Industrial Automation News for the Next Generation

Welcome to Library.AutomationDirect.com, where the stacks are filled with tons of industrial automation news & you don’t even need a library card! Here you can read articles from the Automation NOTEBOOK loaded with informative technical articles keeping you on top of what’s happening in the automation industry. Company news, press releases, application stories and more are right here at your fingertips!

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Recent Posts

Application StoriesHMIOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable Control

Automating Escape Room Experiences

Industrial automation products can also be applied to unique applications, like the advanced control needed for a sophisticated escape room. Escape rooms are immersive adventure games where players solve puzzles to break out from a themed environment within a set time. While seemingly unrelated to industrial automation, a systems integrator (SI) leveraged expertise gained from…
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Wera Multi-Bit Driver & Hex Keys from AutomationDirect

October 9, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more top-of-the-line Wera tool options to their continuously growing Tool and Test Equipment lineup. New tool sets include maintenance sets, a Joker self-setting/self-adjusting wrench set, a Tool-Check PLUS socket/driver bit set, and Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit screwdriver sets. Screwdriver additions include Kraftform Micro precision screwdriver sets, Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit…
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Endress+Hauser Intrinsically Safe Analog Input Isolators from AutomationDirect

October 9, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser intrinsically safe analog input isolators to provide cost-effective galvanic isolation for process instruments located in hazardous locations. This ensures that only a safe amount of energy resides in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Endress+Hauser RN22 0/4 to 20 mA input isolators are offered in 1-channel, 2-channel, or signal…
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Crohm Brake Resistors from AutomationDirect

October 9, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Crohm brand VFD brake resistors, which feature NEMA 1 enclosures and installed thermal switches. These resistors are offered in many popular resistance values from 3.7 ohms to 400 ohms and power ratings from 240 W to 18 kW to ensure a good match per your manufacturer’s recommendation. The…
Discrete SensingProduct

Continuous/Analog Level Measurement

Here are some of the typical continuous/analog level measurement methods, with a summary of their strengths and weaknesses: Ultrasonic level sensors: These are generally installed at the top of a vessel looking down into the product. They generate a periodic ultrasonic sound impulse and measure the echo’s return time to determine the distance to the…
Discrete SensingProduct

Discrete Level Detection

Here are some of the typical discrete level detection methods, with a summary of their strengths and weaknesses: Float level switches : These simple devices provide an on or off signal as a liquid moves up or down. Some travel along a guide rod, while others just bob up or down on a cable, and either…
Discrete SensingProduct

What is Level Sensing?

Detecting the level of a product or liquid in a vessel is required for many machinery and process applications, so designers need a working understanding of the available technologies and best practices. Manufacturing and processing equipment automation systems often need to detect the presence/absence, or even the exact level, of a material in a bin,…
White Papers

3-Axis Motion Made Simple in 3 Ways using CLICK PLUS PLC | White Paper

AutomationDirect CLICK PLUS PLCs, when combined with stepper motors, make advanced motion control and edge integration simple for smaller systems. Electric motors provide the motive force for many types of machinery and equipment. Sometimes standard AC and DC motors are operated at fixed speed, and other times they are driven using a variable frequency drive…
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Supplier Profile: Teknokol

In the manufacturing industry, companies are clamoring for products that can automate processes to increase efficiency. The safety and comfort of machines and their operators is also paramount, causing a rising demand for more protective workplace solutions. That’s why innovative solutions, such as programmable support arms, operator control systems and enclosures, are becoming more essential…

Press Releases

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Wera Multi-Bit Driver & Hex Keys from AutomationDirect

October 9, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more top-of-the-line Wera tool options to their continuously growing Tool and Test Equipment lineup. New tool sets include maintenance sets, a Joker self-setting/self-adjusting wrench set, a Tool-Check PLUS socket/driver bit set, and Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit screwdriver sets. Screwdriver additions include Kraftform Micro precision screwdriver sets, Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit…
NewsPress ReleasesPress Releases

Endress+Hauser Intrinsically Safe Analog Input Isolators from AutomationDirect

October 9, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser intrinsically safe analog input isolators to provide cost-effective galvanic isolation for process instruments located in hazardous locations. This ensures that only a safe amount of energy resides in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Endress+Hauser RN22 0/4 to 20 mA input isolators are offered in 1-channel, 2-channel, or signal…
NewsPress ReleasesPress Releases

Crohm Brake Resistors from AutomationDirect

October 9, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Crohm brand VFD brake resistors, which feature NEMA 1 enclosures and installed thermal switches. These resistors are offered in many popular resistance values from 3.7 ohms to 400 ohms and power ratings from 240 W to 18 kW to ensure a good match per your manufacturer’s recommendation. The…
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LUTZE ELECTRONIC Flexible Control and Signal Cable from AutomationDirect

September 25, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added LUTZE ELECTRONIC shielded or unshielded flexible control and signal cable. This industrial-grade multi-conductor cable is ideal for use in machines and machine tools, plant cabling, HVAC technology, assembly/production lines, process instrumentation, and industrial controls. These cables are 300V rated and are third-party evaluated by ECOLAB for resistance to…
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Metrol Precision Limit Switches from AutomationDirect

September 25, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added a variety of new Metrol limit switches to their growing lineup of precision limit switches. These ultra-precise mechanical limit switches have a repeatability down to 0.5 microns (µm) and are some of the smallest switches/sensors available. Their tiny size allows them to be mounted in extremely tight locations….
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RHINO PSE-S Series Encapsulated Chassis Mount Power Supplies from AutomationDirect

September 25, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added the RHINO PSE-S series power supplies which are fully encapsulated in ultra-compact, low-profile housings and ideal for space-limited applications. These cost-effective power supplies offer a wide input voltage range, up to 89% efficiency, and are available in 5, 12, 15, and 24 VDC output voltage options with up…