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Maintenance

We found 86 posts about Maintenance from DO Supply, a global automation parts reseller focused on hard-to-find and obsolete industrial automation products.

June 1, 2022

PLC Troubleshooting Flowchart (and Explanation)

Programmable Logic Controllers are ruggedized computers, specially designed and built to operate reliably under harsh industrial environments. A typical PLC system consists of a processor (CPU), programmable memory, power supply, a user-defined program, I/O modules with associated circuitry, and so on. The programmable memory stores a series of instructions that enable the PLC to perform various control functions like arithmetic computation, relay logic, timing, counting, and sequencing. Essentially, these control functions are used to monitor and control either individual machines or complex electro-mechanical processes through the PLC inputs and outputs. As the PLC processor reads the inputs, the PLC processes them through the stored user-defined program and generates outputs that are sent out as control commands to field output devices. The I/O modules in the PLC system provide digital or analog electronic connections to field input and output devices. In this modern era, PLCs are...

March 2, 2022

The Basics of Reading PLC Panels and Wiring Diagrams

In industrial applications, an electrical panel is basically a service box that connects the main power line to an electrical device and distributes electric currents to various other circuits within the system. In an industrial setting, you don’t simply plug a PLC controller into a wall socket, instead, an electrical panel is used. A PLC panel is simply an electrical control panel consisting of electrical components which use electric power to control a variety of mechanical functions of industrial machinery or equipment. In order for industrial machinery and equipment to accomplish their various process goals, they require user-defined functions and well-organized control. Thus, electrical control panels like the PLC panel are used to perform these functions within manufacturing machinery. Any electrical control panel you’ll ever come across will always consist of two main categories: panel structure and electrical components. Similarly, a PLC panel consists of a special stainless...

February 22, 2022

Trace Resistance Calculator

Trace Width mil cm mm µm inch Trace Length mil cm mm µm inch Trace Thickness oz/ft2 mil cm mm µm inch Ambient Temperature °C °K °F Results Resistance (R) Ω Structure of a PCB Trace A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a laminated structure of insulating and conductive layers sandwiched together. PCBs are used for two complementary functions. The first is to mechanically affix electronic components in their designated locations on the outer layers through soldering. The second is to electrically connect the components using tracks, signal traces, or conductive pathways in a controlled manner often known as a PCB design. PCBs are widely employed in the manufacturing of electronic components and appliances. In electronics, a circuit trace or signal trace on an Integrated Circuit(IC) or a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is comparable to a wire of conducting signals. Each trace is etched from copper sheets laminated onto an insulating (non-conductive) substrate. It thus comprises a flat, narrow...

January 26, 2022

Capacitor Charge Calculator: What is Capacitor Charge and How is it Calculated?

​ ​ Supply Voltage Volts (V) V Capacitance Farad (F) milliFarad (mF) microFarad (µF) nanoFarad (nF) picoFarad (pF) Series Resistance Ohms (Ω) Ω Results Energy (E) Time Constant (τ) ​ Parallel-Plate Capacitor When it comes to electronic devices and electric circuits, energy is typically stored in either batteries or capacitors. Batteries store electrical energy in chemicals, and they are the most common. Capacitors on the other hand possess the ability to store electrical energy in the form of an electric charge, they are less common. Essentially, a capacitor is a two-terminal electrical device, which consists of two conductors with a spacing distance(d) between them. The spacing between the two electrical conductors can be a vacuum or it could be filled with a good insulating material called dielectric. Often, you’ll come across the term “capacitance” which is defined as the ability of a capacitor to store electrical charge. In its basic form, a typical capacitor is made up of two...

January 24, 2022

Power Density Calculator: What is Power Density and How is it Calculated?

Output Power MilliWatts (mW) Watt (W) Decibel-milliwatt (dBm) Decibel-watt (dBW) Gain Linear Linear Distance Feet (ft) Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Centimeters (cm) Miles (mi) Yards (yd) Inches (in) Results Power Density 96.05Watts/m2 Power density is the rate of energy flow per unit mass, area or volume. Most often, it is defined as the time rate of energy transfer per unit volume. The International System of Units (SI) for power density are Watts per cubic meter ( W / m 3 ) . Other common metric units include: Watts per square meter ( W / m 2 ) , Watts per kilogram ( W / kg ) , Horsepower per cubic inch ( hp in 3 ) . While power density is not commonly used as a form of measurement as energy density, it is still a useful performance parameter for most energy systems. For example, in energy transformers including fuel cells, batteries, power supply units, motors etc., power density is measured in terms of volume, often referred to as volume power density, expressed as W/m 3 . Hence...

November 30, 2021

Parallel Resistance Calculator: What is Parallel Resistance and How is it Calculated?

Resistor 1 Ohms (Ω) Ohms (Ω) Resistor 2 Ohms (Ω) Ohms (Ω) Add Results Equivalent Resistance Resistance is defined as the measure of opposition to charge flow (current flow) in an electrical circuit. It is measured in ohms and symbolized by (Ω)-a Greek letter omega. Naturally, all materials oppose current flow to some extent, and they are classified as either conductors or insulators. Conductors are materials that have very little resistance to electrons flow, they include aluminum, silver, gold, copper, and many more. Insulators, on the other hand, are materials that present very high resistance to electrons flow; examples are rubber, plastic, wood, and glass. Basically, a resistor is an ohmic device that limits the flow of current in a circuit. Most electrical circuits consist of more than one resistor. The relationship between voltage, resistance, and current in an electrical circuit with resistors is given by Ohm’s Law. Ohm’s law is expressed as: I = V/R , where I is the circuit...

November 8, 2021

Rethinking Just in Time (JIT) Manufacturing Principles

In manufacturing, costs of production and speeds of finished goods to the market can make or break a company. Traditionally, an inventory of raw materials and of finished products was considered assets. Today, such inventories are considered dead investments or waste, which incur additional capital costs. To eliminate dead investment and optimize their productivity, many manufacturing industries are adopting the Just-In-Time (JIT) philosophy. Originally, JIT manufacturing referred to the production of goods in an effort to meet the exact customer demands with regards to quantity, quality, and delivery time; whether the customer required the final product or a part of it. But with time the meaning of JIT manufacturing has changed to the production of goods with minimum waste. In this case, “waste” is defined in terms of time, raw materials, and resources. Simply, Just-In-Time (JIT) production is a workflow methodology that focuses on reducing flow times for raw materials and products...

November 1, 2021

PowerFlex 755 Parameter List and Uses

PowerFlex 755 20G11ND186JN0NNNNN PowerFlex 755 is a variable-frequency AC drive designed by Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, for ease of integration, high motor control performance, advanced safety and application flexibility. This high-power drive (power rating of up to 1500kW) builds on the common user experience and application flexibility of PowerFlex 750-Series, providing heavy industries with an option for state-of -the-art power control. It is well suited for a wide variety of applications ranging from simple variable torque and variable speed control in demanding industrial systems that require constant torque control. Target applications for PowerFlex 755 AC drives include pumps, conveyors, fans, extruders, compressors and mixers control, as well as process control applications in tire and rubber, metals and mining, oil and gas, and refining industries. The PowerFlex 755 drives are configured with instructions embedded in Allen-Bradley CompactLogix Programmable Automation...

October 18, 2021

How to Reset a PowerFlex 753 or PowerFlex 755 to Default

PowerFlex 755 and PowerFlex 753 drives belong to a family of AC drives designed and built by Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation. The PowerFlex 750 drive-Series provides an exceptional user experience and high performance from initial programming through the operation. They are used to enhance productivity and flexibility in a wide variety of industrial applications worldwide. PowerFlex 755 The PowerFlex 753 drive is built for general-purpose speed and torque control applications with up to 250kW/350Hp power requirements. This drive is available with built-in Input/Output modules, offering multiple features and options along with the additional benefit of simple integration. For instance, the embedded I/O module in an Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 753 drive consists of three option slots for communications, safety, 24 VDC (volts DC), feedback, or additional I/O cards. This makes the drive a flexible solution for system integrators and machine builders, who are looking to cut down engineering...

October 11, 2021

How to Calculate the RPM of a Motor

Calculate No Load RPM RPM Slip Full load RPM Stator Frequency Frequency (Hz) Number of Poles Slip (RPM) Actual Rated RPM Desired Synchronous RPM Results No-load RPM RPM RPM Slip RPM Full-load RPM RPM Full-load RPM Hz Allen Bradley MPM Servo Motors An electric motor is a device that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. Electric motors are used in a variety of industrial applications, to provide mechanical energy to run power tools, fans, electric vehicles, etc. These motors operate on the basis of the electromagnetism principle, which states that: if a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a mechanical force caused by the attractive and repulsive forces created by the magnetic field. The magnitude of the mechanical force may be obtained as a product of the magnetic field, the current in the conductor, and the length of the coil in the motor. While the direction of motion of the conductor can be determined by Flemings left-hand rule...

October 4, 2021

Everything You Need to Know About PLC Batteries

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are rugged and lightweight computers used to automate industrial processes such as wastewater treatment plants, ore processing plants, and manufacturing plants assembly lines. They are designed to perform logical decisions for different electro-mechanical control applications and to operate reliably in harsh industrial environments like in extreme low or high temperatures, and dusty conditions. Also, PLCs are capable of automating an entire production line or a specific machine function, or a given process. All Programmable Logic Controllers consist of four basic components. These components include the Processor section, an Input/Output(I/O) section, a programming section, and the power supply. The power supply provides the appropriate voltages levels required to power on the PLC and its internal components. It accomplishes this by converting a line voltage, mainly 120V or 240V AC (Alternating Current), into the required DC (Direct Current)...

June 4, 2021

Safety First! : Surface Mount vs. Through Hole – When to Use and Where

The printed circuit board (PCB) invention ushered in a radical change in electrical and electronic technology. This success has led to the continued improvement of many devices and smaller and even miniature profiles for others. It has also resulted in entirely new classes of products across almost every industry. And it isn’t easy to imagine a powered device or appliance without a PCB. As the technology has matured, two distinct methods for producing PCBs emerged. The first is surface mount technology (SMT). Because PCB components became smaller over time, SMT became the dominant technology by volume. In SMT, components are mounted directly onto the bare board surface. Instead of wires, tabs and connectors are used with solder to complete the board circuitry. Through-hole technology (THT), holes are drilled in the bare board, and wires are run through the holes to connect the components. One side of the board will have “trace holes” to mark the path of the wiring. Wires are soldered...

Integrating, Installing, and Maintaining Your New PowerFlex 753 Drive: A Comprehensive Guide
January 29, 2021

Tutorial: How to Set Up IP Address Parameters for the PowerFlex 525

The PowerFlex family of variable frequency drives gives system builders many options to fit both architecture and budget needs. The PowerFlex 525 is part of Allen Bradley’s compact class of AC drives. These drives are modular and are used for stand-alone control applications or for simple control systems. Of the entrants in the 500 series of compact drives, the 525 offers embedded EtherNet/IP and a modular design that helps in tight spaces and easier installs. The 525 also carries standard safety features and can be programmed via USB. Because it is rated to run in temperatures as high as 158 degrees, the PowerFlex 525 can handle harsh environments. The 525 also has the Safe Torque-Off feature for added safety. Setting the IP Address Parameters for the 525 There are two ways to set the IP address in the 525. The first is through using the keypad on the unit itself. The second is using the USB connection and programming from a PC or laptop. Setting the IP Address with the Keypad Step...

Integrating, Installing, and Maintaining Your New PowerFlex 753 Drive: A Comprehensive Guide
January 22, 2021

Tutorial: How to Change the IP Address on a PanelView Plus 7

Automation and control systems run the gamut from both simple to complex as well as small to large. Allen Bradley’s PanelView Plus 7 was introduced to better visualization for larger and more complex applications. In addition to best-in-class functionality, the PanelView Plus 7 offers a larger screen and much more processing power. In today’s complex manufacturing environments, visualization is critical to manage production or process flow. To do this, companies rely on multiple terminals as well as many PCs for both remote monitoring as well as programming. The PanelView Plus 7’s embedded Ethernet capability and two Ethernet ports allow it to function in a number of complex control solutions such as device level ring topology. The Ethernet connectivity is key to the PanelView Plus 7’s success in allowing managers and technicians direct as well as remote access to configure devices, troubleshoot process issues and review and address alarms. Because of its importance to the PanelView...

Integrating, Installing, and Maintaining Your New PowerFlex 753 Drive: A Comprehensive Guide
November 20, 2020

A Guide to High-Speed Counters (HSC) used in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

A high-speed counter (HSC) is a functional capability within particular PLCs. HSCs count the frequency of the pulse of processes from systems with elements such as high-speed encoders. In these cases, special input modules ensure the count’s accuracy and deliver the output to the system element within the latency criteria that optimizes machine or system uptime to meet throughput requirements. Normal counters are adequate unless the pulses you are counting will arrive faster than 2 times the scan time. HSC Overview and Application An HSC is a select type of counter. Counters used in systems with lower pulse frequencies (CTU/Ds) can be implemented as a software-defined PLC element. Thus, it only exists virtually. The HSC requires a hardware input module that can operate reliably in the harsh environmental conditions experienced on a factory floor. The engineering design is a simple input/output device that uses ladder logic to develop the output signal from the inputs provided. After...

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