Industry Supports Rocket Science
AutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 53, 2024Notebook IssueStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

Industry Supports Rocket Science

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,…
What is an Encoder?
Discrete SensingIssue 53, 2024Motion ControlNotebook IssueProcess Sensing & ControlProduct

What is an Encoder?

For determining the precise motion of industrial machinery and equipment elements, or servo motors, encoders provide a high-performance solution—but only if they are specified properly. By Joe Kimbrell, AutomationDirect Mechanical movement generated on automated machinery and equipment almost always needs to be monitored by sensors to provide a robust motion control solution. This is especially…
Brainteasers - Issue 53, 2024
Issue 53, 2024Notebook Issue

Brainteasers - Issue 53, 2024

Truffle Kerfuffle The factory’s robotic truffle picker is making gift boxes with a single row of seven unique types of truffles. The assortment includes three white chocolate truffles, while the other four are milk or dark chocolate. The placement of the seven truffles in the row is completely random.  What are the odds that a…
Turning Up the Heat on a Balky Boiler
Application StoriesHMIOperator InterfacePLCProductProgrammable Control

Turning Up the Heat on a Balky Boiler

Applying commercial off-the-shelf automation products can provide the most capable and supportable solution for end users trapped with underperforming automation systems, as with this application. By: Aaron Stahl and Edward Stahl, Spring Valley Electric Worldwide, there are countless examples of businesses forced to work inefficiently because they are using equipment which is automated by systems…
AchieVe FDM Series 12mm Tubular Photoelectric Sensors from AutomationDirect
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AchieVe FDM Series 12mm Tubular Photoelectric Sensors from AutomationDirect

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…
Bondhus Hex and Torx Tools Sets from AutomationDirect
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Bondhus Hex and Torx Tools Sets from AutomationDirect

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…
Supplier Profile: Plymouth Rubber
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Supplier Profile: Plymouth Rubber

With more than 100 years of experience developing, manufacturing and selling electrical insulation solutions, Plymouth Rubber knows quality is key to continuous success for its business and its customers. With this in mind, the company has a dual focus on delivering products that offer both high-efficiency and durability to reduce costs, while improving the longevity…
Schmersal 250 Series Heavy-Duty Limit Switches from AutomationDirect
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Schmersal 250 Series Heavy-Duty Limit Switches from AutomationDirect

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…
LS Electric XMC EtherCAT© Motion Controllers and EtherCAT Bus Coupler from AutomationDirect
Issue 53, 2024NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesPress Releases

LS Electric XMC EtherCAT© Motion Controllers and EtherCAT Bus Coupler from AutomationDirect

October 30, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added the powerful LS Electric XMC motion controller to provide full EtherCAT master motion control. With a blindingly fast processor (scan times as low as 5ns) and built-in support for 8 or 16 axes of EtherCAT-based motion control (depending on the model), the XMC controller can handle virtually any…
Additional Murrelektronik Field Wireable Connector Options from AutomationDirect
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Additional Murrelektronik Field Wireable Connector Options from AutomationDirect

October 23, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added M12 field wireable connectors with additional cable size options from Murrelektronik. New 5-pin A-coded connectors are available for 4-8mm/26-18 AWG cable sizes, in axial or 90° male or female connector styles. New D-coded connectors offer 4-pin configurations for 4-8mm/26-18 AWG cable sizes, in axial or 90° male connector…