12/5/2023 - Rexel
Learn how the City of Lakewood Waste Water Treatment Plant in Cleveland, Ohio partnered with Rexel to transform its operations. Through a cutting-edge SCADA system upgrade, Lakewood saw a positive return on investment for a sustainable water future.
11/29/2023 - Billy Hayes, IIoT Business Development Manager
When was the last time you evaluated your cybersecurity preparedness? This post outlines four critical questions you should ask yourself to determine if it’s time for a network assessment: Understanding your network assets, safety implications, audit depth, and access regulation.
11/28/2023 - Mark Miozzi, Industrial Automation Sales Manager
This blog post highlights two first-hand accounts of industrial manufacturers facing unforeseen OT network challenges and disrupted operations. Learn some key takeaways and proactive measures you can take to fortify your industrial operations and avoid costly downtime.
11/27/2023 - Rexel
This blog post unveils the key takeaways from Automation Fair 2023, hosted in Boston, where more than 6,000 industrial manufacturing professionals gathered to explore the forefront of robotics, artificial intelligence, software solutions, cybersecurity, and more.
11/16/2023 - Scott Savage, Senior Power Technical Consultant
This blog post explores PID pump control, specifically focusing on the exclusive pump control model. It covers key aspects such as configuration, output selection, tuning parameters, and features like preload and zero clamp. It also covers the importance of testing in manual mode before PID activation and includes additional resources for the PowerFlex 750.
11/9/2023 - Scott Savage, Senior Power Technical Consultant
The blog post troubleshoots what to do if your unmanned PowerFlex 753 drive fails to restart or respond as expected.
10/25/2023 - Rexel
This post explores how Automation Fair 2023 – now a 4-day event – will help you embrace and capitalize on ways to optimize production, drive sustainability, and embrace digital transformation. By exploring these three key areas, you’ll set your business up for a successful and productive future.
10/11/2023 - Kim Goodwin, Director of Customer Success and Life Cycle Services
This blog post explores how Rexel Support Agreements go beyond traditional support plans and are reshaping the landscape of industrial manufacturing. Dive into the heart of efficiency and learn how RSA's suite of tailored services can streamline your operations, prevent downtime, and keep your industrial processes at their peak.
10/4/2023 - Rexel
As technology continues to advance, it’s important that your teams are adaptable, innovative, informed, and well-trained. This blog post defines Industry 4.0 and explores the implications, knowledge, and skills needed for your workforce.
9/20/2023 - Robert Werkman, Industrial Automation Solutions Manager
This blog post highlights how Unified Robot Control breaks down traditional silos, enhances flexibility, elevates product quality, and empowers your workforce. You’ll learn how this technology drives innovation, helps you adapt to change, and allows you to embrace sustainability in your manufacturing processes.
9/15/2023 - Rexel
The Stratix 5200 Managed Industrial Ethernet Switch, set to replace the Stratix 5700, introduces advanced features like simplified portfolio selection, higher port speeds, and enhanced redundancy. The post explores the enhanced capabilities and security of the switch and how it can elevate your operations.
9/6/2023 - Billy Hayes, IIoT Business Development Manager
The integration of new technology and data is revolutionizing manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and innovation. However, it also creates new challenges. This post explores microsegmentation, network segmentation, and the role of data types in hardware selection.
8/30/2023 - Rexel
Managing risk and empowering your workforce to proactively and efficiently prevent and handle challenges are important parts of running your operations efficiently. Now a 4-day event, this post explores how the resources available at Automation Fair 2023 can improve both areas of your business.
8/23/2023 - Erica McConnell, Life Cycle Business Development Manager
Excess heat poses several hidden risks to your equipment’s performance and operational life. This post explores the world of thermal management and an often-overlooked factor that can lead to unplanned downtime and costly repairs.
8/16/2023 - Kim Goodwin, Director of Customer Success
As an industrial manufacturer, it’s not uncommon to face challenges across your operations. This post explores the role that the Rexel Service Agreement (RSA) has in maximizing productivity, reducing risk, and increasing productivity in a streamlined, convenient package.
8/8/2023 - Paul Sainato, IIoT Solutions Manager
This post outlines 5 key challenges industrial manufacturers face when implementing industrial internet of things (IIoT). By mitigating these challenges, you’ll drive innovation and enhance operational efficiency.
7/26/2023 - Dave Cucerzan, Product Specialist
There’s no shortage of hazards when working around machines, and we know employee safety is top of mind for you. This post explores four types of machine safety input devices that can protect your team(s) and keep your operations running at peak efficiency.
7/18/2023 - Rexel
This post explores the risks involved in purchasing industrial automation products from gray market sources. You’ll learn what the gray market is and how you can protect yourself and your operations from these dangerous products.
7/11/2023 - Rexel
Discover how Aurora Organic Dairy (AOD), the nation's leading producer and processor of organic dairy products, partnered with Rexel to strengthen their cybersecurity measures. In this insightful case study, learn how AOD overcame device visibility challenges, implemented a proactive cybersecurity approach, and safeguarded their operations while maintaining their Grade A rating.
6/30/2023 - Billy Hayes & Paul Sainato, IIOT Solutions Managers
This post explores some of the different types of cyberattacks that industrial manufacturers may face, including phishing attacks, malware, DDoS attacks, insider threats, and supply chain attacks. You’ll also gain valuable insights into these threats and learn proactive measures to protect your organization.
6/29/2023 - Rexel
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Powell as the new Vice President of Automation at Rexel Automation Solutions. With over 30 years of industrial automation experience, including eight years of leading the Rexel Automation USA team's sales and business development efforts, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
6/23/2023 - Dave Cucerzan, Product Specialist
This post takes you through five crucial stages of the machine safety lifecycle. From conducting hazard/risk assessments to maintaining and improving safety systems, this comprehensive approach provides valuable insights and guidance for creating a safe working environment in your industrial manufacturing facility.
6/9/2023 - Billy Hayes & Paul Sainato, IIOT Solutions Managers
As technology continues to evolve, threat actors are actively seeking out ways to exploit vulnerabilities in your industrial networks and systems This post explains key cybersecurity concepts and best practices to make sure you don’t fall victim to a cyberattack, putting both business and reputation on the line.
5/24/2023 - Claire Felix-Davies, Process Solutions Manager
This post defines process automation and advanced process control, key things to know, and explores the benefits of investing in technology and software to improve your industrial manufacturing processes. This is a great place to start as you consider your digital transformation strategy.
5/17/2023 - Anita O'Brien, Services and Solutions Business Manager
Do you know how secure your industrial network is? Can anyone come into your facility and make changes on your network? This blog post highlights the challenges of network security and how you can build a roadmap to maintain control of your cybersecurity.
5/11/2023 - Robert Werkman, VP of Automation
Robotics are a smart investment for industrial manufactures looking to increase productivity without sacrificing quality – not to mention the improvements to workplace safety. This post offers five essential tips on how to industrial manufacturers can get with robotics. If you’re considering implementing robotics technology in your facility – this is a great place to start.
4/5/2023 - Rexel
This post details three ways you can get started with achieving your sustainability goals. With this approach, you’ll be able to reduce waste, lower costs, increase productivity, and promote sustainability throughout the manufacturing process.
4/4/2023 - Marcia Pohl, Process Development Manager
This blog post highlights the benefits of FactoryTalk® Historian Vision as a powerful tool to streamline manufacturing operations by turning data into actionable information. The add-on provides you with easy access to dynamic and relevant data across different devices, allowing you to make informed decisions.
3/27/2023 - Anita O'Brien, Services and Solutions Business Manager
With unemployment at a low, technology advancing faster every day, and experienced employees retiring, that can leave a huge skills gap in your workforce. Learning + and the new Learning + Enhanced can bridge this gap and keep your facility running at peak efficiency.
3/7/2023 - Greg Powell, Director of Enterprise Solutions
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and industrial manufacturing are a pressing concern, with ransomware being the most popular among threat actors. This post highlights three effective strategies for safeguarding your facility against such threats.
2/8/2023 - Greg Powell, Director of Enterprise Solutions
This post provides basic steps to improve and optimize IT/OT security posture by following the standards of a security framework such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The steps include asset identification and visibility, network segmentation, continuous threat detection, and incident response and disaster recovery.
12/20/2022 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Part III of our In and Out Trilogy, This blog post discusses the benefits of using a Line Reactor on AC Drives, specifically the SineWave filter, to address issues such as motor heating, motor insulation stress, audio sound, common mode current, and reflective wave.
11/30/2022 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Part II of our In and Out Trilogy, this post discusses how dv/dt filters can be used to address motor failures caused by the reflected wave phenomenon.
10/12/2022 - Anita O'Brien, Rexel Technical Consultant
Gaps in skills and knowledge in your facility don't have to hold you back. There are convenient training options to keep your employees at the top of their game.
8/10/2022 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Part I of our In and Out Trilogy - Line reactors may be optional for your drive installation, but there are several benefits you may be missing out on.
7/1/2022 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
This article addresses analog scaling to the analog input to the PowerFlex 525 drive. The example is a 4-20mA signal with a different minimum or maximum frequency output from the drive.
6/2/2022 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
60% of all electrical energy is from electrical motors. Learn how you can save energy that exists with air compressors, fans, and pumps in your facility.
5/24/2022 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Learn the facts about multiple motors on one VFD solutions to reoccurring issues.
5/20/2022 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
Discover how to increase performance and flexibility with ethernet-based servo drives.
5/18/2022 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
This blog will address the three operation models and when to use each mode of the VFD drive in a variety of heavy-duty applications.
5/5/2022 - Will Cole, Rexel Technical Consultant
Machine safety is an important topic whenever you have moving hazards like motors and conveyors. This post will discuss using trapped key interlocks and access/control locking modules.
5/4/2022 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
This post will discuss two of the three operations modes to allow for the best and most reliable characteristics of the drive, improving the performance of pumps and fans.
3/31/2022 - Horizon Solutions
Horizon Solutions won the inaugural Ecosystem Award at the Rockwell Automation PartnerNetwork conference for our Business Intelligence in a Box offering, which is a solution bundle.
3/8/2022 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
FactoryTalk Logix Echo emulation software for ControlLogix 5580 controllers offers a convenient way to save time during prototyping, design, and testing. Let's look at reasons to try it.
3/2/2022 - Eric Haff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Are your patch policies set up to protect your production computers? Are you on top of upcoming patches? Learn how to manage your patch policies to avoid costly downtime.
Did you know that terminating a VFD cable differs from terminating other shielded cables? Terminating the cable and its shield correctly is essential to system performance and reliability.
2/15/2022 - Austin Desmond, Rexel Technical Consultant
Making the right Studio 5000 software selection can be confusing. This post breaks down the selection process for Logix Controllers, including CompactLogix and ControlLogix.
2/1/2022 - Eric Haff, Rexel Technical Consultant
If you work in an industrial setting, an IDMZ (industrial demilitarization zone) might be the cybersecurity component you need to protect your employees and productivity.
1/18/2022 - Marcia Pohl, Rexel Technical Consultant
Is unexplained downtime costing you sleep, productivity, and money? A process controller can help! Learn how to gain more visibility and find issues faster to get up and running quickly.
1/4/2022 - Anita O'Brien, Rexel Technical Consultant
Why are industrial companies a target for cybercrime? In the industrial world, we have a lot of systems that are more than 20 years old. These legacy systems often have insecure designs.
12/14/2021 - Will Cole, Rexel Technical Consultant
Rexel Technical Specialist Will Cole talks about the move from Allen-Bradley Bulletin 140M to 140MT motor protection circuit breakers (MPCB).
12/7/2021 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Are you ready to move away from mechanical starters to a solid-state, non-wearing drive that can do so much more than a starter? Learn how to convert to a PowerFlex 4M drive.
12/1/2021 - Tom Hopkins, Rexel Technical Consultant
Are phantom issues plaguing your machines and causing downtime? PQ issues could be to blame. Learn how to improve power quality in your facility with the right solutions.
11/23/2021 - Scott DeVost, Rexel Technical Consultant
CIP Safety devices confirm data integrity and go into a safe state when errors occur. Learn how to apply CIP Safety in your facility with Allen-Bradley products from Rockwell Automation.
10/26/2021 - Rexel
If you read our blog, you know we put our specialists to work. But did you know we also provide downloadable resources that you can take with you? We have a free growing library.
10/12/2021 - Michael Martinson, Rexel Technical Consultant
Meet lockout/tagout requirements with help from the experts. Learn how Rockwell Automation can help you maintain compliance at your facility with several convenient options to choose from.
10/5/2021 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
In this blog, first we’ll look at single-loop control and its potential issues. Then we’ll learn about dual-loop servo control and the circumstances under which it may be a good solution.
9/28/2021 - David Kew, Rexel Technical Consultant
To stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing marketplace, manufacturers need fast access to intelligent, actionable operational data. Learn how FactoryTalk Edge Gateway can help.
9/14/2021 - Tom Hopkins, Rexel Technical Consultant
We all know e-stops on automated machinery are a requirement. But what is the best way to apply and position them, especially for long spans? Cable pull switches are an option.
8/31/2021 - Jim Bischoff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Let’s look at five reasons to start your digital transformation. Even if you’re working within a budget or have limited capital, there is always a way to start or continue your journey.
8/24/2021 - Scott DeVost, Rexel Technical Consultant
For applications requiring a steady 24V DC power source, a redundant power supply is a backup power supply in the event of a failure. This blog looks at your options for avoiding loss of power.
8/17/2021 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
When it comes to cables between VFDs and AC motors, the rules have changed dramatically in recent years. And now with the NFPA 79 2021 edition, there have been some more minor changes.
8/3/2021 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Go from the PowerFlex 4 drive series to the PowerFlex 523 drive series with step-by-step instructions. This is the seventh installment of our Allen-Bradley drive modernization series.
7/27/2021 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
Over time, Rockwell Automation deployed different software activation techniques. The original FactoryTalk Activation used Flexera technology and most recently moved to CodeMeter.
7/0/2021 - Andy Lussier, Rexel Technical Consultant
In this blog, we discuss the control theory in servo and motion control systems at a high level, covering a wide variety of topics. It is this very control theory that makes a servo a servo.
7/13/2021 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Go from the PowerFlex 40 drive series to the PowerFlex 525 drive series with step-by-step conversion instructions. This is the sixth installment of our Allen-Bradley drive modernization series.
5/25/2021 - Eric Haff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Learn about subnets, breaking your industrial network into smaller networks, reducing broadcast traffic. This post will increase your networking knowledge, helping you improve your networks.
5/19/2021 - Anita O'Brien, Rexel Technical Consultant
Ready to streamline your maintenance process while reducing downtime and lowering costs? Learn how to make scheduling, organizing, and tracking maintenance easier than ever with Fiix CMMS.
5/27/2021 - Mark Brant, Rexel Technical Consultant
When it comes to industrial networks, finding the right solution can be tricky. Let’s compare networking safety solutions, including relay-, PLC-, and ethernet-based safety solutions.
4/20/2021 - Tom Hopkins, Rexel Technical Consultant
Consider the features and cost savings of an SMC. There are new SMC platforms that you should be aware of. For applications that don’t require variable speed, take a second look.
4/6/2021 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
There are a number of types of servo motor brakes and choosing the right one depends on your needs. Let’s look at some types, including holding brakes, dynamic brakes, and safety brakes.
4/1/2021 - David Kew, Rexel Technical Consultant
FactoryTalk AssetCentre software is a centralized tool, featuring change and version management, disaster recovery, lifecycle management, operator track and trace, and system security.
3/23/2021 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Learn torque regulation with PowerFlex 750 drive series from a drives specialist. This blog will take you through a deep dive, complete with diagrams, system screenshots, and instructions.
3/9/2021 - Scott DeVost, Rexel Technical Consultant
Are you protecting your 24-volt loads? Let’s go through five reasons to use an electronic circuit protector: design, class 2 protection, reset and monitoring, manual current, and IO-Link.
3/2/2021 - Andy Lussier, Rexel Technical Consultant
A deeper understanding of your application typically dictates the technology direction: VFD or servo. This blog outlines some of the technology differences between the two solutions.
2/3/2021 - Jim Bischoff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Have you heard of the Internet of Industrial Things (IIoT)? Learn how IO-Link makes manufacturing smarter, helping people make better decisions to improve productivity and profitability.
2/9/2021 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
In this high-tech manufacturing world, the issues of electrical noise and methods to mitigate it are of high importance. In this one, we look at the EMC filtering options available in VFDs.
2/2/2021 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
Your control system must be able to withstand disruptions. A high availability Logix-based system may be the solution. Rockwell Automation has two offerings: redundancy and hot backup.
1/26/2021 - Rexel
Networking manuals can look more like alphabet soup than instructions. This blog breaks down the definitions of the network acronyms you may see as you build your industrial network.
1/20/2021 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
The fifth blog in our AC drive series covers Allen-Bradley architect drives modernization, converting PowerFlex 700 series drives to PowerFlex 750 series drives.
12/15/2020 - Tom Hopkins, Rexel Technical Consultant
In this new age of manufacturing, you need more data. Learn how you can diagnose issues and prevent downtime with the Allen-Bradley E300 electronic overload relay from Rockwell Automation.
10/20/2020 - Michael Martinson, Rexel Technical Consultant
Empower yourself. With the My Equipment by Rockwell Automation tool, you can make informed decisions at your facility to ensure a bright future for your business. Let's look at the benefits.
9/22/2020 - Rexel
Let’s look at industrial control panel basics. The components for your panel will depend on your applications. This post provides basic descriptions of the most common components.
9/15/2020 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
With the right equations, you can calculate by hand—and we’ll show you how. In this blog, we go through calculations for sizing a servo axis step-by-step using a simple application example.
9/1/2020 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
Rockwell Automation plans to discontinue PanelView Plus 6 in September 2021. With the change a year away, consider upgrading your HMI to the PanelView Plus 7 or PanelView 5000 families.
8/18/2020 - Austin Desmond, Rexel Technical Consultant
A lot of industrial network jargon is simple to explain but rarely are. This post tackles some of the more common jargon to help demystify the language of networking from DHCP to VLAN.
8/4/2020 - Tom Hopkins, Rexel Technical Consultant
Photo sensors are presence sensing devices. And successful application starts with an understanding of the physics of light. Let’s look at some considerations for selecting a photo sensor.
7/28/2020 - Ryan Beauchemin, Rexel Technical Consultant
An installed base evaluation (or IBE) can help you make data-driven business decisions to ensure your plant can stay up and running even if you experience an untimely failure.
7/21/2020 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Is it time to upgrade your PowerFlex 70 to PowerFlex 525? This post will give you the instructions and information you need to modernize your drives.
7/14/2020 - Jim Bischoff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Every journey starts with a first step. Learn how one food manufacturer took the first step on its digital transformation journey when obsolete equipment slowed productivity.
7/8/2020 - Anita O'Brien, Rexel Technical Consultant
Virtual coaching provides teams convenient access to experts. It’s a custom, flexible support option that is conveniently available wherever you need it—with just an Internet connection.
5/13/2020 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
Do you know what information you need for sizing your servo system? Part one of a two-part series, this post walks you through the data, values, and calculations needed to size a servo axis.
5/5/2020 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
Remote connectivity is more critical than ever. One challenge is connecting into the plant control network for monitoring, troubleshooting, and making modifications to procedural issues.
4/14/2020 - Austin Desmond, Rexel Technical Consultant
There are several tools available to help protect you and your company, prevent unplanned downtime, and help you understand the lifecycle status of equipment in your facility.
4/7/2020 - Tom Hopkins, Rexel Technical Consultant
Always consider the application. A light curtain is a great safety device when it’s applied correctly. Depending on the application, a safety laser zone scanner could be a better choice.
4/2/2020 - Michael Martinson, Rexel Technical Consultant
Social distancing is the new reality for doing business. Let’s look at how you can access the critical spare parts you need quickly, easily, and at a distance and the benefits of a PMA.
3/24/2020 - Anita O'Brien, Rexel Technical Consultant
Are you struggling to keep your manufacturing facility up and running? If you are, you are not alone. We're here for you with remote support.
3/17/2020 - Scott DeVost, Rexel Technical Consultant
Why are there so many different types of circuit breakers? How do you know which one to use? This post walks you through common types, what the differences are, and when to use them.
3/10/2020 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Dynamic braking with VFDs allows for long life without mechanical wear on your braking system. Braking resistors are cost-effective and don't require any downtime maintenance.
2/4/2020 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
Without a feedback device, the motor will run in an open loop and not reliably position the load, or even move at all. Let’s look at motor encoders, one of the most common types of devices.
1/28/2020 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
Please quote me a FactoryTalk. I get that request often, so I thought I’d explain what it is and isn’t to increase your understanding. The post breaks down the various FactoryTalk services.
1/23/2020 - Jim Bischoff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Make your digital transformation a success with a five-step plan. Start your journey by learning what digital transformation is and how to make the right choices for your organization.
1/14/2020 - Austin Desmond, Rexel Technical Consultant
The middle ground between managed and unmanaged, lightly managed network switches offer the ease of an unmanaged switch while providing some of the major benefits of managed switches.
12/11/2019 - Tom Hopkins, Rexel Technical Consultant
Erroneous input data in your industrial processes can cause problems, and ground loop noise can adversely impact process data. Learn how you can avoid ground loops and remediate issues.
12/3/2019 - Will Cole, Rexel Technical Consultant
If you work with complex electrical and automation control devices, this post will help you understand large enclosures, including dimensions, sizing, weight, logistics, and safety.
11/26/2019 - Jim Bischoff, Rexel Technical Consultant
The IoT and smart manufacturing have all impacted the way automation software is developed and deployed. Software subscriptions make deploying these innovations scalable and affordable.
11/12/2019 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Having a back-up is always a good practice, but you may have to perform a step or two before installing a stored legacy drive that has been gathering dust. Let’s examine capacitor reforming.
11/7/2019 - Scott DeVost, Rexel Technical Consultant
When color sensors detect a color value, a pre-determined action takes place. Let's look at three reasons why it might be time for you to upgrade your color sensors.
10/31/2019 - Tony Saporito, Rexel Technical Consultant
There are many installation considerations when applying a variable frequency drive. One important thing to consider is making the right selection when connecting a VFD to a power system.
9/17/2019 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
Rockwell Automation released the first phase of their CIP secure enabled products. With the networking possibilities on the modern plant floor, CIP security allows for device-level security.
9/12/2019 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
Do you need to tune a servo motor? On many servo systems, manual tuning is still the go-to method for attaining optimal performance. So, let’s walk through tuning a servo motor.
9/3/2019 - Austin Desmond, Rexel Technical Consultant
Network switches allow devices to be connected on a network by using packet switching. Let's explore the types and features of network switches for an industrial automation environment.
8/22/2019 - Seth Pratt, Rexel Technical Consultant
The technical name for “Shelby” is FactoryTalk Analytics for Devices. Shelby is named after a dog, which is why the symbol is a dog. So, why ask Shelby? This FAQ will walk you through.
8/20/2019 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
We're often asked, “Do I need to bond both ends of my motor cable, or do I leave one loose?” This is part seven of our on-going series and it will show you how to connect the shield in VFD cable.
8/8/2019 - Will Cole, Rexel Technical Consultant
From conveyors to pumps, drives are an efficient piece of automation technology. These best practices for drive enclosures will save you time—and frustration. Just follow these five steps.
8/6/2019 - Tom Hopkins, Rexel Technical Consultant
Control devices are more sensitive to power interruptions, causing data loss and long restart times. When downtime is not an option, you need a reliable DC power system.
7/23/2019 - Will Cole, Rexel Technical Consultant
If you’ve ever investigated the guts of a control panel, you’ve seen terminal block arrays. Learn ways to save time and space when you’re building or modifying control panels.
7/16/2019 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Part three of a series on drive migration, helping you avoid legacy drive failure which can put your facility at risk. Let’s explore the path to converting a 1305 to PowerFlex 525 drive.
7/2/2019 - Scott DeVost, Rexel Technical Consultant
In industrial environments, signal conditioners isolate, transmit, convert, split, and amplify to improve process reliability. Let’s look at a few of the top benefits of using them.
6/20/2019 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
Is it time for an upgrade? Though the initial focus was for high-performance motion applications, the increased CPU is advantageous in discrete manufacturing and process applications.
6/13/2019 - Jim Bischoff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Manufacturers invest in assessment services for modernization, compliance, safety, and security. Let’s look at how one customer prepared for the future by assessing the present situation.
6/6/2019 - Ryan Shenk, Rexel Technical Consultant
On April 10, 2018, Microsoft announced the end of extended support. This boils down to no more security patches issued by Microsoft. No, this isn’t the end of the world.
5/28/2019 - Ozzie Reichardt, Rexel Technical Consultant
Robots have supported manufacturing for over 50 years. Though robots withstand wear and tear, there will be times when manufacturing facilities require automation equipment repair.
5/21/2019 - Ryan Beauchemin, Rexel Technical Consultant
Today, manufacturing facilities are challenged with doing more with less—less staff, less capital, and of course, less time. Remanufacturing can help you achieve these goals.
5/16/2019 - Dan Simpson, Rexel Technical Consultant
There's a lot to take in when comparing Rockwell Automation PanelView operator interface terminals. This blog condenses an overwhelming amount of information into a readable synopsis.
5/9/2019 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
In a motion control or servo system, both the motor and load have inertia. The ratio between their inertias impacts system performance. This ratio is often overlooked.
4/16/2019 - Marcia Pohl, Rexel Technical Consultant
Edge computing is the collection and crunching of data on the plant floor close to devices. With this concept, you can use an edge appliance on the floor to collect and analyze data.
3/26/2019 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Unfortunately, most electrical departments aren’t prepared for legacy drive failures. This strategy will help you migrate 1336 PLUS to PowerFlex 525, step by step.
3/19/2019 - Kyle Carreau, Rexel Technical Consultant
Network security can be a lot like safety; too much and your production may suffer, too little and you leave yourself exposed to cyber-attacks. There needs to be a balance.
3/11/2019 - Scott DeVost, Rexel Technical Consultant
Many of the Rockwell Automation visible-blade disconnect switches were discontinued on May 31, 2019, including 1494V, 1494C, and 1494F. Let’s look at your migration options.
3/7/2019 - Andy Lussier, Rexel Technical Consultant
Traditional pneumatic and hydraulic actuators have hidden costs over their life. Electric actuators offer significant efficiency, simplicity, and design advantages—and savings.
2/21/2019 - Robert Serano, Rexel Technical Consultant
From smartphones to alarm clocks, differentiating the importance of each alert is increasingly difficult. Manufacturing annunciation is yet another layer. The challenge is breaking through.
2/19/2019 - Chris Williams, Rexel Technical Consultant
Newer safe stop functions bring high-inertia loads to a more controlled stop. There are two options: safe stop 1 (SS1) and safe stop 2 (SS2). They differ once the motor is at a standstill.
2/14/2019 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
Is safe torque off (STO) something you could really use? Right off, I’ll say, given the minimal cost involved, the investment is a no-brainer even if you don’t use it at first.
2/7/2019 - Ryan Shenk, Rexel Technical Consultant
A VLAN allows a group of Ethernet devices (subnet) to be physically separated by many Ethernet switches but communicate as if they were all connected to the same physical Ethernet switch.
2/5/2019 - David Kew, Rexel Technical Consultant
Employers are concerned about filling skill gaps and keeping up with technology. Let’s look at the costs and benefits of different types of training for your employment development plans.
1/29/2019 - Gary Sargent, Rexel Technical Consultant
Cables connect VFDs to motors. In the past, manufacturers used their own judgment to classify their products as VFD cables. This all changed in 2018 when NFPA updated NFPA 79.
1/24/2019 - Rockwell Automation
If you’re using the terms “upgrade” and “modernize” interchangeably, we should talk about the differences. Knowing what you need and when you need will help you meet your goals.
1/22/2019 - Joe Amorese, Rexel Technical Consultant
As an authorized Rockwell Automation distributor, we’re your go-to source for questions on RSLinx, FactoryTalk, and everything automation related. Let’s look at what RSLinx rebranding means.
1/15/2019 - Scott DeVost, Rexel Technical Consultant
Traditional systems don’t provide much in the way of diagnostics. When you upgrade to GuardLink, a modern safety system, you’ll enjoy simplified troubleshooting and increased uptime.
1/3/2019 - Robert Serano, Rexel Technical Consultant
Photoelectric sensors detect the distance, absence, or presence of an object by using a light transmitter, making them an ideal alternative to inductive proximity sensors.
6/14/2018 - Scott Savage, Rexel Technical Consultant
Legacy systems operate in isolation and outdated equipment is costly to run. This blog post will teach you how to convert a 1366 PLUS to a PowerFlex 750 drive.
4/17/2018 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
If you’ve ever looked at an industrial motor catalog, then you know finding the right motor can be a daunting task. With the huge selection of motors, we can make choosing one a bit simpler.
3/10/2017 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve seen a complete mess of an electrical panel, I’d have a whole lot of dollars for sure. This post will walk you through the secrets to good panel design.
8/19/2016 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
How long can my motor cables be when using a VFD? Well, the simple answer is, there really isn’t a simple answer. This post looks at motor cable lengths and how to get the longest length possible.
7/29/2016 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
This blog takes a deep dive into the environmental issues that pertain to VFDs. While it is essential to make certain the motor is properly selected for its environment, this post addresses only the VFDs.
7/8/2016 - Kevin Beach, Rexel Technical Consultant
VFDs how can you use them? How do you benefit from their use? This blog series will look at the uses and cautions when implementing variable frequency drives.