January 29, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added additional Zener barriers from STAHL to isolate various control signal types from hazardous environments. For automated systems installed in potentially explosive atmospheres (ex., oil and gas production), extra precautions must be taken to ensure the electrical circuits do not become ignition sources. Properly grounded Zener barriers isolate the…
January 22, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added configurable and programmable safety relays from Schmersal. Many safety systems require more than one specialty safety relay but do not justify the need for a safety controller. Schmersal PROTECT SRB-E configurable relays are easy to set up and reduce the number of safety relays required for a machine…
January 22, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Dold VARIMETER series voltage and phase monitoring relays to safeguard electrical equipment and prevent costly downtime by evaluating voltage levels and phase sequences. These relays provide early detection and response to abnormalities such as undervoltage, overvoltage, phase loss, phase reversal, and phase imbalance. The VARIMETER series monitoring relays…
January 22, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added seven new sizes of PBC linear guide tracks with slides in lengths up to 2000mm. The guide tracks are ceramic-coated 6061-T6 aluminum, paired with a self-lubricating slide. The slides have a proprietary PTFE (FrelonGOLD®) plain bearing bonded to the mating surface. These guide tracks and slides are rated…
Modern PLCs and HMIs make it easy to implement extensive data connectivity and analytics. By: Damon Purvis, AutomationDirect Modern consumers are increasingly familiar with tailored experiences, abundant information, and generally getting things “their way.” Those working in the industrial manufacturing and automation sectors, on the other hand, have not always enjoyed such flexibility. Fortunately, hardware…
January 15, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added ProSense FLG series detecting light grids that offer a cost-effective solution for object detection and feature a simple setup with no programming required. They have no dead zone on the full detection height and are perfect for a variety of applications, such as material handling, counting, and warehousing….
January 15, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Southwire flexible metal conduit to their growing selection of electrical conduit and wiring solutions. Southwire’s Alflex™ type RWA (Reduced Wall Aluminum) and Galflex™ type RWS (Reduced Wall Steel) conduits are built using a metal strip that is helically formed into a continuously interlocked flexible metal conduit which can…
January 15, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Penn-Union compression lugs to provide a secure method of terminating electrical cables, especially high-power or large-diameter cables, to electrical equipment. Unlike mechanical lugs, that are screwed/clamped in place, these connectors are crimped onto the cable using the appropriate crimping tool for a permanent installation. These connectors are rated…
Applying the right barcode, RFID, and vision technologies addresses the increasing demand for data-driven manufacturing, improved quality control, and compliance with track-and-trace requirements. By Larry Reynolds, AutomationDirect Automation systems routinely use a variety of sensors to detect the position, motion, weight, and many other physical characteristics of products and other targets. This type of monitoring…
Servo motors and drives use feedback to provide accurate position, speed, and acceleration control, making them ideal for demanding machinery and robotics applications. By Chip McDaniel, AutomationDirect Servo motor systems are a high-performance motion control technology, able to execute complex motion profiles while delivering high torque output, beyond the capabilities of typical direct current (DC)…