of the future, modular control systems, and process control building blocks. Links to each article below.

1. Not all PID controllers are the same

Variations in the proportional, integral, derivative (PID) algorithm from one controller to the next can be confusing. Here are considerations when applying PID to your next implementation.

2. Robotic machining used for aerospace applications

Robotic waterjet systems use a mix of water and garnet that exits the waterjet to make precise cuts for an industry that demands perfection.

3. Role of CNCs and PLCs in the factory of the future

As automation in manufacturing increases, industrial controllers and control systems are becoming more complex and efficient, which will change the role of computer numerical controls (CNCs) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in the factory of the future.

4. The benefits of a modular control system design approach 

Cover Story: Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers (MCPP) used a modular controller design to reduce startup challenges and optimize plant operations for a new automotive production facility.

5. Customers need process control building blocks and standardization

Despite the demand for standardized communication protocols among manufacturers, both the manufacturers and end users face challenges when it comes to agreeing on a path.

The list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on controleng.com, January 1-7, for articles published within the last two months.

Chris Vavra, production editor, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com.

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