Industrial Automation News for the Next Generation
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Recent Posts
By: Joshua Draa and Larry Reynolds, Automation Direct Safety is an essential aspect of machine design and operation, protecting personnel, guarding against equipment damage, and maximizing productivity. The purpose of a safety system is to bring a machine to a known safe state as quickly as possible after a safety sensor detects a hazardous condition…
Crafting agricultural education experiences that are also fun is a specialty requiring a mix of creativity and technology. Byline: Justin Hiemstra, Heemer Crafted Capturing the interest of a young person today can be a tough task, especially considering the proliferation of mobile devices and the obsession with screen time. However, there are still important opportunities…
The right mix of automation elements is crucial for creating a consistent process yielding high-quality donuts and baked goods. By Roger Dyer, Mel-O-Cream Donuts International Mel-O-Cream, a commercial bakery in Springfield, IL, has been baking and perfecting donuts since 1932. From measuring precise ingredient amounts and maintaining a consistent mixing process, to ensuring uniform dough…
Unshackling Industrial Data Access Modern consumers are increasingly familiar with tailored experiences, abundant information, and generally getting things “their way.” Those working in the industrial manufacturing and automation sectors, on the other hand, have not always enjoyed such flexibility. Fortunately, hardware and software advancements mean that access to valuable industrial sourced data is easier, more…
At the London International Exhibition in 1862, Alexander Parkes introduced the world’s first man-made plastic. His creation launched the beginning of the plastics industry, which would grow exponentially during the next 100 years to serve both manufacturers and consumers in many ways. In 1965, Horst Wieder founded CITO Products, Inc. as a toolmaking, machining, and…
Build Better Machines Faster Using Today’s Enhanced Motion Controllers and PLCs High-performance servo motion is now more affordable and accessible than ever due to integrated controllers, making the technology viable even for applications which could not formerly support the cost or complexity of traditional implementations. Learn more The Master Controller of Motors Everyone knows that…
This award, sponsored by AutomationDirect, celebrates the art of digital animation and its close relationship to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). The 2025 Digital Animation Award is offered to help encourage students to cultivate skills in design and creation of animation including, but not limited to, storytelling, creativity, use of computer software, and…
Modern PLCs and HMIs make it easy to implement extensive data connectivity and analytics. By: Damon Purvis, AutomationDirect Modern consumers are increasingly familiar with tailored experiences, abundant information, and generally getting things “their way.” Those working in the industrial manufacturing and automation sectors, on the other hand, have not always enjoyed such flexibility. Fortunately, hardware…
Applying the right barcode, RFID, and vision technologies addresses the increasing demand for data-driven manufacturing, improved quality control, and compliance with track-and-trace requirements. By Larry Reynolds, AutomationDirect Automation systems routinely use a variety of sensors to detect the position, motion, weight, and many other physical characteristics of products and other targets. This type of monitoring…
Press Releases
February 12, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added BLOCK CT and USTE series open core control transformers to provide a flexible solution for stepping down a wide range of voltages from 208 to 600 VAC. The BLOCK CT series is made in the USA and offers a rugged design specifically engineered for isolation, lighting, or signaling…
February 12, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Murrplastik MP10 series cable/hose drag chains and chain brackets to their growing selection of wire and cable management products. Drag chains route cables/hoses to moving components and help to extend cable/hose life, provide protection for personnel, and reduce equipment downtime and repair costs. The MP10 series is built…
February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added WAGO splicing connectors to their selection of wiring solutions. The 221 series LEVER-NUTS® are equipped with WAGO’s CAGE CLAMP® spring technology, allowing quick and easy connection of all conductor types of different cross sections using two-, three-, and five-wire connectors without soldering or using tools. The 221 series…
February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added general-purpose WEG CFW320 AC drives and full-featured SSW900 soft starters. The CFW320 series VFDs offer all the features of the existing CFW300, including a compact size, a built-in operator interface (HMI), and an embedded SoftPLC, but provide support for 460 VAC and Ethernet communications. These drives support 230 VAC 3-phase…
February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added more Murrplastik frames and grommets to their current offering of cable entry systems. Cable entry frames used in conjunction with the required grommets provide easy cable installation through an enclosure and strain relief while maintaining environmental ratings. This expansion adds more frame sizes to our existing KDL/D and…
January 29, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Gladiator GPB1 and GPB2 series enclosed-style terminal blocks to provide a safe and reliable way to connect multiple electrical circuits to a single power source. The GPB1 series terminal blocks are ultra-compact, offering time-saving multiple wire connection options for a variety of control panel applications. Push-in spring connections…