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)…
December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Advantech serial-to-Ethernet Modbus gateways allowing connections of isolated serial devices to the Internet for centralized machine communication management. Advantech Modbus gateways provide easy integration of Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII networks and offer two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for LAN redundancy. These gateways can be set up and…
December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Soliphant vibration rod level switches to detect fine- or coarse-grained, non-fluidized bulk solids in silos, hoppers, and bins. They can even detect solids underwater, such as sediment buildup in a tank. These robust switches are insensitive to buildup, providing maintenance-free operation and easy setup with no calibration required….
December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more Captron capacitive pushbuttons that utilize touch control and are activated without pressure when a hand or body part nears the device’s surface. They feature a robust IP69K design, wear-free operation, resistance to water, oil, and harsh environments, and are available in various mounting/operator sizes. Caneo Series10 additions…
December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added four new series of Lika Electronic rotary encoders each with unique features or applications. Linear measuring wheel encoders are also now available. The new A41 series are compact (41mm diameter body) medium duty encoders with hollow or solid shafts and resolutions from 100 to 3600 PPR. A50 series…
December 11, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Teknokol Eco series HMI enclosures and suspension arm systems which are designed to work together to provide customized, adjustable HMI panels using a selection of components and cut-to-length arm profiles. These suspension systems allow the HMI to be relocated as needed for better HMI visibility and operator comfort. …
December 11, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Murrelektronik Premium EtherCAT IO-Link master modules to their IO-Link product lineup. IO-Link masters provide standardized, point-to-point connections between smart devices and controllers. IO-Link functions similarly to traditional field I/O but adds the capability to collect diagnostic and operational data from IO-Link capable devices, helping pinpoint potential problems or…
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are a crucial component in industrial automation, providing precise control over a motor’s speed and torque. Numerous built-in protections and fault indications are provided with modern VFDs, including the commonly seen DC Bus Overvoltage Fault. This fault has several possible causes and this whitepaper explores each one, offering solutions to ensure…
December 4, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more ACCU-Torq motors from Nidec U.S. Motors. The ACCU-Torq motors are high-performance inverter duty motors and are an excellent cost-effective solution for applications that require 100% torque down to zero speed. They are available in 230/460 VAC and are now offered in sizes up to 20 hp at…