Industrial Automation News for the Next Generation
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Recent Posts
December 4, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more ACCU-Torq motors from Nidec U.S. Motors. The ACCU-Torq motors are high-performance inverter duty motors and are an excellent cost-effective solution for applications that require 100% torque down to zero speed. They are available in 230/460 VAC and are now offered in sizes up to 20 hp at…
Everyone knows that motors are the workhorses of industry. They move machinery, fans, pumps, compressors, conveyors, elevators, etc. How are they controlled? The simple way is by using across-the-line control and turning them on and off. This works great in most cases, but what if you need to vary the speed of the motor? Control…
Welcome to the fall issue of AutomationDirect’s NOTEBOOK, your guide to practical products, technologies, and applications! This fall season has been difficult for many of us in the direct path of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Our thoughts are with everyone personally impacted. From a business standpoint, AutomationDirect is paying close attention to the supply chain…
Process-enabled motion controllers and motion-enabled PLCs give OEMs the flexibility to optimize design and performance. By: Kevin McClelion and Joe Scoccimaro, AutomationDirect There was a time when designing machines that included motion control followed a standard architecture. The PLC handled basic machine control and a dedicated motion controller managed the motion axes. Today, the trend…
Application StoriesDistribution/LogisticsHMIIndustryOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable Control
Automating a Luxury Bus
Industrial automation products are useful for much more than traditional applications, as PLCs and HMIs can be used in all sorts of unique commercial markets. Byline: Mark McHenry, Systems & Controls Other than being large and generally rectangular-shaped, a modern custom bus—the type frequented by touring music stars, mobile multi-millionaires, and campaigning politicians—bears little resemblance…
The EtherCAT protocol is a high-performance and cost-effective Ethernet networking technology, providing a versatile solution when EtherNet/IP and PROFINET simply aren’t fast enough. By Joe Kimbrell, AutomationDirect Ethernet rapidly expanded into and throughout commercial information technology (IT) networking connectivity environments beginning in the 1980s, and it has experienced rapid performance advancements and adoption since then…
By Chip McDaniel, Automation Expert & Education Specialist, AutomationDirect Human resources departments call the phenomenon the “grey tsunami.” They’re referencing an historic U.S. retirement surge of 4.1 million Americans a year. Manufacturing, in particular, is taking a big hit as industrial engineers, equipment operators, maintenance and repair technicians, plant managers, and others in supporting roles…
The SIDirect program connects end users of all sizes with systems integrators ready to support their automation needs, spanning a variety of technologies and processes. By: Jeff Payne, AutomationDirect Every manufacturing business must make choices about supporting their machines, production processes, and personnel. Careful application of the right automation technologies and skillsets in each of…
Industrial-grade products provide a path for this student organization to develop a space-capable rocket. Byline: Oleg Khalimonov, Space Concordia Many are familiar with the phrase “it isn’t rocket science.” But today more than ever, sometimes it is rocket science. SpaceX and other organizations have made rocket launches and space exploration commercially viable and almost commonplace,…
Press Releases
December 4, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added high quality Helukabel unshielded “extra hard use” 600V SOOW and 300V SJOOW portable cord. Portable cord (also called service cord) is cable with multiple conductors used for electrical power connections that are not intended to be permanent. Applications for these cables often involve portable equipment such as power tools…
November 20, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Schneider Electric Easy TeSys series manual motor protectors, contactors, thermal overload relays, and accessories to their lineup of motor control products. Schneider Electric Easy TeSys series IEC manual motor protectors are compact, easy to use, and cover the functions of disconnect, controller, thermal overload relay, and branch circuit…
November 20, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added FTG enclosed-style power distribution and terminal blocks to provide a convenient central location to connect several wires and distribute power from a single source to multiple loads. The enclosed power distribution blocks feature a modular design for easy multi-pole assembly and an IP20 finger-safe protection rating. They are…
November 13, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added AchieVe FDM series 12mm tubular photoelectric sensors that offer a rugged metal construction, high IP67 protection ratings, and sensing distances up to 4 meters. These photoelectric sensors feature selectable light-on/dark-on operation, a 10 to 30 VDC operating voltage range, potentiometer or teach-in button sensitivity adjustment, and a fast 1kHz…
November 6, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Bondhus hex and Torx tools, which are precision machined in the USA with a proprietary high-torque steel for reliable, long-lasting service life. Hex-end L-key sets have chamfered tool tips to eliminate burrs and provide a proper seat. Ball-end L-key sets insert at a 25° angle, allowing for superior…
October 30, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added new Schmersal 250 series heavy-duty limit switches featuring rugged cast iron housings for the harshest environments. The selection includes models with side rotary levers with metal or plastic rollers, metal belt alignment rollers, and high-temperature models with metal rollers. The belt alignment switches prevent costly equipment damage by…