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2-Wire vs. 3-Wire VFD Configurations: A Comprehensive Guide for Safer and More Efficient Motor Control

February 18, 2025 By Damien Herweg, Product Marketing Manager SmartD Technologies Understanding VFD 2-Wire and 3-Wire Preset Configurations Recent discussions Damien Herweg had with colleagues motivated him to write this article—to explain, simplify, and share the concept of 2-wire and 3-wire preset configurations in Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Whether you’re an experienced engineer or you’re…

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Automated Test Equipment Revival

February 12, 2025 Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and Automated Test Systems (ATS) serve the critical purpose of ensuring that electronic devices operate according to specifications in the field. As such, these systems are widely utilized for testing automotive electronics, batteries, telecom infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and…

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Should You Buy a New Robot or Invest in Refurbishing a Used One?

February 11, 2025 Robot replacement and remanufacturing for extended lifespan Should you buy a new robot or invest in refurbishing a used one? Giving a robot a second life often saves time and, in many cases, money, but it also results in lower CO2 emissions. At Frosta’s plant in Bydgoszcz, there were two robotic lines where…

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How to Choose the Right Power Distribution Unit for Your Data Centre IT Enclosure

February 11, 2025 In today’s data centres, Power Distribution Units (PDUs) have evolved far beyond their origins as basic power strips. As IT infrastructure becomes more complex and power demands within racks vary, choosing the right PDU is critical to optimizing data centre performance, ensuring uptime, and managing power consumption efficiently. From basic power distribution to advanced…

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Industry Insights: January 2025 – Canada’s Strategic Response to Evolving Trade Policies in 2025

January 23, 3035 Canada’s Strategic Response to Evolving Trade Policies in 2025 As we step into 2025, Canada’s industrial sectors face significant challenges and opportunities shaped by a dynamic global trade environment. From addressing the implications of international tariffs to securing critical mineral supplies, Canada is adopting strategic measures to navigate these shifts while ensuring…

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3 Things Manufacturers Should Know About Industry 5.0

January 23, 2025 While many manufacturers are still embracing the principles of Industry 4.0, the next evolution, Industry 5.0, is already beginning to take shape. Unlike Industry 4.0, which was a giant leap forward in automation and digitalization, Industry 5.0 represents a reconsideration of how smart technology platforms can work alongside humans. This includes technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Industrial…

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Rockwell’s Three Smart Factory Trends that Pay Big Dividends

January 22, 2025 Networked motor control center technology accelerates ROI, productivity, savings & safety. Rockwell Automation has seen manufacturers around the globe investing billions of dollars in smart manufacturing and production plants. Industry experts project the demand for smart factories will double by 2032 to $322 billion because of the increased return on investment. At the…

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The Future of Barcodes: Understanding the 2027 Digital Transformation

January 17, 2025 In the world of industrial automation and manufacturing, a significant change is on the horizon. The familiar UPC barcode – a staple of product identification for nearly five decades – is evolving into a more sophisticated system. This transformation, known as “Sunrise 2027,” will revolutionize how businesses handle product identification, tracking, and…

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High-Performance Drives for the Food Industry

January 15, 2025 Food production is subject to the strictest of requirements. Operations in this highly sensitive hygienic environment must run smoothly to manufacture the large volume and diverse range of products efficiently and sustainably. What does this mean for companies that are active on a market characterized by fierce competition and high consumer expectations?…

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Will 2025 Mark the “Tipping Point” for Mine Electrification in North America?

January 14, 2025 By Sachin Jari, General Manager Mining North America, Process Industries, ABB Inc. New findings suggest strong near-term investment interest in mine electrification among North American companies Several months ago, I attended my fourth MINExpo International and couldn’t help but smile (somewhat righteously) at the overwhelming presence of attendees evaluating the latest ideas…

NETCO's Virtual Reality Motor Control Training Launches After Successful Completion of Train-the-Trainer
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NETCO’s Virtual Reality Motor Control Training Launches After Successful Completion of Train-the-Trainer

January 10, 2025 By Krystie Johnston The National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO), a collaboration between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canada and the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA), has taken a major step in standardizing electrical training across Canada with the launch of its VR Motor Control Training. This innovative program is the…

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Overcoming Automation Challenges with Sysmac: Lessons from Real-World Applications

January 8, 2025 Modern manufacturing is riddled with challenges that demand innovative, reliable, and flexible solutions. From bridging knowledge gaps to reducing downtime, these hurdles can hold back productivity and profitability. The Sysmac automation platform from Omron addresses these pain points head-on, offering a comprehensive suite of components and features designed to streamline processes and…

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Why Smaller May Be Better: Unlocking the Benefits of Compact Enclosures

January 7, 2025 As industries embrace evolving technologies and the need for efficient space utilization, compact enclosures are taking centre stage. These smaller, space-saving units prove that when it comes to industrial automation, bigger isn’t always better. Combining adaptability, efficiency, and robust protection, compact enclosures are redefining modern production setups. In this article, Rittal explores…

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More Electric Drives, Less Pneumatics: What Does this Mean for the Power Supply?

January 7, 2025 The shift from pneumatic to electric drives is a well-known development in the industry. However, in recent years, this topic has gained significant momentum. This is due to the continuously increasing cost pressure and the ever-stricter requirements for CO2 reductions. In both areas, the advantages of electric solutions prevail. This blog article…

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Reducing Automotive Downtime with Remote IO and IO-Link Innovations

January 2, 2025 In the fast-paced automotive industry, every second of manufacturing uptime counts. With potential losses of over $30,000 per minute, minimizing downtime is not just important – it is crucial. Enter the game-changes: remote I/O and IO-Link technologies. These innovations have transformed the landscape, enabling automotive plants to significantly reduce downtime and shift…