Acceleration and Deceleration Adjustments
By Terry Bartelt
In this animated activity, learners examine the circuitry in a DC variable speed drive that causes the motor to accelerate or decelerate at slow rates. This learning object has audio content.
Capacitive Probe Sensors
Learners study the operation of capacitive probe sensors used to measure levels in a tank.
Basic Elements of a Plastics Extruder
By Craig Hemken
In this animated object, learners examine the parts of a plastics extruder. A quiz completes the activity.
Manual Control of a Reciprocation Circuit
This animated lesson shows how pushing a start or stop button on a ladder circuit causes the cylinder of a hydraulic circuit to extend and retract.
Direct-Operated, Pressure-Reducing Valves
By Terry Bartelt, Doyle Davis
In this animated activity, learners examine how an adjustable pressure-reducing valve can produce a pressure that is lower at its output than at its input.
Cascading Timers
Learners study the method of cascading two or more PLC timers to extend their time capacity.
Hydrostatic Pressure (Screencast)
In this animated object, learners read about hydrostatic pressure and observe how it is used to measure the level of a material in a container.
Repetitive Cylinder Cycling
In this animated activity, learners examine the operation of a pneumatic cylinder that continuously cycles by extending and retracting.
Data Compare Instructions
In this animated object, learners examine three data compare instructions used by programmable logic controllers (PLCs). A practical application to show how these instructions are used in an industrial setting is provided.
Capacitive Proximity Sensor Target Considerations
In this animated object, learners examine the factors that determine how well a capacitive proximity sensor can detect an object. Those factors include size, position, and the materials from which the target is made. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Quick-Return Mechanism Velocity Calculations
By James Bourassa, John Rosz
In this animated and interactive object, learners calculate the maximum velocity of the work stroke and the return stroke.
Standard Transmission Signals
Learners examine animations of the most common transmission signals used in automated systems, such as 4 mA to 20 mA, 3 psi to 15 psi, and 0 to 10 volts. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Counterelectromotive Force
Learners study how a DC motor generates counterelectromotive force. A short quiz completes the object.
Calculating Belt Length (Screencast)
By James Bourassa
In this screencast, learners follow steps to determine the proper starting belt length for a timing, flat, or v-belt drive.
The Reynolds Number
In this animated learning object, users study the factors that affect a pipe’s fluid flow and how those factors pertain to a numerical value (the Reynolds Number).
Sensitivity Adjustments of a Capacitive Sensor
In this animated object, learners study the effects of making sensitivity adjustments to a capacitive sensor.
Mechanical Advantage (Screencast)
Learners apply lever ratios to calculate the mechanical advantage in basic mechanisms.
Pressure Measurement Scales (Screencast)
Learners compare the three scales used in pressure measurements: gage, absolute, and vacuum. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Converting Rotational Velocity to Linear Velocity (Screencast)
Students view an example of how to convert rotational velocity to linear velocity. They then work practice problems.
Series Motor Runaway (Screencast)
Learners consider the changes inside a series motor that could cause it to break apart if the load was disconnected. A quiz completes the activity.
Crank Slider Velocity
In this animated object, learners identify the basic parts and operation of a crank slider mechanism. They also follow the steps to use rotational input velocity to determine the linear output velocity of a slider component.
Hydraulic Color Code Circuit Example
In this animated and interactive object, learners use a color code to understand the operations of a hydraulic circuit. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Analog Position Control (Screencast)
In this animated object, learners examine an analog closed-loop feedback system that uses potentiometers to control the position of a gear rack.
Inductive Proximity Sensors (Screencast)
Learners examine the operation of an inductive proximity sensor in this animated object. A brief quiz completes the activity.
High-Low Speed Drive Adjustments
Learners examine the circuitry in a DC variable speed drive that prevents the motor from running at 0 rpm or at maximum speed under certain conditions.