New electric motors with multiple ratings simplify selection and use. Bryan Sisler, Product Manager for Drives and Motors at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the February 2020 issue of Machine Design titled Newer Motor Designs Combine Functionality. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. A “one-size-fits-all” approach might be acceptable…
By Chip McDaniel, AutomationDirect Robotic Shuffle The puzzle factory has a grid of 49 robotic work cells, but only 10 robots are currently installed as shown in the illustration below. One morning the eccentric factory owner declares that three (and only 3) of the robots should be moved to new work cells, such that the…
AutomationDirect is offering $0.00 cut charges and free same-day shipping on orders over a small minimum to demonstrate the benefits of cut-to-length cable adoption by OEMs, end users, and system integrators. Jim Krebs, Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the December 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled How to Specify Cut-To-Length Cable….
Relax, Reflect, Rejuvenate! Many of us take time off during this holiday season, but do we spend it wisely? Hopefully, on balance, we spend more time relaxing and enjoying our families, friends and faith, than running around or surfing to the next big sale for things we might use a few times and then forget….
Automation methods used in a distillery are adapted for use in the fermentation process at a brewhouse. By: Avi Aisenberg, CEO and Proprietor at South Florida Distillers South Florida Distillers is the oldest distillery in the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company is now branching out into the design business by working with 26°…
Generators efficiently convert low-grade waste heat from diesel generators into power. Joe Thibedeau, a control systems engineer with ElectraTherm, wrote an article for the November 2019 issue of Power titled Innovative Technology Captures Energy from Waste Heat. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for the full text. Dutch Harbor power plant in the…
Pneumatic components can incorporate analog electronic controls and sensors to improve operations. Winn Paulk, automation controls group product manager at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the November 2019 issue of Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine, titled Integrating Analog Controls into Pneumatic Systems. See below for a summary or click on the link above for the full…
Cloud technologies enable remote connectivity for industrial applications, but can introduce issues unless built from the ground up with cybersecurity in mind. Jonathan Griffith, product manager for Industrial Communications & Power Supplies at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the November 2019 issue of Control Engineering titled Secure Remote Connections with Cloud Technologies. Here’s a summary,…
Basic position sensing concepts take on added importance for precision applications because new issues must be considered. Andrew Waugh, Product Manager for Sensor and Safety products at AutomationDirect, authored an article for the Nov 2019 issue of Design World titled When Precision Sensing Solutions are Critical. Here’s a summary, click on the link above for…
Pneumatic grippers are a common and useful way for machines to handle product and other items, but they must be properly selected to match the payload. Pat Phillips, PE, product manager for fluid power and mechanical products at AutomationDirect, wrote an article for the October 2019 issue of Fluid Power World titled Getting a Grip…