Cultivating Curiosity with Automated Edu-tainment
AutomationDirect SpotlightIssue 54 - 2025Notebook IssueStudent SpotlightStudent Spotlight

Cultivating Curiosity with Automated Edu-tainment

Crafting agricultural education experiences that are also fun is a specialty requiring a mix of creativity and technology. Byline: Justin Hiemstra, Heemer Crafted Capturing the interest of a young person today can be a tough task, especially considering the proliferation of mobile devices and the obsession with screen time. However, there are still important opportunities…
Recipe for Success: Automation Proves to Be a Key Ingredient
Application StoriesFood and BeverageHMIIndustryIssue 54 - 2025Operator InterfaceProduct

Recipe for Success: Automation Proves to Be a Key Ingredient

The right mix of automation elements is crucial for creating a consistent process yielding high-quality donuts and baked goods. By Roger Dyer, Mel-O-Cream Donuts International Mel-O-Cream, a commercial bakery in Springfield, IL, has been baking and perfecting donuts since 1932. From measuring precise ingredient amounts and maintaining a consistent mixing process, to ensuring uniform dough…
BrainTeasers - Issue 54, 2025
Issue 54 - 2025Notebook Issue

BrainTeasers - Issue 54, 2025

Application Complication The programmer for the gasket applicator robot at the puzzle factory noticed that there were a number of different tool paths that could be used to program the gasket path required for a new mechanical puzzle.  The complete pattern is shown below.  He must apply the gasket in a continuous bead along all…
Supplier Profile: CITO Products, Inc.
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Supplier Profile: CITO Products, Inc.

At the London International Exhibition in 1862, Alexander Parkes introduced the world’s first man-made plastic. His creation launched the beginning of the plastics industry, which would grow exponentially during the next 100 years to serve both manufacturers and consumers in many ways. In 1965, Horst Wieder founded CITO Products, Inc. as a toolmaking, machining, and…
Additional Murrplastik Cable / Hose Drag Energy Chains and Accessories from AutomationDirect
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Additional Murrplastik Cable / Hose Drag Energy Chains and Accessories from AutomationDirect

February 12, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Murrplastik MP10 series cable/hose drag chains and chain brackets to their growing selection of wire and cable management products. Drag chains route cables/hoses to moving components and help to extend cable/hose life, provide protection for personnel, and reduce equipment downtime and repair costs. The MP10 series is built…
WAGO Lever Nuts from AutomationDirect
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WAGO Lever Nuts from AutomationDirect

February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added WAGO splicing connectors to their selection of wiring solutions. The 221 series LEVER-NUTS® are equipped with WAGO’s CAGE CLAMP® spring technology, allowing quick and easy connection of all conductor types of different cross sections using two-, three-, and five-wire connectors without soldering or using tools. The 221 series…
WEG CFW320 AC VFDs and SSW900 Soft Starters from AutomationDirect
Issue 55, 2025NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesPress Releases

WEG CFW320 AC VFDs and SSW900 Soft Starters from AutomationDirect

February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added general-purpose WEG CFW320 AC drives and full-featured SSW900 soft starters. The CFW320 series VFDs offer all the features of the existing CFW300, including a compact size, a built-in operator interface (HMI), and an embedded SoftPLC, but provide support for 460 VAC and Ethernet communications. These drives support 230 VAC 3-phase…
Additional Murrplastik Cable Entry Frames and Grommets from AutomationDirect
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Additional Murrplastik Cable Entry Frames and Grommets from AutomationDirect

February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added more Murrplastik frames and grommets to their current offering of cable entry systems. Cable entry frames used in conjunction with the required grommets provide easy cable installation through an enclosure and strain relief while maintaining environmental ratings. This expansion adds more frame sizes to our existing KDL/D and…
Gladiator GPB1 and GPB2 Enclosed Style Terminal Blocks from AutomationDirect
Issue 55, 2025NewsNotebook IssuePress ReleasesPress Releases

Gladiator GPB1 and GPB2 Enclosed Style Terminal Blocks from AutomationDirect

January 29, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Gladiator GPB1 and GPB2 series enclosed-style terminal blocks to provide a safe and reliable way to connect multiple electrical circuits to a single power source. The GPB1 series terminal blocks are ultra-compact, offering time-saving multiple wire connection options for a variety of control panel applications. Push-in spring connections…