Ali Khalil, development sales manager for high voltage solutions at industrial equipment manufacturer WEG explains that deciding when to use a soft starter instead of a VFD involves assessing four key factors: speed control, price, size and energy efficiency.

'Digitalisation' is a buzzword that has been floating around for a while. But is it still relevant? The short answer is yes. While many businesses have made some adjustments to move towards digitalised processes to automate some manual, time-consuming tasks, in many instances there is still room for significant further improvement, or indeed for that first step to be taken, as the experts at Rittal explain.

Andy Graham, solutions manager at SolutionsPT, explores how OEMs can offer new benefits to their customers through HMI choice.

Troy Stehr, Industry Account Manager at Burkert, looks at the challenges facing the printing industry and how new developments can be managed successfully.

Hydraulic pumps at the heart of any hydraulic system on a machine, but maintenance can be a challenge as they are often in inaccessible locations. A rise in pump temperature can be an indication of problems, and thermal imaging can thus play a key role in detecting faults early, as Teledyne FLIR product manager Darrell Taylor explains.

Advancements in automation technology and the desire for smarter machines are resulting in a revolutionary leap forward. AI, IoT and sustainability goals are shaping industrial processes. To address the changing automation technology landscape, Murrelektronik has developed Vario-X.

Two primary types of torque limiters widely used in the industry are friction-fit and positive-fit (or mechanical) torque limiters. Understanding the differences in their working principles, advantages and limitations can help businesses select the best solution for their specific needs. The experts at Lenze Selection offer their guidance.

In an age of growing connectivity, the choice between wired and wireless communication can be the deciding factor in the performance and efficiency of a system. Here, Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at Swindon Silicon Systems, offers his advice on optimal sensor communication, no matter the environment.

As the colder, wetter weather drifts in, it's ever-more important to keep valuable electrical equipment living outside protected from the elements, as the experts at Rittal explain.

Gerard Bush, engineer at motion specialist INMOCO, discusses motion system specification for gantry-based applications.