With more than 2,000 new industrial products published across the pages of New Equipment Digest in 2016, the editors and advisors selected the most “disruptive, industry-shifting innovations” they could find. Travis Hessman, Editor-In-Chief, and the team then asked the readers to vote for their choice. With more than 20,000 votes cast, the winners included the…
The maintenance department at Blank Park Zoo (www.blankparkzoo.com) in Des Moines, Iowa was looking for a cost-effective way to keep their train running safely. The train ride is part of the 49-acre park which includes almost 1500 animal specimens.
For well over 30 years, variable frequency drives (VFD) have been controlling the speed of three-phase alternating-current (AC) induction motors. In addition to saving energy, there are many things to consider for maximum efficiency, control, operation and motor life when using VFDs.
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Automating Hazardous Gas Delivery
When a highly flammable, toxic and corrosive gas delivery system for semiconductor production tools became unreliable, Headway Technologies contracted with system integrator KCC Software for the needed upgrades. KCC Software’s experience and expertise led to the successful replacement of a failing automation system with a new automatic gas control (AGC) system.
It is often difficult to find internal resources to complete an industrial automation project. There are many reasons, such as time limitations and other constraints, so the solution often involves the use of external resources from a system integrator (SI). There are many decisions and requirements to consider when selecting a system integrator, and the…
It’s 5AM and you slowly realize the all too familiar sound of your alarm clock yelling at you to get out of bed. It’s Monday morning, time to throw on something you’ll realize later you forgot to iron, swallow some coffee and jump into the car for your long commute to the office. There are…
AutomationDirect considers itself a strong community partner, and one of our favorite community activities is sponsoring after school competition robotics programs. Why? Because it does such a great job of getting young minds engaged in learning. Attitudes change from “Why do I have to learn this science and math stuff?” to “Oh! I need to…
What may seem to be a simple task of selecting a soft starter for your motor may be a more demanding task than first meets the eye. “I just need to know the HP and Voltage to pick the correct one, isn’t that right?”
Sensors and transmitters convert a variety of physical properties into discrete and analog signals for use by automation controllers. AutomationDirect offers an assortment of these devices for use in the design and operation of machines and processes to create reliable, robust and consistent automation. It may only take a small change in a physical property…
Locking tongue operated safety interlock switches provide a tamper-resistant actuator mechanism for sliding or lift-off machine guards, as well as a method for locking the guards in place. They also provide robust position interlock detection and locking for moving guards. Safety switches offer positively operated switching contacts for maximum reliability.