Month: December 2024

End of Year Maintenance

Ken Cheng Leave a comment

End of Year Maintenance

As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for industrial facilities to perform essential maintenance on their automation systems. Proper end-of-year maintenance ensures that your equipment runs efficiently, reduces downtime, and prepares your facility for the challenges of the upcoming year. For the end of year we’ve created a five-step guide to help you effectively manage your industrial automation maintenance.

Read more: End of Year Maintenance

Evaluate System Performance

Start by reviewing the performance of your automation systems over the past year. Analyze key metrics such as production output, energy consumption, and system downtime. Look for patterns in system inefficiencies or recurring issues. Collaborate with operators and technicians to gather feedback on areas needing improvement. This evaluation not only helps pinpoint weaknesses but also provides valuable insights for optimizing operations moving forward.

Inspect and Clean Equipment

Obstructions such as dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in automation systems. This causes wear and tear and even operational failures. Perform a thorough inspection of all components, including sensors, actuators, conveyors, and control panels. Clean sensitive equipment using appropriate tools and materials to prevent damage. Pay special attention to electrical connections and cooling systems to ensure they remain in good condition and free from obstructions.

Update Software and Firmware

Outdated software and firmware can lead to inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in your automation systems. Check for updates from equipment manufacturers and install them as needed. Updates often include bug fixes, security enhancements, and performance improvements. Ensure that all updates are compatible with your existing hardware and test them in a controlled environment before applying them to critical systems.

Replace Worn Components

Wear and tear is inevitable in industrial automation. Inspect all mechanical and electrical components for signs of degradation, such as frayed wires, corroded connectors, or worn-out belts and gears. Replace these parts proactively to avoid unexpected failures that could lead to costly downtime. Keep an inventory of critical spare parts to facilitate quick replacements when needed.

Plan Future Upgrades

Use this maintenance period to plan for system upgrades or expansions. Evaluate new technologies and trends in industrial automation that could improve your operations. Consider implementing predictive maintenance tools or integrating IoT solutions for better system monitoring and control. Budgeting for these upgrades now can help ensure a seamless transition in the future.

Conclusion

By taking the time to conduct thorough end-of-year maintenance on your industrial automation systems, you set the stage for a more productive and trouble-free year ahead. Regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your equipment but also enhances overall operational efficiency, saving your facility time and money in the long run.

In Need of Parts?

If you find yourself needing a new motor or servo amplifier after completing your year end maintenance reach out to us! Our team of experts can make sure you have the right equipment needed to make sure your 2025 starts off without a hitch!

Updated on December 20, 2024 by Ken Cheng

Beginner’s Guide to Programming an Allen-Bradley PLC

Ken Cheng Leave a comment

Allen-Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers (or PLC) remain widely used in industrial automation. Programming their PLCs opens a multitude of opportunities for those willing to learn how to do so. Learning to program them requires understanding both the hardware and the programming software, typically Rockwell Automation’s RSLogix 500 or Studio 5000 (for ControlLogix or CompactLogix PLCs).

Read more: Beginner’s Guide to Programming an Allen-Bradley PLC

Understanding the PLC

The first step to programming a PLC is understanding what the heck a PLC even is. This article gives a more in-depth explanation into understanding PLC’s. The basic rundown is that a PLC is basically a computer used to control machines and processes. It accomplishes this using inputs like sensors, and outputs such as actuators. While these systems use a variety of components there are definitely fundamental ones that are universally found across multiple systems. The components are crucial to system operation.

PLC System Components

  1. Processor/CPU: Executes the program logic.
  2. I/O Modules: Interface for sensors and actuators.
  3. Power Supply: Powers the PLC.
  4. Communication Port: Connects to programming devices or networks.

Installing the Required Software

  1. Get the Software:
    • For MicroLogix series, use RSLogix 500.
    • For CompactLogix/ControlLogix, use Studio 5000 Logix Designer.
  2. Install RSLinx:
    RSLinx is the communication software needed to connect your PC to the PLC.
  3. Licensing: Make sure you have a valid software license. If you need the software package for a one off job, Allen-Bradly offers free trial versions for many of their software packages.

Connecting the PLC

  1. Hardware Setup:
    • Connect your PC to the PLC using USB, Ethernet, or Serial (depending on the model).
    • Ensure proper power is supplied to the PLC.
  2. Communication Setup in RSLinx:
    • Open RSLinx and configure a communication driver (e.g., Ethernet/IP, RS232).
    • Test communication to ensure the PC recognizes the PLC.

Create a New Project

  1. Open the Programming Software:
    • In RSLogix 500 or Studio 5000, create a new project.
  2. Select Model:
    • Choose the correct processor type (e.g., MicroLogix 1400, CompactLogix L33ER).
  3. Configure I/O:
    • Define the input and output modules in the program, ensuring they match the physical hardware.

Learn Ladder Logic

  1. What is Ladder Logic?
    Ladder Logic is the primary programming language for PLCs. It mimics electrical relay logic with “rungs.”
  2. Basic Elements of Ladder Logic:
    • Inputs: Represented by normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) contacts.
    • Outputs: Represented by coils or actuators.
    • Timers/Counters: For delay or counting applications.
    • Branching: For parallel operations.

Write an Easy Program

Once you go over the basics of PLC programming, take a crack and writing your own program! One example of a simple programming project is creating a function that toggles a motor START and STOP.

Conclusion

Understanding how to program Allen-Bradley PLCs seems intimidating. However, the opportunities and advancements that come with learning how to program PLCs makes the struggle worth it.

Having PLC Issues?

Our team of qualified experts are ready to assist you with your PLC needs. Reach out today either by phone: (800) 691-8511 or email: sales@mroelectric.com.

Updated on December 9, 2024 by Ken Cheng

A group of original OREO chocolate sandwich cookies splashing into milk.

Every State’s Favorite OREO

Leanna Cota Leave a comment

Whether you’re loyal to the classic, double stuf, or thin OREOs, the addicting cookies always have a place in America’s kitchen cabinet. Even if the timeless original recipe does not jive with your taste buds, the brand has experimented with over 100 versions of OREOs. With so many to choose from, we set out to pull apart the country’s favorites.  

Sometimes, OREO alters the original cookie’s wafer-to-creme ratio. Other times, they release a bold new flavor ranging from red velvet to “space dunk.” Altogether, we analyzed over 100 OREO variations using Google Trends search data from the last year to discover the most-searched style and flavor in each state in the U.S. Read on to find out which OREOs are on your neighbors’ shopping lists! 

A map of the United States with OREO icons assigned to each state to depict each state’s favorite OREO style.

Beginning by focusing on OREO styles, most of the country is content with the original cookie design. The evenly distributed cookie-to-creme ratio that pairs a satisfying crunch with a soft middle of the Original OREO is the most popular OREO style in 26 states. While the original OREO won a simple majority of the U.S., the rest of the country divided their support into six groups.

Following the original style, Americans love The Most Stuf OREO—you guessed it—the most. This maximalist take on the classic cookie includes about four times more stuf than the original does. Fittingly, this OREO style is the most popular in the Lone Star State, proving that everything truly is bigger and better in Texas. Nine total states prefer this style, officially making it the most favored OREO style variation. 

Golden OREOs round out the top three, solidifying that OREO’s choice to alter their chocolate cookie wafers was a solid idea. As one of the flagship OREO styles, Golden OREOs have a fanbase stronghold in the middle of the country made up of Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. This style is the most popular in six states in total.

A map of the United States with OREO icons assigned to each state to depict each state’s favorite OREO flavor.

Shifting from OREO styles to flavors, the dominant Original OREO takes the top spot as the most searched flavor in 12 states. Even as OREO continues to innovate, the classic flavor holds its own, a testament to its endless appeal. But while the Original OREO might be the overall victor, the rest of the country has plenty of adventurous preferences.

Coming in hot and winning seven states, the Tiramisu OREO brings a touch of sophistication to the table. With layers of coffee-flavored creme reminiscent of the beloved Italian dessert, this flavor finds fans in states like Colorado and Florida. Also leading in seven states, the Birthday Cake OREO is all about celebration. From Georgia to Wisconsin, this sprinkle-packed, frosting-flavored cookie is perfect for anyone looking to make snack time feel like a party. Both of these flavors are the second-most popular behind the Original OREO, making them the most popular flavor variations.

To highlight a few more of the top flavors, five states opt for the Space Dunk OREOs, exuberantly described on the packaging as OREOs with “five galactic designs and cosmic creme with popping candy.” On a completely different note, Peanut Butter OREOs find a nutty fanbase in Alabama, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, proving that chocolate and peanut butter are always a winning duo. The playful Sour Patch Kids OREO stands out in Indiana, Mississippi, and Oregon, embracing snackers who love a little pucker with their sweet. Finally, Seasonal flavors like Christmas OREO and Gingerbread OREO win over states like Kansas and Missouri, delivering holiday cheer in cookie form.

Overall, it’s clear that the Original OREO will never be topped, but it is interesting to note which styles and flavor variations Americans favor most. Looking at the styles, the U.S. prefers the OREO styles like The Most Stuf and Mega Stuf OREOs that pack the most creme-filled punch possible. Moving to the flavors, the U.S.’s second most popular flavor is a tie between the Tiramisu and Birthday Cake OREOs. Hilariously, those are both cookies with the flavor of a different dessert. In the U.S., cookie enthusiasts must want to get as much dessert out of one bite as possible! 

Closing Thoughts

Even though the United States is divided about which OREO is the best, it’s clear that OREO is one of the most popular dessert brands in the country. So, no matter what your favorite OREO is—whether the Sour Patch Kids OREO or the Mega Stuf OREO—own it and enjoy it! After all, it takes a lot of hard work for OREOs to reach your pantry. 

With so many unique Oreo flavors to produce, packaging lines and quality control systems need to run flawlessly to keep up with demand. At MRO Electric, our expertise in maintaining and supplying industrial automation components helps support these types of high-volume operations, helping ensure that fan-favorite products make it to store shelves without a hitch. Get in touch with us to learn how we can serve your industrial automation needs. 

Methodology 

To determine the most popular OREO flavor and style in every U.S. state, we compiled a list of 112 search terms* based on OREO’s online cookie collection and various food news publication coverage of limited edition flavors from sources such as Delish and Eat This, Not That! We then analyzed the regional interest of the 112 OREO styles and flavors on our list using Google Trends search data from November 2023 to November 2024. Finally, we compared search interest to find every state’s favorite OREO flavor and style. We used high search interest as an indicator of popularity.

*The list of OREO styles refers to OREO’s original cookie and its various structural formats across its classic products, such as Double Stuf, Thins, and even Golden OREOs. While 21 styles were researched, only eight of them had enough data to include in the study. The list of OREO flavors refers to a list of 93 different OREO flavors or limited edition OREOs including original, specialty, limited edition, and discontinued flavors. While 93 flavors and limited editions were researched, only 24 had enough data to include in the study. Additionally, flavors not sold in the U.S. were excluded from the study.

Updated on December 2, 2024 by Leanna Cota