In a recent issue of Processing Magazine, Bob Pusateri wrote an article entitled “Is it Time to Abandon Your Analog Controls?”
Even if legacy analog controls are still running your manufacturing process, upgrading to digital can be a game changer, says Bob Pusateri, Director of Business Development at Electronic Drives and Controls.
Why Should I Switch?
“Older analog controls do not offer the same flexibility as their digital counterparts, because there are only a few adjustments, there are only a few things in the process that can be optimized,” said Pusateri. As today’s quality demands are ever increasing, variations in operating conditions often can’t be addressed. An analog drive may no longer be the resolution you need to meet your goals. If that is you, there are a number of benefits and opportunities you could have by switching to digital.
The Benefits of Digital
While analog controls’ feedback is primitive, upgrading to digital could bring you more flexibility, greater control of the process, reduced changeover time, reduced downtime, reduced expense with issues, and improved quality. Also analog controls are susceptible to environmental conditions because parts’ resistance changes with temperature and humidity, while digital are not. “The cost and relative complexity of upgrading analog drives to digital is far outweighed by the many advantages and potential cost savings of having a better-controlled process,” said Pustari.
Want to learn more?
In his signature relatable style, Bob thoroughly considers the pros and cons of analog vs. digital controls, including capabilities, time requirements, and cost, complete with pictures and diagrams.
Download the full article.
If you’re interested in establishing digital controls solutions into your business, contact EDC here.
Bob Pusateri is a 30-year industrial controls veteran with positions in engineering, sales, management and now business development for manufacturers, controls distributors and systems integrators. He is a Mechanical Engineer by education (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) and Electrical Engineer by vocation.
