A better understanding of mechanical limit switches will help when applying these versatile devices in a variety of industrial applications. What is a Limit Switch? Mechanical limit switches are a common presence or position sensing device used in industrial automation systems. Typically, these switches are electromechanically operated, so they activate when an object makes physical…
The line between programmable relays and micro PLCs has moved to a much lower price point over the last few years, making a micro PLC a better option for controlling many small to medium size machines. Micro PLCs are no more expensive nor difficult to use than programmable relays in these applications, and the required…
Picking the right hardware is critical, but make sure to include the controller programming software in the evaluation process as it will determine ease of use. When selecting a controller for factory automation, it’s not just about whether a PLC, PAC or PC should be used. It’s also about defining the requirements for the application,…
As with any engineering decision, it’s always best to put it on paper first to see the “big picture”. The same holds true when choosing the most effective PLC for your application. This choice depends on a number of factors and the following steps serve as a checklist of things to consider when determining PLC…
With the release of the Productivity1000, the newest and smallest of the Productivity Series controllers, we now have a scalable product offering that gives you the flexibility to design your control system program for a broad range of applications and sizes, without sacrificing functionality. The Productivity1000 (P1000) is a compact, stackable micro Programmable Logic Controller…
AutomationDirect’s BRX Programmable Logic Controller has been named as the Silver Award Winner in the Automation & Controls category for Plant Engineering’s Product of the Year. Check out the winning BRX PLC here. A Silver Award Winner trophy was presented to AutomationDirect for its winning BRX product at the 2018 Engineering Awards in Manufacturing dinner…
Think your work day starts early? Bet your start time is later than the AutomationDirect Logistics Team! On any given weekday when most people are just waking up, members of the Logistics Team have been hard at work since 4 a.m. getting prepared to fill the day’s orders. That’s when the team’s replenish group begins…
KCC Software fuels the safe and reliable upgrade of a highly flammable, corrosive and toxic gas distribution system for semiconductor tools. A semiconductor manufacturer of memory and drive head technologies, Headway Technologies in Milpitas, California is a part of the TDK group of companies, the largest independent recording head supplier in the disk drive industry….
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Let’s Ride the Roller Coaster! - An AutomationDirect Case Study
Manny Salazar, the Manager at Automated Integration LLC, wrote an article titled Roller Coaster Overhaul for the April 2018 issue of Automation World. The article told the story on how Automated Integration replaced an old PLC, a bunch of relays and what seemed like miles of wire when upgrading the control and safety system on…
The desire for remote access to plant floor PLCs, HMIs and other automation components is becoming a must-have feature for many manufacturing facilities and machine builders. For many applications, providing the desired level of cybersecurity requires more than just a router, namely a VPN. Jonathan Griffith, Product Manager, Industrial Communications & Power Supplies at AutomationDirect,…