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Simplified Motion Control High-performance servo motion is now more affordable and accessible than ever due to integrated controllers, making the technology viable even for applications which could not formerly support the cost or complexity of traditional implementations. Learn more Turning Up the Heat on a Balky Boiler Applying commercial off-the-shelf automation products can provide the…
3-Axis Motion Made Simple in 3 Ways using CLICK PLUS PLCs | White Paper AutomationDirect CLICK PLUS PLCs, when combined with stepper motors, make advanced motion control and edge integration simple for smaller systems. Electric motors provide the motive force for many types of machinery and equipment. Sometimes standard AC and DC motors are operated…
Early fault detection and simple plug-and-play field replacements In addition to the large amount of process data available cyclically, faults can be identified easily through diagnostic information messages. This includes device faults, such as memory or processor failures, or process faults like empty pipe detection. Comprehensive diagnostics reporting increases overall system reliability and boosts customer…
Big Rig Custom Shop Accelerates Automation into the Passing Lane “Less is more” and “function over form” are phrases often associated with the design of objects—anything from office supplies up to buildings or larger—to promote a concept of simplicity, clarity, and essential purpose. However, there are plenty of cases where most people would agree that…
Options for Open Industrial Programming Industrial automation designers now have a variety of ways to incorporate an open programming approach for their projects. Although industrial-grade digital technologies have been available for over five decades, much of that time the hardware and software has been specialized and even proprietary. This is at odds with a large…
Starting Digital Transformation from the Edge While many operations personnel at production and manufacturing companies are aware that their automated equipment can be a source of valuable data for analytics and other purposes, far fewer companies are positioned to create the required IIoT infrastructure to access this information. Learn more PLCs Can Deliver Advanced Motion Control…
The Evolution of Controls from Relay Logic to IEC Programming In this video, Doug Bell from Interconnecting Automation discusses the evolution of machine control from relays to the first PLC with ladder logic and now IEC programming. Watch the video Installing a Rock-Solid Automation Retrofit This electrical contractor relied on AutomationDirect PLC and HMI hardware and…
From Ethernet to EtherCAT and Beyond Once upon a time (think 1980s), Ethernet was a relatively specialized computer connectivity technology, administrated by experienced gurus under highly-controlled office settings. Since then, technology and performance have advanced incredibly, and much of the world?s population uses wired and wireless (Wi-Fi) Ethernet in their everyday lives. Learn more AutomationDirect Named…
What is EtherCAT? EtherCAT, which stands for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is a high-performance industrial network protocol based on standard Ethernet. It?s specifically designed for real-time communication and deterministic data exchange, making it ideal for motion control applications like robotics, assembly lines, and packaging machines. Learn more C-more CM5 HMI Selected as a 2024 Control…
Supplier Profile: Metal Work What makes the “swoosh” noise happen when a soda can opens? What powers the gates, brakes, and passenger restraint systems on a roller coaster? What makes animatronics work at an amusement park? Compressed air is the magic that makes all these things happen ? and much more. Learn more Redundancy Options…
Automation Expands a Machine Shop?s Success By partnering with a local systems integrator and using AutomationDirect products, this machine shop enhanced its capabilities, allowing it to deliver the services required by its customers. Par Electric and Engineering founder Pete Baker explains how the two companies teamed up to deliver a high-performance pressure testing solution. Read more…
Automating a Big Rig Light Show A truck customization shop expanded their capabilities by offering AutomationDirect PLCs and HMIs to control expansive on-vehicle lighting displays.Just as many car owners like to customize their rides, there is a growing convoy of truck operators who like to do the same as a personal and promotional statement. Dickerson…
VFDs Keep the Good Times Pumping When the Triple R Camping Resort enhanced their facility to include a waterpark with interactive water features, they also needed to upgrade some behind-the-scenes elements, such as pumps and the VFDs controlling them. AutomationDirect VFDs were installed to control waterpark systems, and in the process the resort added the…
4-20mA Analog Transmitter Troubleshooting Although most current loops are easy to install and commission, sometimes there can be a snag on initial setup, which requires a bit of troubleshooting to overcome. This article looks at some 4-20mA basics, and how to check on problematic installations. Read more Selecting Discrete Sensors Discrete object detection refers to…
Future-Proof Ethernet Installations Consumer- and commercial-grade Ethernet networking has been common since the 1980s, and it has evolved significantly over the decades. Yet, Ethernet for industrial applications generally lagged behind commercial installations. However, many more recent developments have elevated Ethernet to today?s preferred industrial networking technology. Read more Tech Brief ? HMIs Human beings are visual…
In-House Automation Focuses on People, Plant, and Profit Many companies rely on external firms for automation upgrades and changes, and this works well for countless applications. But Pacific Cheese Company faced a dual challenge of maintaining and improving manual and legacy systems, while at the same time upgrading operations to responsively meet changing consumer demands….