Industrial Automation News for the Next Generation
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Recent Posts
Anyone who has ever observed a modern factory in action, whether in person or perhaps via an episode of the “How It’s Made” documentary television series, is aware of just how impressive machine automation can be. This is especially the case when witnessing robotic arms and other machine motion control, as mechanical apparatus and payloads…
This home-built robot was created with industrial-grade automation technologies, providing a unique platform for learning career-enhancing skills. Inspired by science fiction movies featuring robots like R2-D2 and WALL-E, Justin Flynn, a controls engineer, embarked on a journey to build a personal animatronic robot named Hubert Evolution 2 (HEV2), reminiscent of Johnny 5 from the 1986…
Application StoriesHMIMotion ControlOperator InterfacePLCPneumaticsProductProgrammable ControlSafety
Automated Robotic Welding Cuts Production Time by Over 90%
A manufacturing company teamed up with a systems integration firm to significantly accelerate an infrastructure project by integrating a robotic welder with precision motion control, intelligent safety systems, and other advanced automation components. Tasked with producing over three miles of steel fencing in just 90 weeks, a leading steel fabrication company knew it needed to…
New Product Giveaway – CHANNELLOCK! Enter your info for a chance to win some of our newest products. This giveaway includes (2) 9.5-in. pliers, (2) 6.5- in. pliers and (2) 6-in. wire strippers. You will also be entered to win 1 of 5 drill bit sets. Contest is open for approximately 3 weeks after the…
Pilot devices are essential operator interface components for most automated equipment and processes. As the industrial age dawned, machinery and equipment were controlled manually by operators pulling levers, turning hand cranks, and making similar actions and adjustments as they saw fit. Industry 1.0 was powered by water and steam, 2.0 relied on electricity and added…
I remember physical education from elementary school back in the 1980s. Phys ed was always a treat as I got to get out of our regular classes and do something besides sit in a classroom. It was almost as if I had a bonus recess that day. Now, that was until third grade when my…
Solving Frequency Signal Conditioner Challenges Frequency signal conditioners—designed to handle high-frequency pulse signals from sensors and convert them into other useful automation signals—are an important industrial automation design component for both new and retrofit applications. High-frequency pulses may be generated from a proximity sensor associated with a spinning sprocket, between digital motion control systems requiring…
Because industrial automation systems often remain in service for decades, it is important to select a hardware/software supplier and integration specialist familiar with performing incremental updates as needed. By: Randy Ames, Ames Electrical Consulting, Inc. Repair or replace: a conundrum familiar to owners of appliances, consumer electronics, cars, homes, and also industrial processing facilities. For…
When you hop on a thrilling amusement park roller coaster, Ferris wheel, or pendulum ride, you probably don’t think about what makes it stop when it’s time to do so. More likely, you are relieved to finally get on the ride after standing in a long line! And chances are good that you don’t wonder…
Press Releases
July 16, 2025-A new CPU has been released for the Productivity3000 PLC line. The P3-622 CPU has all the functionality and many features of the P3-550E CPU including up to 50MB ladder memory, embedded LCD status display, and USB data logging. In addition, this new CPU has dual software-configurable serial ports (RJ12 and 4-pin) that…
July 16, 2025-AutomationDirect has added a pre-cut DINnector steel DIN rail, available in lengths ranging from 50mm to 600mm, which helps eliminate the risk to personnel and saves time spent on cutting and drilling products with sharp edges and blades. Pre-cut DIN rail is also deburred for safety and to prevent damage to cables and…
July 16, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added the Murrplastik MP3000 series cable/hose drag chains, which are constructed from rugged polyamide (PA) and are available in various sizes, supporting cables up to 15mm in diameter. Drag chains route cables/hoses to moving components while keeping them organized and protected. They help extend cable and hose life, provide…
July 9, 2025- AutomationDirect has added MK Morse bi-metal hole saws, which are a cost-effective, high-performance solution for various cutting tasks. These saws feature a patented tooth set design that enables faster hole cutting. For tougher materials, carbide-tipped hole cutters deliver clean, efficient cuts in stainless steel, aluminum, pipe, conduit, and composites, ensuring long-lasting use….
June 25, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser iTHERM and iTEMP series temperature transmitters that offer precise and reliable temperature measurements with easy integration, a rugged design, flexible configurations, and IO-Link or HART communication options. Endress+Hauser’s TM311 iTHERM CompactLine integrates an RTD and transmitter in a stainless steel housing, featuring an adjustable temperature range within…
June 26th, 2025- AutomationDirect has added LUTZE® SILFLEX FBP VFD cable that provides the ultimate solution for the cabling challenges faced by today’s food and beverage machine builders and processing companies. Phthalate-, talc-, and silicone-free cables reduce contamination risk and provide resistance to oils and fats that are common to food processing. SILFLEX FBP flexible…