Big Rig Custom Shop Accelerates Automation into the Passing Lane
Application StoriesIssue 52, 2024Notebook IssuePLC

Big Rig Custom Shop Accelerates Automation into the Passing Lane

Modern PLCs and HMIs have empowered a big rig customization shop to create increasingly sophisticated automated lighting effects for their customers. Byline: Dustin Dickerson, Dickerson Custom Trucks “Less is more” and “function over form” are phrases often associated with the design of objects—anything from office supplies up to buildings or larger—to promote a concept of…
DC Power Supplies: Fundamental Components for Industrial Automation Systems
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DC Power Supplies: Fundamental Components for Industrial Automation Systems

What is a Power Supply? Industrial power supplies are an integral part of manufacturing and automation. They convert AC power to reliable DC power for a wide range of equipment, such as PLCs, HMIs, relays, sensors, actuators, and drives.  By ensuring a consistent, clean DC power source, these power supplies significantly enhance the performance, reliability,…
The Benefits of High-Performance Power Supplies
Electrical PowerProduct

The Benefits of High-Performance Power Supplies

The decision to purchase a high-performance power supply is often a balancing act between upfront costs and long-term benefits. While standard power supplies may be sufficient for basic operations, high-performance models offer a range of advanced features designed to enhance efficiency, reliability, and overall system performance. While the initial expense may be higher, it is…
NITRA Nickel-Plated Brass PTC Fittings from AutomationDirect
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NITRA Nickel-Plated Brass PTC Fittings from AutomationDirect

August 7, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added a variety of new NITRA push-to-connect fittings. These fittings feature durable nickel-plated brass bodies, threads, and release sleeves. They have a maximum pressure rating of 300 psi and can withstand temperatures up to 175℉. Numerous fitting styles have been added, including male straight fittings, male elbows, branch tees,…
Supplier Profile: Epson LabelWorks
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Supplier Profile: Epson LabelWorks

When it comes to industrial labeling, precision is important. Misplaced, peeling or torn barcode labels can make them unreadable to scanners, while poor ink quality can make them unreadable to the human eye. Inconsistent coloring can also jeopardize brand recognition. Operating amidst the rigors of an industrial environment, durability is critical, as well. The portable…
Issue 52, 2024
Automation NotebookLearning Resources

Issue 52, 2024

AutomationDirect has a long history of providing high quality industrial automation technology at affordable prices through the convenience of e-commerce. But their company is not just an online catalog retailer of controllers, HMIs, components, instrumentation, wiring solutions, and the like. The AutomationDirect websiteprovides a resource for engineers, offering product comparisons, training, technical support, system integration…
Zero Trust — Your Best Industrial Cybersecurity Defense
Issue 52, 2024Notebook Issue

Zero Trust — Your Best Industrial Cybersecurity Defense

Protecting control systems from bad actors requires a holistic approach that includes technology, standards, and most importantly, a “never trust, always verify” attitude. By Tim Wheeler, Cybersecurity Manager, Automation Direct Industrial enterprises worldwide face ever greater numbers of cyberthreats, especially from malware and ransomware. According to global data and business intelligence platform Statista, last year,…
The Evolution of the Human Machine Interface
Issue 52, 2024Notebook IssueOperator InterfaceProduct

The Evolution of the Human Machine Interface

From high resolution graphics to more interconnectivity and mobility, the HMI has become instrumental to plant productivity. Around 40 years ago, operator interfaces on the factory floor consisted of manual push buttons, switches, and dials. More sophisticated versions might incorporate a few indicator lights that could flash or change color to communicate alerts sent by…