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Optimize control cabinet construction with standards
Standards and standardization improve safety when it comes to control cabinet construction.
White paper highlights electric vehicles’ future, technology advances
A white paper created by the STLE highlights current trends and predictions for the EV market and how its impacting the tribology and lubrication engineering field.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles Feb. 28- March 6, 2022
Articles about why short circuit current matters, no two greases are the same, what’s in store for Industry 4.0, and more were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from Feb. 28- March 6, 2022. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles Feb. 21-27, 2022
Articles about why short circuit current matters, no two greases are the same, what’s in store for Industry 4.0, and more were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from Feb. 21-27, 2022. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Why short circuit current matters
Short circuit current analysis is an essential part of the design and safe operation of electrical systems and obtaining the right equipment is a crucial step.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles Dec. 20-26, 2021
Articles about how to perform a safer and smarter LOTO procedure, cybersecurity and IT/OT convergence, industrial oil filtration, and more were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from Dec. 20-26, 2021. Miss something? You can catch up here.
How to perform a safer, smarter, and more productive LOTO procedure
Failure to perform proper mechanical or electrical lockout/tagout (LOTO) can lead to electrocution, electrical shock, arc-flash, and other hazards.
Global semiconductor equipment sales reach record high
SEMI reported record semiconductor equipment sales for the fifth quarter in a row as strong demand fuels industry.
Semiconductor fabrication facility receives grant
The National Science Foundation granted almost $18 to the University of Arkansas to build and operate a national silicon carbide research and fabrication facility.
Nanoscale discovery could help prevent overheating in electronics
Researchers at CU Boulder have learned why some nano sources cool when bunched together, which could help companies develop electronics that overheat less.
Carbon nanotubes could replace silicon in transistors
Engineers have worked out a method to make orderly sheets of 2-dimensional carbon nanotubes by aligning them between layers of water and a solvent “ink.”
Technique for recycling nanowires developed
A technique for retrieving nanowires from electronic devices that have reached the end of their utility and then using those nanowires in new devices has been developed by North Carolina State University researchers.
Manufacturing group names new CEO
Debra Phillips will be the next president and CEO of NEMA, succeeding Kevin Cosgriff, who is retiring at the end of 2021.
Changing a 2D material’s symmetry can help improve optoelectronic devices
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) materials scientists and engineers have created a novel optoelectronic phenomenon, which could improve optoelectronic devices.
Safer, smarter and more productive electrical maintenance
Regularly checking critical assets' operating temperature and other key functions pays a huge return on investment (ROI) by preventing unexpected shutdowns.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles May 25-31, 2021
Articles about augmented reality transforming manual labor, how to test for absence of voltage, how to engage employees through plant optimization and more were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from May 25-31, 2021. Miss something? You can catch up here.
How to test for absence of voltage
NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 harmonize absence of voltage testing requirements.
How to properly size surge protective devices
To specify an SPD, understand the ratings associated with its application.
Manufacturer invests in Florida electrical equipment facility
Integrating latest design technology and adding new jobs to build on nearly 50 years of growth in Florida.
Install medium-voltage cables in petrochemical plants
How to ensure code requirements for hazardous environments are satisfied
Annual electromechanical expo theme focused on industry growth
EASA's annual convention in June 2021 in Fort Worth, Tex., will focus on the theme of “Keeping industries moving.”
Nanowire could provide a stable superconducting transistor
The cryoyton is a superconducting transistor, inspired by decades-old MIT research, which could boost quantum computers and other superconducting electronics.
Industrial electronics distributor appoints CEO
Allison Sabia, Galco Industrial Electronics president, COO, named as Galco Industrial Electronics CEO starting February 1.
Fab spending expected to increase worldwide
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a surge in fab spending and is expected to continue over the next several years, according to a report by SEMI.
Tailoring 2D materials to improve electronic and optical devices
Altering thin 2D materials atomically and physically for applications in many optical and electronic devices allows them to enhance light emission and increase signal strength.
Wet electrostatic precipitators are proven for emission control and gas cleaning
Two case studies illustrate the point
Electronics market steady in first half of 2020
Revenues in the electronic components market for the first half of 2020 are better than expected in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are supply chain concerns.
Develop a cable gland strategy for hazardous environments
Tips on how to get maximum benefit from cable glands
Electrically-injected laser developed
An electrically-injected laser made with germanium tin has been developed and is used as a semiconducting material for circuits on electronic devices.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles May 25-31, 2020
Articles about prevention through design, COVID-19 safety standards, electrical safety programs, safer ventilator sharing and high-tech warehouses were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from May 25-31, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
SACE air circuit breakers by ABB
The SACE Emax 2 air circuit breakers are rated up to 6,300 amps and have been designed to increase efficiency.
Single-phase disconnect switch by Eaton
The D-73 distribution-class, single-phase disconnect switch provides a durable and dependable switch for line sectionalizing or isolating equipment
Electronics group releases COVID-19 survey results
Results from the sixth survey conducted by the Electronic Components Industry Association show a growing sense of concern for supply-chain impacts and end-market destruction.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles January 27 to February 2
Articles about cut-to-length cable, control panel safety, system integrator relationships, safety procedures, and service robots were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from January 27 to February 2. Miss something? You can catch up here.
How to specify cut-to-length cable
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), end users, and system integrators seeking to improve manufacturing and fabrication flexibility can purchase cut-to-length cables to save time and money.
Overcurrent protection technologies change the calculations for PPE
NEC Section 240.87 provides guidance for safety, maintenance teams.
Entelleon by General Electric
EntellEon low-voltage power panel offers an array of innovative features that help to streamline stocking, ordering, installation and maintenance processes
RTS series by Russelectric
The RTS series senses the voltages of both power sources and, by means of easy-to-see LEDs, indicates switch position and source availability
TMC 8 series by Phoenix Contact
These UL 489-listed circuit breakers provide required fundamental branch circuit protection.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles December 3-9
Articles about the Product of the Year finalists, NFPA 70E standard changes, three phases of industrial digital transformation, linear motion considerations, and sensor communication were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from December 3-9, 2018. Miss something? You can catch up here.
2018 Engineering Leaders Under 40
The 2018 CFE Media Engineering Leaders Under 40 are in a class by themselves, but they also have plenty of experience in a class. These 30 manufacturing professionals are by far the best educated group we've recognized since the program began almost a decade ago. They've taken that formal education and turned it into groundbreaking improvements on their plant floor and in patented product development.
Gaining efficiency from hydronic boilers
Hydronic systems are gaining popularity due to their ease of installation, quiet operation, and safety compared to other heating technologies.
Advances in dryer design
Industrial dryers are overcoming unique challenges and making improvements in energy efficiency, process control, and drying uniformity.
Know the score about SCCR
Short-circuit current ratings is a number you need to heed.
Gain lubrication insight by looking a little deeper
Understand how metals and lubricants will interact.
Answering the big question: ‘What If?’
Over the past 30 years, Plant Engineering's Product of the Year award has highlighted the innovative companies who dare to ask the tough questions.
Four reasons why electric motors overheat
Increases in the temperature of an electric motor reduce its lifespan. By knowing the reason why electric motors overheat, users can develop a preventive maintenance strategy to combat inefficiencies.
The benefits of using high-efficiency motors
The use of high-efficiency, electric motors can lead to significant drops in energy use, as well as significant savings in cost. There are other factors, such as the difference in material quality and higher upfront costs, that need to be considered as well.
The six fault zones key to proper maintenance
A proper maintenance program goes beyond a visual inspection; instead it uses the proper tools and equipment necessary to check the six fault zones of a motor.
Encoders with mechanical, electro-optic technologies
The F58 encoders combine certified Ethernet/IP support with patented mechanical and electro-optic technologies that ensure accuracy and reliability.
Coal-fired power plant slashes maintenance time
Damper bearing upgrade solves lock up issue at a North American plant.
2017 Engineering Leader Under 40: Tyler Robertson, 33
Robotics Engineer, Taylor Guitars, El Cajon, Calif.
The benefits of upgrading to LED lighting
LED lighting uses up to 80% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb.
The basics of industrial motor power surge suppression
Power surges can be very damaging to electronic equipment in various ways, making it important to take precautionary measures in order to avoid them.
Large engine-generator sets keep getting better
Engine-generator sets come in all sizes for many applications. Large stationary units, in particular, are especially attractive for many electric power applications.
Low-voltage switchgear
The ReliaGear UL 1558 low-voltage switchgear features circuit breakers with embedded logic capabilities that make the switchgear safer and more compact, flexible, and reliable.
Voltage testers
The ET60 and ET250 voltage testers use standard replaceable test leads and can test GFCI-protected circuits.
Flat-plate battery for industrial applications
The Marathon FPX flat plate battery is designed for medium-to heavy-duty industrial use and opportunity charging applications.
Take back your steam energy
Great opportunities exist in making major improvements in steam and hot water distribution systems, which can save money for companies.
HVLS basics: Balancing the air temperature
Destratification creates more comfort and lower costs for plants throughout the entire year.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, January 30 to February 5: Improving power factor, energy efficiency advice, VFD best practices, more
Articles about improving power factor, energy efficiency tips, VFD efficiency best practices, 2017 manufacturing technology predictions, and keeping DC motors healthy were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, January 30 to February 5. Were you out? You can catch up here.
Why is short-circuit current rating important?
It is important to verify and improve short-circuit rating to remain in compliance.
Transformers are key for safety in any electrical system
Proper installation and maintenance of an electrical system’s components help keep the working environment safe while extending the life of the equipment.
Voltage/continuity tester
The Vol-Con Elite is a voltage/continuity tester that is designed with low impedance, a vibration mode, advanced safety capabilities, and higher test accuracy.
Power backup systems for uninterrupted power
The CTEC, C-TEC P, and AC-C-TEC power backup systems enable energy storage, microcontroller-based charging and discharging, and extended energy release up to 55 minutes.
Optical rotary torque sensors
The TorqSense ORT 230/240 Series of optical rotary torque sensors are designed for low torque and high bandwidth applications with a rotary and static torque measurement up to 100Nm and bandwidth up to 50kHz.
Welding power source for stick, TIG applications
The Maxstar 161 series welding power source is designed with a digital meter for precise control for stick and TIG applications.
Close circuit coolers
The eco-LSWE and eco-LRWB forced draft coolers available are designed to replace existing forced draft equipment of the same box size and fan motor horsepower.
Dual mode LED tube
The Duluxe LED Tube is designed for long-term maintenance and runs at 18W and provides up to 122 lumens per watt.
Self-adjusting crimping tools
The self-adjusting crimping tools are designed for insulated and non-insulated ferrules, and adjust to wires sizes from 26 to 8AWG.
How to properly operate a three-phase motor using single-phase power
There are several methods to operating a three-phase motor using single-phase power to make what would be an otherwise expensive and arduous process a little easier.
Motor connection tips for avoiding costly mistakes
The following tips apply to common connections on machines with one speed at power frequency.
Protect your ball bearings: 8 common problems
Identifying the primary reason for premature motor failure is as easy as looking at the bearings.
Retrofill circuit breaker for smaller spaces
The 26-inch Wide Retrofill circuit breaker provides a cost-effective solution to address switchgear applications with space restrictions.
Model 4750 sit-down counterbalanced truck
The Model 4750 sit-down counterbalanced truck features an open view mast design and integral sideshift on 4,000 and 5,000 pound trucks with three stage mast and full free lift.
Lithium EP grease for lubrication
The CorrLube VpCI Lithium EP grease offers longer lubrication with corrosion protection on electrical connections.
Helical gearboxes for line of motor products
AutomationDirect’s IronHorse line of motor products now includes helical gearboxes which provide quiet startup and smooth operation in applications such as conveyors, packaging machines, rotary tables, and more.
The efficiency of a new vs. repaired electric motor
Although you may make every effort to ensure that a motor has a long life, there will come a time when it eventually needs to be repaired or will need to be replaced. At this point, one common question that is going to be asked is in regards to the benefits of repairing the motor versus replacing it with a new one.
What’s involved in an energy audit?
There are many considerations for saving both money and energy at a facility. To ensure that you are moving in the right direction, however, it may be necessary to have an energy audit conducted.
Sigma-7 family of servo motors and amplifiers
Sigma-7, a line of rotary, linear and direct drive servos and amplifiers that bring a new level of operating efficiency to automated equipment.
Siemens launches control system with integrated fieldbus diagnostics
With the Active Field Distributor Simatic AFDiSD which features extended fieldbus diagnostics, Siemens is the first supplier to offer fully integrated and extended fieldbus diagnostics for PROFIBUS PA in the process control system Simatic PCS 7.
Intuitive operation and efficient engineering of process plants
To meet the ever growing demands of automation, the Simatic PCS 7 process control system has been further developed by Siemens. Version 8.2 comes complete with a range of new functionalities.
Work area blasting gun
BLG-LEDBLT-HGL-X24I is light equipped with a polycarbonate handle, a quick-change lens system, and a step down transformer for low voltage operation.
Cutting AEC costs down with high definition laser scanning webcast: Your questions answered
Webcast speaker Jon Sever answered additional questions about topics such as technology services, reducing costs, and how detailed a scan needs to be.
Predictive maintenance showcase a new pavilion at Hannover Messe
The integration of predictive maintenance (PdM) and the data generated through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is expected to pinpoint impending outages before they occur, speed up overhaul processes and avoid production outages.
Cool facts about cooling electric motors
Whether it's an old or new design, the process of lowering motor temperatures is based on same principles.
Stainless steel comfort panel
The TP1900 HMI INOX comfort panel is designed with a stainless steel front making it ideal for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, fine chemical applications, and other hygienic-intensive areas.
Compact LED solution for demanding environments
The DMW2 LED solution that provides application versatility and energy saving control options for demanding applications where moisture or dust in a concern.
Low-resolution analog modules
Productivity2000 programmable controllers are low-resolution analog modules are designed for cost-conscious applications.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, December 28 to January 3: Preventive maintenance program, why preventive maintenance fails, IIoT technologies, more
Articles about preventive maintenance programs, how to fix preventive maintenance when it fails, IIoT technologies, the 2015 Product of the Year Finalists, and Obama to open Hannover Messe were Plant Engineering's five most clicked articles from last week, December 28 to January 3. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
2015 Top Plant: Phoenix Contact USA
Phoenix Contact USA is a manufacturing success story.
Servo motors with winding techniques and magnetic materials
Cyber dynamic line servo motors with winding techniques and magnetic materials that increase output power by 47%.
Right-angle cable assemblies
Sixteen low profile, right angle, high performance flexible cable assemblies are designed for Type-N, TNC, and SMA cables and cover frequency ranges to 26.6 GHz.
Fueling greater efficiency with modular, on-demand boilers
Efficiency, cost savings a key benefit to oil and gas transportation issues.
How to choose the best lighting for a food facility
When selecting LED or fluorescent lighting for a food facility or warehouse, understand that each type is better suited for some areas rather than others.
Three ways to prevent food plant electrical system malfunctions
The electrical system is sometimes overlook at food processing facilities. Here are three ways to maintain the plant's electrical well-being and prevent potential malfunctions and safety hazards.
Contrast sensor
The KTM contrast sensor is a high-performance contrast sensor enclosed in a small, IP 67-rated housing that can be easily mounted and integrated into machines.
Green power adaptors
These power adaptors meet both the Energy Independence and Security Act’s new EISA 2007/DoE Level VI standard.
Relationship of torque and shaft size
A rudimentary understanding of how shaft sizes are determined can be helpful to anyone who works with pumps, fans, elevators or any other motor-driven equipment. Engineers often design using an ample safety factor, but consider modifying a shaft only with good engineering support. The greater the consequence of failure, the more generous the safety factor should be.
Measure motor efficiency to understand VFD’s value
Multi-phase ac induction motors have traditionally dominated the electric motor industry. The industry has improved overall motor efficiency in each subsequent NEMA-MG 1 motor standard revision. To make sense of motor efficiency, one must understand what efficiency losses are attributed to.
Webcast Q&A: How Lakeland Electric Maintains Production Efficiency, Lowers Cost, and Conserves Fresh Water With Reuse of Reclaimed Water for Cooling: Questions and Answers
Ken Riddle and Kevin Milici answer your questions from the Plant Engineering Webcast, "How Lakeland Electric Maintains Production Efficiency, Lowers Cost, and Conserves Fresh Water With Reuse of Reclaimed Water for Cooling."
LED fixtures
The EVERLINE LED Retrofit Kit serves as a fluorescent lighting replacement kit, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
Three-terminal GDT
Ultra-low capacitance and high surge energy withstanding provide more protection from lightning
Safety concerns for collaborative robots
At a daylong workshop on Collaborative Robots by the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), two main themes were expressed: worker safety and almost universal expectation for rapid deployment of collaborative robots.
Server module
The IEC 61850 Server Module to IEC 61850 gateway allows IEDs on an IEC 61850 network to communicate with PACs on an EtherNet/IP network.
The first and second quarter of 2014 robot sales are at their best
The North American Robotics Industries Association has announced that the first and second quarter robot sales have set a new sales record.
Cable testers
The Scout Pro 2 series cable tester a multi-functional tester that tests voice, data and video connections.
Eight-channel thermocouple conditioner
The Sensor Connection has expanded its line of measurement and control instrumentation with 8 Channel Type K Thermocouple Amplifier Module.
First Chinese supplier breaks into top 10 LED rankings in 2013
China's investments have finally paid off as one of it's companies has joined the ranks as one of the top companies in LED manufacturing capacity.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles, June 2-8
Articles about the ISM error and the stock market impact, military robotics, energy monitoring trends, synchronizing industrial Ethernet networks, and electric motor power measurement were Plant Engineering’s five most-clicked articles from last week, June 2-8. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Magnum DC switch
The Magnum DC switch provides DC disconnect and switching technology in a common power breaker platform to meet demanding industry standards.
Spark-resistant cables
When fully mated the cables are rated IP67 to ensure protection from liquids and debris.
To serve and to manufacture
Veterans are trained, disciplined, and task-oriented. They sound like just what manufacturing needs today. How do we get them into our ranks?
Pitt’s new electrical lab looks to energy’s future
Eaton's equipment donation provides tools to study efficiency more effectively
Cloud systems may be link in supply chain
Greater visibility seem as a key to smoothing out the process and reducing costs
ISM index slides below growth threshold
Index of 49% is lowest since 2009; global slowdown gets much of the blame
Fish and glow rods
Splinter Guard Fish and Glow Rods keep hands free from fiberglass splinters when wire pulling and come in a variety of flexibilities and lengths
Basics of tuned circuits
The tuned circuit is a fundamental building block among electrical and analog electronic circuits. Understanding how it functions provides insight to power quality, communications, controls, electronic equipment, and many other systems found in industrial manufacturing plants. This article provides a brief tutorial on tuned circuit theory and operation.
A physical analogy for ac electrical power
Electricity cannot be seen physically; only its effects can be seen or felt. At times, some aspects of electricity can be difficult to understand. One such phenomenon is the presence of different types of power in ac electrical systems. This article presents a physical analogy of electrical power as a refresher to help you understand these concepts further.
Basics of how to minimize harmonics
The August 14, 2003 blackout emphasized that power quality should not be taken lightly. The blackout was caused by, and affected the power grid — our nation's electrical infrastructure. The issues raised by this event should and will come under scrutiny. Just as the nation looks at its power quality issues, plant engineers must look at power quality issues inside the plant.
Basics of low-voltage circuit breakers
A circuit breaker is designed to keep an undesirably large amount of current, voltage, or power out of a given part of an electrical circuit. Industrial circuit breaker categories tend to follow voltage classes, which are divided according to magnitude. The IEEE divides voltage systems into four classes listed in the table titled "IEEE voltage classifications.