Mechanical Advantage (Screencast)
By James Bourassa, John Rosz
Learners apply lever ratios to calculate the mechanical advantage in basic mechanisms.
Pressure Measurement Scales (Screencast)
By Terry Bartelt
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.
Sensitivity Adjustments of a Capacitive Sensor
In this animated object, learners study the effects of making sensitivity adjustments to a capacitive sensor.
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.
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
In this animated and interactive object, learners calculate the maximum velocity of the work stroke and the return stroke.
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.
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.
Combustible Gas Detectors
Learners examine the theory of operation for a combustible gas detector. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Hydraulic Filters
Studies show that more than 75 percent of all hydraulic system failures are a direct result of unclean oil. In this interactive object, learners examine the three primary types of hydraulic system filters. A brief quiz completes the activity.
Pressure-Controlled Sequencing Circuit
This animated lesson shows how a pressure switch connected in a ladder circuit causes the cylinder of a hydraulic circuit to extend and retract.
Thru-Beam Photoelectric Sensors
This animated lesson shows the operation and characteristics of thru-beam optical sensors.
Sinking/Sourcing Input Modules
Learners examine the conventional current flow at a PLC input module, along with the field devices connected to it. This interactive object includes quiz questions and feedback.
Maximum Proximity Sensor Switching Speed
In this animated object, learners study what happens if the maximum switching speed of a proximity sensor is exceeded.
Incremental Optical Encoders
Learners study the operation and characteristics of an incremental optical encoder used in automated manufacturing applications. A brief quiz completes the activity.