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[ Newest 10 - Electrical - Mechanical - Maintenance Management - Automation - Engineering - Safety - Opinion - Archived ]

 

newest 10 engineering, maintenance, management articles:

 

Computer Literacy Skills Required in Industrial Computing

Advice for students asking what computer literacy skills are required in manufacturing and industrial computing. It also explores the pros and cons of PC vs. Mac in the business, industrial, and manufacturing industries. The article discusses the difference between apps and computer software regarding OS and literacy.

 

Manufacturing Automation Sustainability

Manufacturing automation sustainability significantly improves with maintenance automation training. Two case studies that both focus on the final end-user, the maintenance department.

 

What do the letters FLA on a motor nameplate stand for?

Before getting to what the letters FLA on a motor nameplate stand for, the how-to-read motor nameplate infographic is below. At the end, we look at the difference between FLA and FLC.

 

Disadvantages of Online Classes

There are advantages and disadvantages of online learning. This article and infographic focus on the 2023 Top 5 Disadvantages of Online Classes for Employees by comparing the much more cost-effective alternate, software-based courseware.

 

Developing A Manufacturing Training Program For Maintenance

This whitepaper on developing a manufacturing training program for maintenance is for maintenance managers and executives who are considering implementing one.

 

Rotating Machinery Testing: Questions that need to be asked

These rotating machinery testing questions need to be asked if you want reliable and safe rotating equipment. To develop sound technical integrity strategies.

 

The Effect Of Process Changes On Electric Motors

Electric Motor Load Testing: The effect of process changes on electric motors explains the effect of changing process loads on AC induction electric motors.

 

PLC SCADA System Training Advice

Working with SCADA systems when not properly trained and qualified can almost be as dangerous as working with PLCs without proper PLC training. This article explains the best way to learn SCADA. The author references their own company’s approach to developing the best training approach while remaining very cost-effective.

 

The Important Use Of Simulation Software In Education

Simulation-based learning is no longer a novelty in undergraduate education. Generally, simulations can serve as a supplement or even a replacement for role-playing, lab experiments, or field trips. College technical instructors or vocational teachers can leverage simulation software to clarify or introduce a topic and even foster exploration and process learning.

 

CNC Programs Software Vs. PLC Programs (Ladder Logic)

This article "CNC Programs Software Vs. PLC Programs" details CNC programs (not Mastercam software) vs PLC ladder logic. Think G code, M code, etc. vs PLC programming ladder logic.

 

 

 

 

 


[ Newest 10 - Electrical - Mechanical - Maintenance Management - Automation - Engineering - Safety - Opinion - Archived ]

 

electrical Articles:

 

 

Allen Bradley VFD Training: Sizing VFD for Motor:

This article shares some key points from our Allen Bradley Freak drive training course. Examples shown are VFD drive working principles, sizing VFD for motor, and VFD Operating Temperatures.

 

instrumentation and process control training

These are two sections from the Instrumentation and Process Control book (33-page white paper). The two sections excerpted here are Differential Pressure Transmitters and the Capacitance Level Sensor Principle section.

 

distance learning training simulators

Must-have advice for schools and companies wanting to set up or enhance industrial distance learning programs to accommodate the current school closures and other closures. Explains how employers can use downtime to better prepare their industrial workforce when they return.

 

PLC training video transcription: PLC wiring tutorial

This PLC training video transcription is for the PLC wiring tutorial video on the page. "NEMA has developed a set of standards for Programmable Logic Controllers. This standard recommends that serious consideration be given to the use of an emergency stop or safety circuit..."

 

electrical preventive maintenance will keep you safe and warm

With much of the nation buried under mountains of snow or enduring freezing temperatures, now is the time to make sure that your industrial facilities have been inspected for potential electrical problems. Without proper preventive maintenance on your electrical systems, disaster can happen before you have time to thaw.

 

electrical industrial troubleshooting

Electrical industrial troubleshooting - Motors, controllers, and PLC An article on electrical industrial troubleshooting with sections on industrial motor control and programmable logic controller. Covers problem solving with motor test and short circuit training.

 

keys for effective electrical troubleshooting

Analyzing a faulty electrical circuit. Troubleshooting Electrical Circuits and Equipment can be a complex and hazardous process. This article describes the skills required to become an expert troubleshooter.

 

hazardous area installations

92 % of sites safer without increasing the costs of compliance. In a recent study by the Health and Safety Executive, UK, 11 out of 12 facilities had potentially dangerous hazardous area electrical & instrument installations. This White Paper is an attempt to help engineers and managers, not only in the UK, but also elsewhere, to have a clear understanding of this subject and address the key issues involved.

 

how to troubleshoot like an expert electrician

The 5 Step Electrical Troubleshooting Approach. To expertly troubleshoot electrical equipment, problems must be solved by replacing only defective equipment or components in the least amount of time.

 

How to extend Industrial UPS Battery Life

An Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) is a perfect solution that is used in industries to enable continuous power supply. It is important to understand that what factors lead to a reduced life span of your UPS batteries. This article and included infographic will help.

 

residential electrician to industrial electrician career guide

Automated industry and retiring baby-boomers increase demand. A Career Guide for Residential Maintenance and Residential Electricians. The residential maintenance persons should keep the much higher paying Industrial Maintenance career option as an industrial careers pathway.

 

how a photoelectric sensor saved my job

A more advanced photo sensor on a canning equipment An article by author Larry Bush about how a more advanced photo sensor on a canning equipment seamer in the food processing industry had saved his job.

 

planning for emergency power

Permanent backup, Mobile power, and Sourcing equipment. Electricity is never more precious or more scarce than after a disaster. Lights are out, telephones disabled, businesses shut down.

 

infrared applications: Thermography applications for businesses

Infrared Applications: With many examples of thermography applications for businesses, this article shows how the Online Infrared Training Center grows both careers and business revenues!

 

what is infrared thermography?

This article: What is infrared thermography, also includes the what is thermography video. Both include what is thermography and how does thermal imaging work and its industrial applications like thermographic survey infrared thermal imaging and more.

 

how to reduce data errors on infrared surveys

Common problems in gathering accurate infrared data ... This article is about how to reduce infrared data errors when conducting infrared scanning surveys for electrical equipment testing and building scanning. This infrared data article is a great addition to our many resources for troubleshooting electrical problems.

 


[ Newest 10 - Electrical - Mechanical - Maintenance Management - Automation - Engineering - Safety - Opinion - Archived ]

 

mechanical articles:

 

6 secrets of best bearing grease and oil care

The best machinery bearing lubricant grease and oil care are explained in this article by mechanical engineering expert, Mike Sondalini. Grease and oil are the key lubricants used throughout the  industry to reduce friction between metal parts. Lubricants can only reduce friction if their immediate environment sustains their lubricating properties. Read to learn how.

 

mechanical aptitude test practice guide

What is the mechanical aptitude test (MAT)? And why you should take a mechanical aptitude practice test. It is not just a mechanical test, but electrical too. One could call it a maintenance test, maintenance mechanic test.

 

how to prepare for mechanical engineering career aptitude tests.

Mechanical engineering career aptitude tests are one of the most common aptitude tests, and they measure knowledge of mechanical engineering technology, electrical, and physical concepts. Learn how to be prepared, outperform the competition, and get hired.

 

mechanical engineering newsletters for students

A peek inside 10 editions of our industrial mechanical engineering newsletter PDFs. Mechanical Engineering Newsletter for Students (Easy to understand practical application examples and tips). Here we outline one of the weekly Mechanical Engineering Newsletter PDF for you and give you free access to the first 10 editions of volume 1.

 

industrial valve maintenance

Extending the life of your valves and reducing industrial valve repair with valve maintenance.  Poorly maintained valves don't last as long as they should because they're prone to sudden failures.

 

maximum hydraulic component life

Defining Fluid Temperature and Viscosity Limits. Many factors can reduce the service life of hydraulic components. Incorrect fluid viscosity is one of these factors.

 

innovative cleaning and inspection plays a critical role in refinery debottlenecking

Increase production while reducing expenditure within the oil and gas refinery industries and reduce CO emissions with this article on clean heat exchanger tubes.

 


[ Newest 10 - Electrical - Mechanical - Maintenance Management - Automation - Engineering - Safety - Opinion - Archived ]

 

maintenance management articles:

 

Top-Gun Maintenance Planner Scheduler Job Description

Excerpt from the Maintenance Planner Scheduler Course PowerPoint. The Maintenance Planner Scheduler job description is where we start. It is much more than a Preventive Maintenance Planner job description.

 

Industrial Maintenance Technician's Guide App.

It used to be a printed pocket guide for purchase, now we converted it to a free online app that can be updated and added to as a living document and reference guide. Designed for maintenance and operators alike. As it is browser based, works on any device. It will help its readers to run and maintain plants and equipment better than they have ever done before.

 

State Incumbent Worker Training Reimbursement Programs

Reduce incumbent worker training costs with state employee training reimbursement programs and retraining tax credits. Next level jobs with workforce ready grant and other cumbersome grants may be your second choice.

 

what is a pareto chart and the 80 20 rule?

Before reading this article, you probably thought you knew everything about what is a Pareto chart and the 80 20 rule. With real-world Pareto chart examples, this article will show you critical application knowledge and understanding left out of textbooks and Wikipedia. Your Pareto chart could be focusing your attention on the wrong area and you never realized it. Everyone will learn something new here or at a minimum, have a better understanding.

 

how to calculate ROI for downtime big data

This article introduces the two missing elements in most industrial big data initiatives that result in failure for end-users to realize their Return On Investment (ROI) goal. Gain insight on how to calculate ROI for industrial big data collection using a real downtime costing system, True Downtime Cost™ (TDC).

 

lean | TPM | autonomous maintenance steps

This is article introduces Lean TPM autonomous maintenance step 0 and provides implementation solutions and advice. You may know the 7 steps of Autonomous Maintenance, but did you know there is a step 0 before Autonomous Maintenance Step 1? AM Step 0 first educates operators on understanding how equipment works and general maintenance best practices like TPM, predictive maintenance, RCA, etc. By starting with step 0, operators have a better understanding and increased buy-in of the other 7 AM steps, greatly increasing the success and return on investment of your AM program.

 

alternatives to lean six sigma failures

Industrial and Manufacturing Wellness (IMW) way is a systemic approach to Lean Six Sigma alternatives. Lean business systems, industrial process systems, ISI 9001, and Six Sigma failures can be avoided by the Industrial and Manufacturing Wellness way. World renown author Mike Sondalini explains in this article why the lean business model does not work for all.

 

CMMS implementation advice

CMMS implementation guide and recommendations for small to medium-sized companies. With the decrease in the cost of highly-reliable and powerful IT equipment, the benefits of a CMMS are well within reach of any organization regardless of size.

 

TPS lean principles: respect for people

TPS Lean principle of respect for people is a difficult and often misunderstood task until you read this article. For the TPS (Toyota Production System ) principle of respect, many fail to succeed because their priorities focus on what people are doing, more than who the people are.

 

training cost justification (ROI)

This training cost justification example highlights the key ROI for a training cost analysis of our PLC and Electrical training video courses. The PLC and electrical video courses have a unique advantage, as one purchase trains unlimited employees.

 

what is the true downtime cost (TDC)?

Predetermine the "True" cost of downtime for each profit center category. TDC is a methodology of analyzing all cost factors associated with downtime and using this information for cost justification and day to day management decisions.

 

lean maintenance management via the six sigma black belt

The LEAN Maintenance Six Sigma Black Belt article explores why are there so few Six Sigma black belts in Six Sigma maintenance departments. In the manufacturing future, there will be fewer  humans and more automation, thus more focus on Lean maintenance management.

 

pass 55 via the plant wellness way

This article introduces the equipment reliability program PWW (Plant Wellness Way) by the ISO 55001 asset management specialists. The free PDF and spreadsheet in this article help with PASS 55 implementation and to prepare you for ISO 55001.

 

training half-life, worker refresher training?

Refresher training case study and advisory for worker retraining advocacy. An informative article by Sam McNair (CMRP) on job retraining. Points out employee retraining every 2-3 years and turnaround on that worker retraining investment.

 

developing competencies during the economic downturn

Developing competencies open roads to worker productivity in the workplace, employability, and sustainable development. This article by Armando Justo points out competency-based training to improve employee skills will be key differentiators for the future success of organizations and countries alike.

 

maintenance managers in the pursuit of world-class performance

Detail how a savvy maintenance manager can cause organizational change, and why. Improve the management and control capabilities of the maintenance function by using the proper KPIs. These advanced knowledge and insights are invaluable for Maintenance Manager's career planning.

 

total productive maintenance definition as married to TPM

Total Productive Maintenance: what is it? Much like a successful marriage. After the honeymoon, he has his stereotypical jobs, and she has hers. When we consider that a similar, but much more serious phenomenon has been occurring for decades in the industry, we can easily trace the common denominator.

 

recession survival tips for the manufacturing industry

Recession survival tips on how and why not to cut training.  ... About the methods for US Manufacturing Industry to adjust for the knowledge vacuum caused by retiring baby boomers with training, while dealing with tight training budgets during a recession.

 

CMMS systems integration

CMMS integration with current systems, solutions - implementation. This article offers insight into integrating your CMMS or Maintenance Management Systems with other systems like your inventory, accounting, purchasing systems, and other enterprise management systems. Some examples of CMMS/Accounting system integration are provided while touching on the topic of shop floor data systems and SCADA.

 

equipment failure and the cost of that failure.

Excerpts from Mike Sondalini's book 'Defect and Failure True Costing' The business of defect cost and equipment failure cost are covered in detail in this business article. Excepts from the author's book about DAFT Cost Management explorer production cost and the cost of failure. A must-read for business operations management.

 

maintenance management of your company's PLC

PLCs are the brains of your operation. When the PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) is not functioning properly, lines shut down, plants shutdown, even city bridges and water stations could cease to operate. Thousands to millions could be lost by one little PLC in an electrical panel that you never even knew existed.

 

the Japanese path to maintenance excellence

The Japanese way to decide equipment criticality Equipment criticality determines what level of preventative maintenance to use, what type and amount of condition monitoring to use, and what type and amount of observation are required from the operators. We can learn from Mike's visit to a major Japanese manufacturer.

 

overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)

Many maintenance departments today still do not effectively utilize the OEE tool. Overall Equipment Effectiveness is a benchmarking tool as well as an analysis tool. This article covers what OEE is, why you should use OEE, and how to use it.

 

the change management plan

Focus On Results and Change the Culture Along the Way. Equipment becomes more reliable, costs go down, and behaviors change along the way. The key is focusing on results - the kind of results that will get people's attention on the plant floor as well as in the key decision-makers offices.

 

CMMS error codes

CMM/CMMS - Facility Maintenance Management Software Facility and fleet computerized maintenance management software help. While recording downtime, this article will make you more effective.

 

CMMS ROI calculator

How to cost-justify your CMMS program. A Return on Investment (ROI) calculation results in a value that represents the benefits received from a project against the total costs of the project.

 

CMMS to reliability

Computerized Maintenance Management System A very important aspect of CMMS software. Criteria for CMMS to satisfy facility reliability validity needs.

 

asset management

The Japanese Path to Maintenance Excellence. Asset management series by world-renowned maintenance author, Mike Sondalini who visits Japan to report on the Japanese way of doing maintenance.

 

see also our PDF Maintenance and Engineering Articles.


[ Newest 10 - Electrical - Mechanical - Maintenance Management - Automation - Engineering - Safety - Opinion - Archived ]

 

automation articles:

 

PLC Programming: Simple Manual And Automatic Control

This PLC programming example below was written to answer a specific request by a learner, so we thought we would also share it with our website visitors. This PLC programming example is for manual control and automatic control.

 

What Is Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) PLC Training?

Whitepaper: A closer look at OEM PLC Training using a CNC manufacturer and PLC training example. A machine manufacturer uses other OEM parts in their equipment.

 

What is RSLinx Classic for PLC Communication?

What is RSLinks Classic for PLC Communication article with simulation to walk through, practice, and test the Rockwell RSLinx software RSWho connect to PLC.

 

industry 4.0 and IIoT security design and architecture

IIoT (Industrial IoT) Security covered in this article. Top Industry 4.0 solutions given on the internet of things security and official references on industrial IoT, to keep your smart manufacturing operation secure and smart factory running. Also very informative to anyone dealing with IoT devices, even consumer ones.

 

Siemens PLC Programming - Counters

We offer this additional Counter PLC programming example article to supplement our PLC programming tutorial video. Also, there are screenshots that are more clear than the video so you can click on them to enlarge and study.

 

PLC programming: random number generator

A universal PLC programming example of how to generate a truer exponential random number. This PLC programming example is how to program in ladder logic, the logic to generate a random number in PLCs that do not have an RND function built-in. This particular example is PLC ladder logic needed to generate a truer random number.

 

How to do basic automation control troubleshooting.

While this heat treat case study started out as an assumed PLC troubleshooting challenge, once you go through the process and details, you may notice it really was a Robotic troubleshooting / Servo troubleshooting exercise. (A 2 axis robot)

 

What Is Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) PLC Training?

Whitepaper: A closer look at OEM PLC Training using a CNC manufacturer and PLC training example. A machine manufacturer uses other OEM parts in their equipment.

 

PLC examples from the entertainment industry

This is a fun article demonstrating working with PLC SCADA can be even more fun than you thought. We explorer PLC applications in the Las Vegas entertainment industry and the advantage gained from that diverse PLC programming background. From theme park rides, sports simulators, choreographed water and light shows, to theatrical productions, and much more!

 

PAC - PLC troubleshooting guide

When asked "How to do PLC troubleshooting?", most scholastic types, OEMs, etc. reply on how to troubleshoot a PLC. When really what the person needs most out in the real world, is how to troubleshoot equipment and process using a PLC or PAC. This article explains the latter.

 

what is the easiest plc to program?

A very common question by those just starting out is "What is the easiest PLC to program?". This article answers that question and explains how that answer was derived. Also answers what are the top PLC brands and what are the applications of PLCs.

 

PLC safety and reliability

Most seasoned vets of the Industry know PLC Safety is typically covered well, in the phases of specification and design. They also know during start-up [commissioning] PLC safety risk starts to increase. But what about the other 90% of the lifecycle of the equipment? This article covers that 90% of risk working with automation. Please share this one, the life you save may be your own.

 

CNC maintenance | PLC troubleshooting | flowchart-article

The CNC PLC troubleshooting flowchart example in this article is based on the scenario the CNC machine won't cycle start because the safety door closed signal is not being detected by CNC. From machine operator level CNC troubleshooting to maintenance technician PLC troubleshooting.

 

industry 4.0 in USA: risk

A major drawback to Industry 4.0 that few write about is the maintenance of an industry 4.0 plant. The maintenance aspect is a much greater and immediate drawback than even the commonly known major concern of security, and the lesser concern of system integration standards. Maintenance of 4.0 systems has and will continue to result in related huge increases in process downtime. The barriers to overcoming the maintenance/downtime drawbacks of a 4.0 system are addressed in this article.

 

PLC technician training certification

What PLC Technician training a company should look for in their new hires and current employees. With your electricians, you look for hands-on instructor based training and evaluation (not just scholastic education), why should your criteria for PLC technician training requirements be anything less?

 

PLC controller failure rate (PLC MTBF)

This article answers the question... What are PLC controller failure rates? It also covers equipment failure rate from a PLC failure rate perspective (automation controller).

 

PLC PAC difference - PAC automation controller defined

This PLC PAC Difference article defines the PAC automation controller in relationship to the PLC. A PLC vs PAC comparison. Even more importantly, this article explains in great detail the need to differentiate when it comes to requesting and delivering PAC and/or PLC training.

 

industrial networking solutions security - PLC, SCADA

Industrial network security solutions essential to today's PLC - SCADA security. Lack of security on an industrial network could cause a serious threat to the system, to the personnel involved in it, in fact, production machines networks without proper security can cause physical damage to man and machine. This article should help you.

 

converting AB PLC DH485 to USB

Converting AB PLC DH485 to RS232 and then to USB can be tricky.  ... This article is a guide to connecting a PLC to a laptop with only USB ports. This article covers how to find the port number for USB converter and the dos and don'ts of using Allen Bradley cables with USB converter as well as some money-saving tips when purchasing cables.

 

PID controller design, model-based control tuning.

Model-Based Tuning Methods for PID Controllers. Discussed are the qualities required for "good" dynamic process data and tuning methods for dynamic modeling the process data for controller design. As it is common for process data studies to be performed with the PID controller in automatic (closed loop), this article is a must-read.

 

M2M device networking

Enabling New Possibilities for Preventive Maintenance. An article about how the ability to extract raw data from a device, machine, or appliance and convert that data into useful information transforms the decision-making from an art to a science.

 

OEE - automated data collection

OEE Reports - Automated Capturing & Recording of Availability Data Moving Beyond Manual Data Collection & Manual Data Compilation. Automated capturing and recording of "Availability Information" is covered in this article. Future articles will address the automated data collection of Performance Rate and Quality Rate.

 

PLC Configuration Help

This GE and AB PLC configuration resource is to help you with PLC hardware configuration and PLC configuration management.

 


[ Newest 10 - Electrical - Mechanical - Maintenance Management - Automation - Engineering - Safety - Opinion - Archived ]

 

engineering articles:

 

Equipment Reliability Examples - Reliability Engineering Basics

These equipment reliability examples are used to convey the basics of reliability engineering. Learn the 4 system reliability factors that must all be addressed while doing a reliability analysis on drinking glasses.

 

hydrogen fuel cells will revolutionize the mobile robotics industry

This article is about how the hydrogen fuel cell (hydrocell), which will revolutionize the military and industrial autonomous robots industry. Especially the mobile robot industry. It explorers how the scaling laws of physics reveal the advantages of the hydrogen fuel cell systems.

 

automated predictive maintenance - phase angle diagnostics of rotating equipment

Phase Angle Diagnostic results in earlier detection than Vibration Diagnostics. The science of Predictive Maintenance (PdM), a Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) program and how to detect earlier, how to automate PdM.

 

why so much theoretical in electrical engineering degree programs?

Answers the common question Electrical Engineering students have: Why is there so much theoretical, and so little practical application instruction [hands-on], in college Electrical Engineering degree programs. Senior Instructor Don, answers that common question in this article, with a unique analogy that may help clarify that question for students.

 

supply chain management with RFID systems

All about RFID systems for pharmaceutical distributors and the FDA regulations. Article and white paper all about RFID systems for pharmaceutical distributors and the FDA regulations on drugs. The pharmaceutical supply chain makes an excellent example of supply chain management utilizing RFID for a track and trace system.

 

hydrocarbon traces in purging nitrogen (by chromatography)

Chromatograph removes hydrocarbons in catalyst hydroprocessing - regeneration. When the reactors of Hydroprocessing Units and Reformers and other plant equipment are given for maintenance or for the regeneration of the catalyst, it becomes necessary to remove all residual hydrocarbons from the system.

 


[ Newest 10 - Electrical - Mechanical - Maintenance Management - Automation - Engineering - Safety - Opinion - Archived ]

 

see also our PDF Maintenance and Engineering Articles.


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